Among the additions is a new Bachelor of Science in Sonography, a program developed in response to the increasing need for qualified sonographers in the health care field. University officials noted that the degree will prepare students for high-demand roles and support the continued advancement of diagnostic medical services.
Additional degree updates include a new Bachelor of Science in Health and Movement Sciences, expanding the university’s offerings in the health and wellness disciplines. In addition, the board approved the shift from a Master of Arts in Mathematics to a Master of Science in Mathematics to better align with the evolving expectations of the discipline.
“These updates reflect Marshall’s continued commitment to provide relevant, forward-focused academic opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Avi Mukherjee, Marshall’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
On the athletics front, the board approved a four-year extension of men’s head basketball coach Cornelius “Corny” Jackson’s contract. Jackson was initially hired as head coach in 2024 after joining the coaching staff in 2017. In his first season as Marshall’s head coach, Jackson led the team to a 20-win season and a 12-6 mark in Sun Belt Conference play. That 12-6 mark earned the Herd the No. 5 seed in the 2025 SBC Tournament – a vast improvement from their preseason selection of finishing 10th out of 14 teams.
In other action, the board approval the sale of four parcels of university property adjacent to Stephen J. Kopp Hall, which is home to the Marshall School of Pharmacy. The land was originally purchased as part of the initial construction of Kopp Hall but eventually was not needed. The board also approved the sale of a university property in Bridgeport, West Virginia, that previously housed the Robert C. Byrd Institute.
President Brad D. Smith, in his report to the board, shared that the fall enrollment numbers are looking very promising.
“You’ve heard that our spring enrollment was up by 10.6% over last spring,” Smith said. “Our fall is looking incredibly encouraging as well. This doesn’t happen by accident. Our teams continue to capitalize on best practices that we are learning outside, as well as new experiments and things that we are innovating using design thinking on the inside of Marshall’s campus. I want to applaud their efforts because they’re overcoming the headwinds that we are facing in higher education.”
Smith also thanked outgoing provost Dr. Avi Mukherjee and athletic director Christian Spears for their service. Smith outlined the searches for those positions that are now in full swing.
Additionally, Charleston attorney and Marshall University alumnus Rusty Webb was officially sworn in to serve as a Board of Governors member. He was appointed by WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey last month.