MSU associate provost announces retirement

MSU’s Director of Academic Outreach Stephen Robinette will assume Fairbairn’s duties while a national search is conducted.

Fairbairn has been with the school for nearly 19 years – 18 of which he spent as dean of the College of Continuing Education and the Extended Campus. He was named to his current position in the provost’s office in September.

As associate provost, Fairbairn has been responsible for developing and leading major public affairs initiatives and events, working with the faculty and administration in the academic colleges to advance MSU’s public affairs mission, and managing various academic outreach areas.

Under Fairbairn’s leadership, MSU’s continuing education programs grew significantly, leading to the Office of Continuing Education being renamed the College of Continuing Education and the Extended University in 1996.