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

“I have been very fortunate to have a career in medicine that has given me many opportunities, all due to the quality of my education at Fairmont State and the WVU School of Medicine,” Edmond said. “I’m enormously grateful for that, and funding a scholarship is a way for me to pay it forward.”

Edmond credits his undergraduate experience at Fairmont State for laying the groundwork for his success. “At Fairmont State, I had excellent professors who provided me with the educational foundation needed to navigate the academic challenges of medical school,” he said.

After medical school and residency at West Virginia University, Edmond held roles at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Iowa. Today, he leads statewide healthcare initiatives as the Chief Medical Officer for the West Virginia University Health System, working to improve healthcare access and outcomes across five states and 25 hospitals.

His new scholarship is deeply personal. “As a first-generation college student from Marion County, I wanted to create a scholarship for someone like me,” he said. “The student body at Fairmont State has always had a high proportion of first-generation students. So, the scholarship is for a first-generation student from Marion County who wants to pursue a career in medicine.”

“Dr. Edmond’s gift is the perfect intersection of giving and institutional vision,” Mike Davis, President of Fairmont State University, said. “Fairmont State is a Great Place to Learn, and we work every day to uphold that promise. As a first-generation student from this area, Dr. Edmond understands and appreciates how hard we work to provide transformative educational experiences. The scholarship he has endowed will inspire the next generation of home-grown talent.”

Edmond has also established a companion scholarship at the WVU School of Medicine for Fairmont State graduates who continue their medical education at WVU.

His vision is simple but impactful: to ease the path for students following in his footsteps. “First-generation college students face a number of challenges, and my hope for both scholarships is to make the recipients’ paths a bit easier,” he said.

Marissa Mauro, Director of Development at the Fairmont State Foundation, acknowledged Edmond's generosity as a powerful example of alumni giving back with purpose. “Gifts like Dr. Edmond’s are transformational, not only for the students who receive the scholarship but for the entire university community. They show what is possible when alumni invest in the next generation. We are deeply grateful for his vision and generosity, and we look forward to seeing the lives that will be changed because of this gift.”

Edmond’s story is one of success, gratitude, and a commitment to ensuring that today’s students have the same opportunities that Fairmont State once provided him. Through this endowed scholarship, his legacy will continue to inspire and support aspiring physicians from Marion County for generations to come.

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

At Fairmont State, aviation isn’t just an area of study, it’s a calling. Since its launch in 2017, the Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) has redefined flight education in West Virginia. Under the leadership of Joel Kirk, Director of the Aviation Center of Excellence, the program has not only brought collegiate flight training to the state for the first time – it has also emerged as a national model of quality, opportunity, and innovation.

Aviation is one of the few industries with a federally mandated retirement age, creating a constant, built-in demand for new pilots. Add to that the ever-increasing \reliance on air travel. The result is a career field with unmatched stability, opportunity, and growth. Fairmont State is one of roughly 120 institutions nationwide offering CFR Part 141 flight training, placing it in an exclusive group among the country’s 4,312 degree-granting institutions. Kirk emphasizes the return on investment: “With around a $100,000 total investment, graduates face the potential of $17 million in lifetime earnings in a thriving and growing industry.”

Not only is the aviation industry vital to the global economy, but it is a significant economic driver in West Virginia. Among all collegiate aviation programs in the state, Fairmont State leads the way in productivity, quality, and student success.

While the end goal for students – a high-paying, high demand career – is promising, the journey to get there is often financially overwhelming. “Flying is expensive by nature,” Kirk explains, “and flight training scholarships are rare.”

That’s where Day of Giving support proves essential. Donations help top-performing students, many of whom work multiple jobs just to afford their next flight hour. Contributions go directly toward scholarships, training costs, and expanding program capacity, addressing the financial and logistical barriers to enrollment.

“Our single classroom and small hangar are no longer enough,” Kirk says. “We’ve outgrown our space, and we must turn away qualified students. Our goal and largest need currently is an additional hangar and classroom so we can meet demand and train more future aviators.”

The impact of donor support reaches beyond flight hours. This year, contributions allowed students to attend key aviation conferences, network with industry leaders, and benefit from upgrades and scholarship aid.

A highlight of the year was the participation of 15 female students in the Women in Aviation International (WAI) conference. In a field where women represent just five to six percent of the workforce, the conference gave these students the opportunity to explore career paths, meet mentors, and better understand where they fit into the larger aviation industry.

Fairmont State’s aviation program is driven by a clear mission: to train holistic, exceptional aviation professionals, not just pilots who meet minimum requirements. As Kirk puts it, “We are not a pilot mill. We train individuals to excel in skill, ethics, integrity, and leadership.”

The numbers highlight the program’s success. Nearly 300 students have trained or are currently enrolled with more than 25,000 flight hours logged. Over 600 FAA certifications have been earned, including commercial, multi-engine, and certified flight instructor ratings. 

These achievements reflect not just rigorous training, but also the resilience, dedication, and ambition of the students and those who train them.

Kirk describes the program as a “Cinderella story,” built from scratch with passion, vision, and the support of a community that believed in the dream of flight. “I knew it would be a success,” Kirk says, “but I didn’t expect it to be wildly successful.”

This year, the ACE had another exciting first for West Virginia. Through a partnership and lease with Griffin Aerospace Solutions, ACE became the first university to offer primary helicopter training, adding yet another amazing and rarely available dimension to the program.

The level of talent and expertise teaching in the aviation program is unprecedented for a school this size. Program faculty this fall includes five retired career senior military instructor/evaluator pilots in rotary- and
fixed-wing aircraft, a career NASA aerospace engineer, a career US Navy test pilot engineer, and a career US Air Force UAS pilot senior instructor.

Kirk views every donation as an investment with a lasting impact. “We build trainers who train trainers. That kind of investment has exponential value. One contribution today could launch hundreds of future aviators.” 

From its modest beginnings to its statewide and regional leadership, the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fairmont State is doing more than preparing students for takeoff. It is transforming lives and ensuring that
the future of aviation is in highly skilled, well-prepared hands. To current and future donors, Kirk’s message is heartfelt and clear: “Help us make the dream of flight a reality for the next generation of aviation professionals.”

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