FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Rusty and Kimberly Hutson are leading by example with a recent gift to Fairmont State University. The couple, both Fairmont State University alumni and Harrison County West Virginia natives, have committed $400,000 to establish the Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Endowed Scholarship for the benefit of School of Business students.

A 1991 accounting graduate and certified public accountant, Mr. Hutson spent 13 years working in the banking industry in Ohio and Alabama. In 2001, Hutson founded Diversified Gas & Oil where he serves as Chief Executive Officer. The company began with the purchase of 40 wells in West Virginia and now operates throughout the Appalachian Basin. 

Mrs. Hutson, a 1994 graduate of the nursing program, worked as a registered nurse before they settled in Birmingham, Alabama in 1999. After the move, she became a full-time mother to the couple’s four children. She serves as a mentor and example to many young mothers and she is passionate about realizing their true value in today’s society.

Mr. Hutson was influenced by many professors at Fairmont State, but he credits Glenn Harman with shaping his work ethic. 

“Harman was the hardest instructor I ever had, but he taught his students that if they really want something, they have to work for it. I appreciate him for that.” Hutson’s advice to students is to ask themselves each day, “What can I do to be better?” “If you do that,” he said, “you are going to be successful.”

After a recent visit to campus, the Hutsons decided it was time to give back to the university. They want this gift to provide support for local high school students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. They also want to encourage fellow alumni to support Fairmont State University.

“Getting involved with Fairmont State and giving back to the University is the best way to provide hope to deserving students in local high schools,” said Mr. Hutson.

When asked how the School of Business and its faculty are impacted by donors who support their program, Dr. Timothy Oxley, Interim Dean said “The generosity of former alumni, who are moved to contribute to such worthy causes as helping others achieve their educational goals, reminds each faculty member of the noble purpose with which we have been entrusted. Often the impact we as faculty have on students is not always readily apparent at the end of a student’s degree program, but comes much later in life when, as successful alumni, they offer others a way through their generosity. The lifelong impressions and impacts we make on all students extends far beyond their classroom experiences.” 

Beginning in the fall term of 2019, the Rusty & Kimberly Hutson Family Endowed Scholarship will provide financial support to a full-time School of Business student from a Harrison County, West Virginia high school. Preference will be given to those from Lincoln High School in Shinnston, West Virginia.

This award is available for renewal for four years, provided the recipient maintains a minimum 3.0 G.P.A.