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Dear friends,

As the spring academic session continues, April brought together many of the elements that define the University experience: engaged learning, meaningful partnerships, and a strong sense of community. Across campus and throughout the region, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni demonstrated the energy and purpose that continue to move the institution forward. Events such as the inaugural Life Raft Debate further highlighted the creativity and intellectual engagement of our faculty, using humor and insight to explore the enduring value of academic disciplines.

Our campus came together during Earth Week for hands-on programs, service initiatives, and educational experiences focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Activities included partnerships with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, campus recycling efforts, and service in our pollinator gardens, all reflecting a shared commitment to responsible leadership and community impact. This work is further affirmed by national recognition from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, which highlighted the Jane P. Batten Honors College as a model for innovative, mission-driven sustainability education.

April also marked a significant milestone with the on campus, expanding opportunities for student engagement while strengthening connections with the cultural life of the region.

Spring Alumni Weekend provided a vibrant opportunity to welcome Marlins back to campus. Alumni, families, and friends including the Marlin Family Picnic, alumni games, Scroll Signing, and student performances, while Admitted Student Day brought prospective students and families to campus, further energizing the weekend.

The Spring 2026 Marlin Business Conference highlighted student leadership and experiential learning, opening with a keynote from iFLY Co-Founder Bob Pizzini and featuring competitions, panels, and professional development sessions that connected students with regional business leaders.

We are also proud to share that the University has once again earned designation as a Military Friendly® School, achieving Gold Status for 2026–2027. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

The month concluded with Marlins Day of Giving, where our Rooted in Impact campaign generated more than $71,000 in support of scholarships, academic programs, and the student experience. This collective effort reflects the strength and shared commitment of our community.

With Commencement approaching and the academic year drawing to a close, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students and the continued progress of the University. Thank you, as always, for your support and engagement.

Sincerely,

The ninth chapter of this year's thought leadership series is available online today. In "," Fairmont State University President Michael K. Davis, Ph.D., shares ideas for building relationships through small moments of connection that celebrate campus culture. He explains how leaders can make themselves seem more accessible to students by creating opportunities for personal engagement, whether that means attending campus events or handing out branded items that cultivate campus pride.



This year's series, titled "," takes a deep dive into how college and university presidents are helping students thrive by encouraging authentic connection and a strong sense of community on campus. Over the course of 10 chapters, these renowned experts in higher education share unique perspectives, insights, and strategies for creating environments that prioritize students' sense of belonging. We hope you enjoy the ideas contained in each new chapter, and we appreciate the opportunity to explore this timely topic together.