FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State Board of Governors has voted to continue community theatre, community music programs, and Academy for the Arts programming. The board also voted to discontinue academic programs in music and theatre, including music and theatre education.
Officials say they will continue enriching the community through continued partnerships with our community.
The academic programs will continue through the next academic year as faculty members work on a program teach-out to ensure that most current majors can graduate in their chosen discipline. Beyond the next academic year, Fairmont State will continue to work to produce vocal concerts, theatrical performances, and direct our marching band.
Members of the Board of Governors is committed to keeping the broader community segments of these programs viable for the community.
The decision is a difficult one that institutions all over the country are faced with in order to maintain financial viability.
Regrettably, consecutive years of focused review confirm that the academic programs in music and theatre have had consistent low enrollment for a number of years at a very high cost to the university.
The university will continue to provide cultural opportunities to our students and community through participation in community theatre and community music.