FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State Foundation welcomes Rae Dyer as the new president of the organization. Dyer earned an MBA from West Virginia University, BS from Linfield College and a BA from Hiram College. She also has 20 years of experience in business and management in manufacturing, government, non-profits and construction.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rae to our campus community, and fortunate for the opportunity to serve alongside her as we partner to move the Institution forward, together,” said Fairmont State University Interim President, Dianna Phillips. “We look forward to the growth experienced under Rae’s leadership and continuing to work in collaboration with the Foundation with her at the helm.”
“Everybody is literally part of the Falcon community here,” Dyer said. “You’re welcomed and it’s a really cohesive and deeply caring community to be a part of and I’m really excited about it.”
Most recently, she has worked as a financial advisor and business consultant and an adjunct instructor and curriculum developer for the Morgantown campus of West Virginia Junior College.
“I reached a point in my career where I felt very ready to give back, so it was important to me to move into a non-profit role,” Dyer said. “So, when this position became available it felt very aligned with the direction I wanted to take my life and career.”
Dyer said she wants to make the rounds, do a lot of listening and use that information to craft a thoughtful plan to move the university and foundation forward.
“How do we make sure the needs of the college, the community, alumni and donors align and that we’re rowing the boat in the same direction?” Dyer asked. “I think it’s open communication.”
According to Dyer, the pandemic has paused major campaigns or events, but said the transition from pandemic to endemic creates a fresh opportunity to reengage with supporters.
“COVID has thrown a wrench into a lot of things, so being able to see the community come back on campus is something we want to increase a lot,” Dyer said. “And we know it’s important to have good relationships with our alumni.”
Dyer said the city and university have a long history of working as a team to improve the community. Because of that, Dyer said her door is always open to any community with an idea to advance the community.
“There’s a lot of innovation people are doing in the community and if they have an idea we want to hear it,” Dyer said. “So, alumni, businesses, individuals everybody is welcome.”
Dyer is committed to serving her community. She is a US Air Force veteran, and she is involved with Choose West Virginia, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) Workforce Advisory Board, the CASA of Marion County Board and the advisory board for Learning Options, Inc.