The increase is positive news considering a national trend of enrollment hurdles facing higher education institutions.
As of today, the total census number for the university stands at 13,094, which is up 9.5% from two years ago and marks the fourth consecutive year of growth.
During his remarks, President Brad D. Smith said the university must continue its effort to combat demographic challenges that affect higher education, while keeping true to its mission, vision and creed.
“The signal is clear — the enrollment cliff is upon us and will only become more challenging,” Smith said. “This places a premium on our new approaches including an expanded Metro coverage area that will encompass the border states beginning next fall.”
Smith also touted Marshall’s High School Direct Admissions program and the Tuition Free WV and Marshall For All Debt-Free programs that help remove barriers for students and makes higher education accessible and affordable.
As part of the board’s effort to recognize faculty members for exceptional work, two faculty members were highlighted during the meeting.
They are:
- Dr. Michael Hambuchen, an associate professor in the School of Pharmacy, received a $590,000 National Institutes of Health R16 grant for his project “Preclinical Evaluation of Naloxone-Dexmedetomidine Safety and Efficacy for Treating Methamphetamine-Induced Agitation in Polysubstance Intoxication.”
Hambuchen was also a co-recipient with the School of Medicine’s Dr. Todd Davies, of a $10,000 state grant for their project, “Lofexidine in Methamphetamine-Induced Agitation and Withdrawal.” - Dr. Henning Vauth, a professor in the College of Arts and Media, served on the faculty of the Global Summer Institute of Music in Austria this summer. He gave a sold-out piano recital in Porta Westfalica, Germany, Aug. 2, 2026. Vauth also began a term on the International Society for Music Education Musicians’ Health and Wellbeing Committee, and co-authored a chapter contracted for The Oxford Handbook of Piano Pedagogy.
Additionally, the board celebrated hundreds of faculty and staff achievements across the institution from federal funding awards to international recognition and collaborative partnerships. A list of recent accomplishments is here.
The board heard committee reports from the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Finance, Audit and Facilities Planning Committee and the Athletic Committee. There were no action items.
Chairwoman Kathy Eddy also recognized outgoing board member Bishop Samuel Moore for his service.
Dec. 2, 2026, is the board’s next scheduled meeting.