Supporting Fairmont State was a natural choice. The couple grew up in West Virginia near Fairmont, and Kim is a proud Fairmont State graduate. “Go Falcons!” she added enthusiastically. The university played a pivotal role in shaping her confidence and sense of possibility. Once a shy student from a small West Virginia town, she recalls how being accepted into Fairmont State’s nursing program changed her life trajectory. “I learned that I could dream big and actually achieve it,” she said.

That belief carried her far beyond the classroom. Kim went on to serve as a neonatal ICU nurse, flying in helicopters across North and South Carolina to transport critically ill premature infants for specialized care. The experience cemented her passion for her profession and underscored the profound impact skilled, compassionate nurses can have on families during their most vulnerable moments.

Although their careers and lives took them out of state, the Toothmans remain deeply connected to West Virginia. “We will always be West Virginians first and foremost,” the Toothmans shared. That enduring pride informs their hope that scholarship recipients will not only find joy and fulfillment in nursing but will also consider building their careers in West Virginia, strengthening healthcare across the state.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Toothman for their extraordinary generosity,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis, “Their gift will help prepare skilled, compassionate nurses who are essential to the health and well-being of our communities. The impact of this scholarship will extend far beyond our campus, strengthening healthcare in West Virginia and wherever our graduates serve.”

The Toothmans’ commitment to nursing is also deeply personal. Their daughter Taylor was born prematurely at just 27 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds, half an ounce, into the very NICU where Kim worked. Thanks to exceptional care, she not only survived but thrived. Today, Taylor is a dentist and orthodontist. “Yes, a dentist named Toothman!” her parents joked. The experience reinforced the life-changing power of compassionate, well-trained healthcare professionals.

To nursing students and recipients of the Kimberly Lannan Toothman Endowed Nursing Scholarship, Kim offers heartfelt encouragement: “Though grades are very important, they are not the sole determinant of the type of nurse you will be. Compassion and enthusiasm are not graded. Skills will improve with practice as long as there is a will to be an excellent nurse. Don’t give up – always move forward.”

​Through this endowed scholarship, the Toothmans are investing in more than education. They are creating a lasting legacy of care, resilience, and opportunity – one that will empower Fairmont State nursing students to dream big, serve boldly, and make a difference for generations to come.

That belief was tested almost immediately. In his first English course, Dr. Anderson confidently answered a question – and was wrong. Professor Haddon Rhodes walked to the window, mimed tossing something outside, and told him, “Mr. Anderson, there was your A, right out the window.” It was 8 o’clock in the morning on his first day of class, and the lesson was unforgettable. Fairmont State, though smaller in size, demanded excellence.

“That woke me up,” Dr. Anderson recalls. “You think a smaller school will be easier. It isn’t. It’s rigorous, and it prepares you.”

That preparation proved impactful. As a chemistry major, Dr. Anderson found mentors at Fairmont State who shaped his future, including Professor Elizabeth Swiger. His time on campus did more than teach him chemistry; it taught him discipline, confidence, and the expectation that learning is earned through effort.

After graduating, Dr. Anderson moved on to the University of Pittsburgh, initially planning to earn a master’s degree and quickly enter the workforce. Another wake-up call followed, and another pivotal choice. Learning that a master’s degree would take longer than he expected, he opted instead to pursue a PhD. It was a decision rooted in the foundation Fairmont State had already helped him to form – persistence, ambition, and respect for education.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Anderson worked for multiple companies as a polymer chemist, product developer, and leader in friction materials. His work took him around the world, including years living and working in France. Later, he added an executive master’s degree in business, further reinforcing his belief that education is a lifelong endeavor.

“Education is everything,” he says. “Not just university education, but learning on the job, learning through experience, learning throughout your life.”

It is this philosophy that inspired Dr. Anderson to provide a gift of $25,000 to create a scholarship at Fairmont State University. The John Norton Anderson (Class of 1959) Endowed Scholarship will be available to students who have graduated from North Marion High School and intend to pursue a degree program within the College of Science & Technology.

The reason for the scholarship is deeply personal. Fairmont State was available when he needed it most, and that access opened the door to everything that followed.

“Dr. Anderson’s generosity reflects a deep understanding of what access to education can make possible,” said Marissa Mauro, Interim President of the Fairmont State Foundation. “His investment is not only financial – it is a vote of confidence in our students and in the life-changing power of a Fairmont State education. Because of donors like Dr. Anderson, our students are able to focus on learning, discovery, and growth, knowing that someone believes in their potential.”

Dr. Anderson’s scholarship emphasizes the pursuit of science and technology pathways, not because every student must follow his path, but because he believes strongly in the value of scientific education as a gateway to opportunity. More importantly, he hopes recipients understand that Fairmont State is a beginning, not an end.

“Fairmont State University is a regional driver when it comes to providing accessible education, and Dr. Anderson’s story is a powerful reminder of what access to education can achieve,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “This is more than a scholarship – it’s an opportunity for students to transform their lives. His generosity ensures that students who share his determination will have the same chance to begin a journey of learning and discovery. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to opening doors for future generations."

His commitment to giving back is grounded in gratitude and perspective. As a student, his total cost of attending Fairmont State was about $500, an investment that yielded a lifetime of return. He remembers hitchhiking to class, relying on neighbors for rides, and being supported in countless small ways by people who believed his education mattered.

“That support made all the difference,” he says. “If you see a kid standing on the corner with a book, pick them up. Support students however you can.”

Now retired, Dr. Anderson sees his philanthropy as both a responsibility and an opportunity – to honor the mentors, neighbors, and institutions that shaped his life, including Norton Pearson, the neighbor whose encouragement led him to Fairmont State and whose name he proudly carries as his own.

For fellow donors and those considering a gift, Dr. Anderson’s message is simple and sincere: education changes lives. Sometimes it begins with a scholarship. Sometimes with a professor who demands more. Always with someone willing to give.

​For Dr. Anderson, Fairmont State University was the place that made everything else possible. Through its access, rigor, and belief in a determined young student, the University opened doors that led to a lifetime of achievement and discovery. Today, his generosity ensures that same opportunity will be available to students who, like he once did, simply need a place to begin.

Nestled in the heart of north-central West Virginia, Fairmont State University has long been a beacon for students seeking a transformative education. At the core of that mission is the Honors Program, a dynamic and forward-thinking initiative led by Dr. Robin Payne, Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program.

For donors, alumni, and friends of the university – especially those who recall their own college years through the lens of growth, discovery, and mentorship – the Honors Program represents not just a continuation of that tradition, but an elevated version of it. It is a place where academic excellence meets global awareness, where intellectual curiosity is channeled into leadership and service, and where students are encouraged to see themselves as citizens of the world.

“The Honors Program is designed for high-achieving, academically gifted students who are eager to do more,” says Dr. Payne. “These are students who want to engage deeply, not just with the material in their majors, but with their peers, their communities, and the broader world.”

Honors students at Fairmont State benefit from a robust curriculum that fosters independent thinking, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. From small seminar-style classes to collaborative research opportunities, the program cultivates a scholarly environment that is both rigorous and supportive.

But academic excellence is just one part of the equation. “Our students have a strong service-oriented mentality,” Dr. Payne explains. “They want to make a difference. They want to be changemakers.”

Each year, during the Day of Giving fundraising event, alumni and friends step up to support this transformative program, and the impact is immediate and profound. 

Thanks to donor support, the Honors Program can offer unique study and travel courses that take students far beyond the classroom walls. From international adventures in Europe to regional excursions within the United States, these experiences are designed to give students real-world perspectives and life-changing memories.

“This year’s Day of Giving funds are helping cover costs for our 2025 trips to London and Detroit,” says Dr. Payne. “We work hard to keep student costs as low as possible, but travel is expensive. Every dollar we raise makes it more accessible.”

Whether it’s assisting with airfare, lodging, or museum admission, donor support ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent deserving students from participating. It is a modern take on the age-old idea of a university as a launching pad, sending well-prepared, confident graduates into the world.

This spring of 2025, the Honors Program returned to its roots with a trip to London, the very first destination of the program’s inaugural study and travel course in 2000. Over the course of a week, students toured Kensington Palace, explored the British Museum, and marveled at the engineering and mystery of Stonehenge. They soaked up history, art, and culture, and then had the unexpected chance to experience even more when airport challenges extended their trip by an additional week.

“It was chaotic, but also magical,” recalls Dr. Payne. “Because of our donors, we were able to keep the students safe, engaged, and learning throughout that entire second week. They adapted beautifully and came home with not just stories, but lifelong memories.”

As the Honors Program builds on its success, future travel opportunities are already taking shape. This fall, a select group will travel to Detroit, Michigan, to study public art and history. In 2026, students will embark on a new international journey to Rome, Italy, a city that offers a breathtaking blend of classical heritage and modern vibrancy. 

For many students, especially those from rural or underresourced backgrounds, these trips represent their first time on a plane, their first time in a major city, or their first international experience.

“To everyone who has given to the Honors Program, thank you,” says Dr. Payne. “No matter the size of your gift, it’s helping to open doors for these exceptional students. You’re creating opportunities they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Wooddell for their generous support of Fairmont State University students. Their investment is a powerful affirmation of the value of accessible education and the transformative impact it can have,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “Scholarships such as these are instrumental in improving student retention and degree completion, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success. Fairmont State is a Great Place to Learn, and it is through the commitment of donors like the Wooddells that we are able to uphold that vision for more students. Their contribution will have a lasting influence on the lives of those they support and on the future of our institution.”

Born and raised in West Virginia, Mr. Wooddell attended Upshur County schools before earning a business degree from Fairmont State in 1971. Though he and Teresa now live in Florida, West Virginia is still home in spirit.

“Teresa and I both grew up in families that didn’t have a lot,” Mr. Wooddell said. “One morning I woke up and thought if we can help somebody from a background like ours finish college, this is what we want to do.”

Mr. Wooddell says he never made “big money,” but he lived responsibly and invested wisely. His financial success came from discipline and a lesson he never forgot. “A good friend once told me, if you make $25,000 and save $5,000, you’ll have something someday. But if you make $250,000 and spend
$275,000, you’ll be broke. That stuck with me.”

After serving in the Army during the Vietnam era, Mr.Wooddell returned home and eventually landed a job at a coal mine. When the mine closed, he leaned on his work ethic to start a lawn care business. That small operation turned into a 26-year career.

“My business degree helped me figure out how to run the business side of things – taxes, expenses, and planning. I didn’t need a degree to cut grass, but it helped me grow something stable.”

Mr. Wooddell eventually sold the business to his nephew and made good on a childhood dream: to live in Florida for the winters like the retirees he remembered admiring as a boy. By 2013, the Wooddells became full-time Florida residents. Still, the impact of their West Virginia upbringing remains central to their values.

The couple has also established a planned gift, which they hope will last for generations. Mr. Wooddell made it clear that he didn’t give to see his name in lights. He simply wants to help others finish what they start. “When I started college, they told us only one in four of us would finish. I don’t know if that’s still the case, but I hope this helps somebody stay the course and complete a degree. That’s what I care about.”

Fairmont State Foundation Director of Development Marissa Mauro expressed deep appreciation for the Wooddells’ generosity. “Mr. and Mrs. Wooddells’ gift reflects a profound commitment to education and community. Their story shows that anyone with a vision, regardless of how they started, can leave a lasting impact. Their legacy will support Fairmont State students for decades to come, and we are honored to help fulfill their vision.”

Mr. Wooddell also hopes that sharing their story might encourage others to give. “If this inspires another couple to do something similar, it would all be worth it.”

The couple has been together for more than 40 years. As Mr. Wooddell sees it, this scholarship is the legacy they leave behind. “For some people, their kids are their legacy. This scholarship is ours.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship or planned gift at Fairmont State University, 
visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786.

​At Fairmont State, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter is doing more than preparing students for exams. It is preparing them for meaningful careers in the field of civil engineering. Through hands-on learning, innovative competitions, and community-driven projects, the ASCE program transforms textbook theory into real-world engineering practice. Thanks to the generous support of donors, this dynamic program is thriving and changing lives.

The ASCE Student Chapter serves as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional readiness. Students who participate in the program step beyond the classroom to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Whether they’re building canoes out of concrete or designing geotechnical solutions, students gain valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving. These experiences help shape skilled civil engineers and thoughtful, capable leaders who are ready to make an impact in their field.

For the ASCE program, Fairmont State’s annual Day of Giving is a lifeline. The funds raised cover everything from registration fees and construction materials to laboratory equipment and travel costs. “The dollars received during the Day of Giving event each year are a cornerstone of our success,” said Tabitha Lafferre, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Technology. “They lighten financial barriers and open the door to experiences that many students say are the highlight of their college careers. Donations ensure an environment where every student is able to participate fully, regardless of their financial situation.”

This year, donor support allowed the ASCE chapter to reach new milestones. After a 15-year hiatus, the Steel Bridge team returned to competition, an exciting representation of progress for the program. In a particularly proud moment, the team successfully completed their competition structure in 32 minutes, passing the lateral load test without a rule violation.

The chapter also expanded student participation in regional events and deepened its involvement in undergraduate research. Thanks to collaborations like the STaR SURE grant program, the Concrete Canoe team is actively conducting research on ultralightweight concrete: exploration that will enhance their competitive pursuits and contribute to ongoing industry conversations about sustainable construction practices.

At the 2025 ASCE Student Symposium hosted by WVU Tech, Fairmont State’s ASCE teams delivered an impressive performance with first place in Geotechnical Design, first place in Mini Golf Aesthetics, second place in Concrete Canoe, second place in Balsa Wood Bridge, and third place in Steel-Crete Croquet.

The 2024/2025 academic year has been a period of growth, exploration, and momentum. The chapter has not only expanded its team and projects but also strengthened ties with the community and industry partners. Behind the scenes, even more ambitious plans are in motion, with the potential to bring international recognition to the ASCE program. 

While those details are still under wraps, one thing is clear. The future is bright, and it is being built today by students whose passion and potential are fueled by the generosity of donors.

“To our donors, thank you never seems like enough,” said Lafferre. “Your support empowers our students far beyond the classroom. You’re helping them develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to succeed, not just as engineers but as future leaders and innovators. We are deeply grateful for your belief in their potential and investment in their futures.”

To support the ASCE program at Fairmont State, visit:
​https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-to-scitech.html