The search for the next president of Fairmont State University in West Virginia has been a long and arduous process. But now, after months of consideration, the search committee has narrowed down the pool of candidates to just four individuals. This news comes as a relief to the university community, who have been eagerly awaiting the selection of their new leader. As the search enters its final stages, the university prepares to welcome its new president and begin a new chapter in its history.
After an extensive search, Fairmont State University has selected four finalists for the prestigious position of university president. The university’s Presidential Search Committee and search firm Buffkin/Baker have narrowed the search to Michael Davis, Ph.D.; Rocco Fucillo, J.D., L.L.M.; William Phillips; and Rosemary Thomas, Ed.D. The finalists will visit the campus and attend open forums where students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and the community can interact with them.
Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors Chairman Rusty Hutson said, “Each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and experiences that we believe pair well with the traits we have identified in our next president. Fairmont State is a special place filled with special people. We serve a vital role in this region, and our next president’s vision and leadership will help ensure that we continue to provide an unrivaled student experience, build upon our robust academic programming, and strengthen the university for years to come.”
The candidates are:
Michael Davis, Ph.D. is the Director of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and a Distinguished Professor of English at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Davis’s career highlights include serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Austria and participating in the Oxford Round Table on Women’s Studies. His efforts to promote diversity and inclusion by supporting intellectual diversity have been recognized by his peers.
Rocco Fucillo, J.D., L.L.M. is the current president of Metropolitan State University of Denver in Colorado. Fucillo’s career highlights include serving as a Dean and Professor at Florida Coastal School of Law, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at DeVry University. His experience in higher education has been driven by his passion for making a positive impact on students and the community.
William Phillips is the current Executive Vice President at Tiffin University in Ohio. Phillips’s career highlights include serving as a Vice President and CFO at Ashland University and Assistant Professor of Accounting at Valdosta State University. Phillips’s experience in higher education is focused on financial management and entrepreneurial leadership.
Rosemary Thomas, Ed.D. is the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Thomas’s career highlights include serving as the Interim President at Bluefield State College and Associate Provost at the University of Charleston. Her leadership and expertise in pedagogical innovation have been recognized by her colleagues.
The forums will be available online, and feedback forms will go live on each candidate’s information page after the completion of their interview. The schedule for the candidates’ public forums is as follows:
Rocco Fucillo J.D., L.L.M.
Monday, April 17
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Falcon Center Conference Rooms
William Phillips
Monday, April 17
4 – 6 p.m.
Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Michael Kenneth Davis, Ph.D.
Tuesday, April 18
3 – 5 p.m.
Falcon Center Conference Rooms
Rosemary Thomas, Ed.D.
Wednesday, April 19
3 – 5 p.m.
Falcon Center Conference Rooms
To view information about each of the candidates, please visit the university’s website. With Fairmont State University looking to appoint a new president, the university community is excited about the possibilities and looking forward to the public forums with each candidate.
