Chelsea Ruby, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, will be the final presenter for Fairmont State University’s Spring 2026 Presidential Speaker Series. The university announced on April 8 that Ruby’s presentation, titled “Tourism: An Economic Engine for West Virginia,” is scheduled for April 28 at 6 p.m. in Wallman Hall Theater. The event is free and open to the public.
The speaker series has focused on leaders whose work impacts communities in the region and beyond. Ruby has played a significant role in promoting West Virginia’s national profile, advancing the Almost Heaven brand, and increasing visitor spending through her leadership at the Department of Tourism. The department has received national recognition for its marketing strategies and efforts to present West Virginia as a year-round destination.
Ruby has also collaborated with Fairmont State University to address workforce needs in outdoor recreation and tourism sectors. This partnership contributed to the creation of Fairmont State’s Bachelor of Arts program in Outdoor Leadership, aimed at preparing skilled professionals for critical roles within one of West Virginia’s key industries.
“Secretary Ruby has been an essential partner as Fairmont State University works to help shape the future of West Virginia’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy,” said President Mike Davis. “Her leadership and clear recognition of the need for well-prepared professionals helped inspire the creation of our B.A. in Outdoor Leadership, a program designed to meet the workforce demands of one of the state’s most promising growth sectors. We are honored to welcome Secretary Ruby to campus and eager to continue building a deeper partnership between Fairmont State and West Virginia Tourism—one that creates new opportunities for our students, strengthens communities, and helps position West Virginia as a national leader in outdoor recreation and destination development. I am excited for our students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear her vision and to imagine all that we can accomplish together.”
Earlier this academic year, other speakers included Dr. Chuck Welch from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities; Morgan O’Brien from Hope Gas; Dr. Michael Lee from College of Charleston; and Annick Odom as Artist-in-Residence at Fairmont State University.
Recordings from previous lectures are available online through Fairmont State University’s website.
