Interim Provost named at Fairmont State University

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University has named W. Richard Stephens Jr. as the interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs as the University engages in a national search for a permanent replacement.

“With over two decades of faculty and administrative experience, Dr. Stephens brings to campus a unique skillset that suits our current needs very well,” Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, said. “He understands and embraces the mission of a comprehensive institution like Fairmont State, has created processes to strengthen communication among campus communities, and has led the creation of new academic programs at the highest level. We welcome Dr. Stephens to the Falcon Family.”

For the last 25 years, Stephens has served as a faculty member as well as various administrative positions.

Stephens was the Provost at Catawba College in North Carolina from 2009-2013. There he implemented a new academic administrative structure and created a Deans’ Council to foster better communication throughout the college.

University officials will now conduct a national search for a permanent Provost.