Fairmont State University is kicking off the new year with an exciting announcement: the Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series has a new closer, Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism! The series brings thought leaders from diverse fields such as politics, business, education, art and more to campus to foster meaningful conversations and intellectual engagement. This semester the series will also feature Dr. Mike Lee, Professor and Director of the Civility Initiative, College of Charleston (SC) and Annick Odom 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Folk Singer, Crankie Maker, Storyteller, and Square Dance Caller. 

“The Presidential Speaker Series is one of my favorite initiatives at Fairmont State because it brings such a wide range of voices and ideas to our campus,” said President Davis. “These events are an opportunity to learn, grow, and engage in meaningful conversation. We’re especially excited to announce Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby as the closer for this year’s lineup. Having someone of her caliber and stature join the Presidential Speaker Series is a tremendous opportunity for our campus. Alongside other distinguished speakers, Secretary Ruby’s perspective will make this series even more dynamic, and I encourage everyone to take part in these conversations.” 

Lee will start the Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series with his talk, “Civility and Dialogue Across Differences.” This event will be on February 12 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms (third floor).  Following this, attendees will enjoy an interactive Q&A session, a fireside chat with President Mike Davis, and a reception. 

Lee’s research explores political communication, branding, and identity in American politics. His award-winning work includes Creating Conservatism: Postwar Words that Made an American Movement and We Are Not One People: Separatism and Secession in American Politics Since 1776. He is a sought-after speaker nationwide and has taught courses on eloquence, persuasion, political campaigns, and media since 2002. 

Lee leads the Civility Initiative at the College of Charleston, which promotes dialogue across differences through speakers, panels, and workshops focused on communal engagement and healthy disagreement. In an era where “the loudest voices often drown out opposing views,” the Civility Initiative emphasizes mutual respect and productive debate as tools to bridge political divides. 

The next event in the series is slated for April 7 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms and will feature Odom, Fairmont State University’s 2025–2026 Artist-in-Residence. 

Odom is a Belgian-American composer, multi-instrumentalist, and storyteller whose work weaves together Appalachian ballads, experimental composition, and narrative performance. Her music spans folk string bands, electro-acoustic collaborations, and chamber ensembles. She performs internationally and leads community arts projects that celebrate Appalachian traditions. 

Fairmont State’s Artist-in-Residence program brings accomplished artists from diverse disciplines to campus, engaging students and the community through performances, exhibitions, lectures, and coursework. The program fosters creative exchange and offers students unique opportunities to learn directly from working artists. 

Odom’s talk, “Square Dancing and Oral Histories in Appalachia,” will explore her artistic background and her experience as the latest Artist-in-Residence. 

Closing out the Spring 2026 series with a strong finish will be Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, on April 28 at 6 p.m. in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms. 

Ruby has led West Virginia’s tourism efforts to historic success, elevating the state’s Almost Heaven brand and driving record growth in traveler spending. Under her leadership, the Department of Tourism has earned national recognition for marketing excellence. She is a passionate advocate for showcasing West Virginia as a year-round destination. 

Recently, Ruby approached Fairmont State to address workforce needs in the state’s outdoor tourism industry. In response, Fairmont State launched a B.A. in Outdoor Leadership, reinforcing its mission as an economic driver and workforce development leader. As one of West Virginia’s largest industries, outdoor tourism demands skilled professionals—a need both Ruby and Fairmont State are committed to meeting. 

Ruby’s presentation, “Tourism: An Economic Engine for West Virginia,” will highlight the industry’s impact, the opportunities it creates, and how regional institutions like Fairmont State are helping build the next generation of tourism professionals.