Dr. Rebecca Giorcelli, Chair of Marketing and Management Studies at Fairmont State University, has been named a top five finalist for the 2025 West Virginia Professor of the Year Award, according to a March 25 announcement. The award is presented by the Faculty Merit Foundation and recognizes faculty who demonstrate innovation, creativity, and excellence at public and private higher education institutions in West Virginia.
This recognition highlights the importance of dedicated educators in shaping student experiences and supporting academic achievement across the state.
“We are very proud that Dr. Giorcelli has been named one of the finalists for the Faculty Merit Foundation Professor of the Year Award,” said Dr. Timothy Oxley, Interim Dean of the College of Business and Aviation. “Working with Dr. Giorcelli, one constant stands out, her unwavering energy, focus, and commitment to student learning. Whether teaching undergraduate or graduate courses while chairing the largest department in the College, she consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to her students.”
Giorcelli holds a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University (WVU), where she was also recognized as its first female Ph.D. graduate in Industrial Engineering. She is certified as an expert in cyber investigations through the McAfee Institute and serves as a program evaluator for business school accreditation.
Reflecting on her selection as a finalist, Giorcelli said: “I am incredibly honored to be selected as a top five finalist for WV Professor of the Year. This recognition is especially meaningful because my mentor and doctoral advisor, Dr. Jack Byrd, received this award in 1986 which was the same year I began college. His influence continues to guide my work as an educator every day.”
Before joining Fairmont State University in 2005 as an Assistant Professor after more than ten years working in research roles at NIOSH and ISR Inc., Giorcelli held various leadership positions within Fairmont State’s College of Business and Aviation including Associate Dean and Department Chair.
Her teaching style emphasizes practical experience by involving students with real organizations on actual projects rather than hypothetical case studies—a method praised by alumni such as Logan Davis who said: “Dr. Giorcelli’s teaching style stood out immediately for its balance of theory and practice…she partnered with actual organizations and had us manage real projects with real clients.” Lindsay Menas credited this approach with helping her achieve early career success: “Her innovative teaching methods, mentorship, and leadership have had a lasting impact on my career…” Chelsea Keezee added that mentorship from Giorcelli influenced key decisions about her professional path.
Giorcelli said this moment represents both personal achievement and collective legacy: “After the loss of Professor Cliff Jackson last semester…and launch of a new graduate program…I see this moment not only as part of a shared legacy…but also as a renewed commitment to teaching excellence for the future.”
The Faculty Merit Foundation Awards Ceremony will take place April 9 in Charleston where this year’s recipient will be announced.
