FAIRMONT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Fairmont State University announced Wednesday evening that the university’s Board of Governors has voted to end University President Mirta M. Martin’s contract, effective July 18, 2022.
This announcement follows a Wednesday afternoon meeting of the university Board of Governors at which the contract was a central topic. Following the exiting of executive session, a vote was conducted to end Martin’s contract, in which staff representative Jon Dodds and student representative Maiya Bennett voted against ending the contract. Fairmont State University Board of Governors Chairman David Goldberg notably abstained from the vote.
“Fairmont State University has a longstanding history of strong and transformative leadership,” said Goldberg in a statement. “Each of our 26 presidents has left a unique and distinct mark on the Falcon Family and President Martin is no different. Through her passionate and energetic leadership Dr. Martin achieved all of the goals set before her by the Board. The University has returned to a strong financial position, more than 36 certificate, major, minor or concentration at the undergraduate and graduate levels have been created and enrollment is trending up for the fall semester. And none of us will ever forget Dr. Martin’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was forced to make unprecedented decisions in order to keep our communities safe and moving forward.”
Martin revealed through an email sent throughout campus that she did not have intentions of seeking renewal for her contract, which was set to end on December 28.
“I am so incredibly blessed to have already served in this role for nearly five years,” Martin said. “During this time, Fairmont has become my home, and the Falcon family, my family. It is an honor and an absolute privilege to serve all of you. It is also my honor to serve this institution and the State of West Virginia as your President, as President of the Council of Presidents, and as President of the Board of the Mountain East Conference.”
It is said that the Board of Governors will immediately begin the process of a national presidential search through the services of higher education recruitment firm AGB. This search will entail the forming of a search committee – which will include members of the board, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community – the announcement of a presidential search timeline, and eventual interviews which will be held on campus.
“As we look ahead to the future, the Board stands ready to ensure a continuity of leadership and support for our students, faculty and staff,” Goldberg said. “The Board will be seeking input from all areas of our Falcon Family as we set the criteria for our next President.”
President Martin’s contract will end on July 18, 2022, at which point all presidential powers and responsibilities will be transferred to current-Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Dianna Phillips.
Updates on the presidential search process as it moves forward and more information becomes available can be found on the Fairmont State University website here.