Fairmont State adds to leadership team

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University officials have announced Dr. Dianna Phillips will serve as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost beginning Monday, April 26.

“We are beyond proud to welcome Dr. Phillips back to her roots in West Virginia and into our Falcon Family,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “As a first-generation college graduate, Dianna truly understands the value of a quality college education, and the profound impact Fairmont State has on the lives of our students. She shares Fairmont State values like prioritizing student success, diversity, transformational impact and the pursuit of academic excellence, and I look forward to a bright future under her experienced and caring leadership.”

With more than 20-years of experience, Phillips brings demonstrated success in higher education to the position, serving in a number of roles ranging from executive, leadership and faculty positions. Most recently, Phillips served as the President of the Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I have deep understanding of the profound impact higher education has upon an individual and its effect as a public good for society as a whole,” said Dr. Dianna Phillips, Fairmont State University Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost.
“Additionally, I am dedicated to the social justice mission of higher education, recognizing that on a University campus people from all walks of life come together in the peaceful pursuit of knowledge. I believe that providing access, opportunity and voice to our students and communities we serve benefits both individuals and societies at large.”

Phillips is a U.S. Navy veteran and has a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Foundations of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Buffalo, a Master of Science from Buffalo State College in Student Personnel Administration with an emphasis in Adult Education, a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Legal Studies from National University in San Diego, and an Associate General Studies Degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu.

Dr. Richard Stephens has served as the Fairmont State Interim Provost for the 2020 – 2021 academic year. The University extends its thanks to Dr. Stephens for his service and leadership during his tenure.