During the meeting, Vicki Dunn-Dionne and Charles H. “Charlie” Wendell were formally sworn in as members of the Board of Governors. Both bring extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to the university’s mission. The board expressed appreciation for their willingness to serve and for the expertise they will contribute to Marshall’s continued growth.
“We are grateful to Governor Morrisey for these appointments and enthusiastically welcome Vicki and Charlie to the board,” said Geoff Sheils, chair of Marshall’s Board of Governors. “The expertise, experience and passion they bring to the board will add considerable value to not only Marshall University, but to our region and to the state of West Virginia.”
The board also received a comprehensive update on the university’s IDEA District, formerly known as the Innovation District. The area is a state-of-the-art innovation ecosystem representing more than $200 million in investment. Designed to serve as a hub for collaboration between academia and industry, the district aims to propel West Virginia into a new era of sustainable economic advancement.
Toney Stroud, Marshall’s chief legal officer and vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations, delivered the update, highlighting the district’s potential to attract research partnerships, spur job creation and accelerate workforce development across the region.
“This district is more than a collection of facilities,” Stroud said. “It is a forward-thinking environment where industry leaders and academic experts can come together to solve challenges and create new opportunities for West Virginians.”
In his report to the board, President Brad D. Smith echoed Marshall’s commitment to economic development, saying the university is proud to serve as a prosperity platform through its work with the city, the state and nation.
“Marshall is playing an active role in defining economic prosperity across Appalachia,” Smith said. “We are at the table with our elected leaders to catalyze economic growth and prosperity for our citizens and the region.”
Smith also informed the board of the university’s continued commitment to boosting enrollment, citing an unofficial fall 2025 enrollment increase of nearly 8% when including dual enrollment students, as well as results of the most recent employee engagement survey.
Additionally, the board endorsed changes to the tuition assistance program for dependents of employees to ensure consistent benefits for all, no matter their residency status.
Continuing its newly created Faculty Recognition program, the board honored Arka Chattopadhyay, assistant professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, who was awarded a $750,000 NASA grant for research in regional air mobility in Appalachia and Cicero Fain, assistant provost for access and opportunity and visiting scholar in history. Fain received the 2025 State Historic Preservation Office Award from the Ohio History Connection and completed two projects expanding the Appalachian Heritage Tour.
Brandi Jacobs-Jones, senior vice president of operations, told board members of an upcoming community art project that will feature the installation of a mural on the west side of Smith Music Hall. The piece will commemorate the university’s 250th anniversary and Marshall For All. Community input will be sought in the coming weeks as the project gains momentum early next year.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5.