The Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) has announced the appointment of James Westbrook as its new grant and export control officer, effective Aug. 1, 2025.
In this role, Westbrook will oversee the university’s compliance with federal export control regulations, ensuring that Marshall’s research and international collaborations meet legal and ethical standards.
Westbrook’s background includes research administration and business assistance with development and government contracting. A U.S. Navy veteran, he will take on export control responsibilities in addition to his existing duties as a grants officer in MURC’s pre-award division.
“We are thrilled to welcome James into this new role,” said Dr. John Maher, Marshall University vice president for research and MURC executive director. “James’ commitment to research integrity will be vital in ensuring our work remains secure and compliant as we broaden our global collaborations.”
As grant and export control officer, Westbrook will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and training programs related to export control laws. He will also serve as a key resource for faculty, staff and students engaged in international research and collaborations.
“I’m honored to further contribute to MURC’s mission of advancing research and innovation,” Westbrook said. “I look forward to working with the university community to support compliance and promote responsible global engagement.”
Westbrook will conduct an export control training session Sept. 19, where he will discuss protecting sensitive data, fostering secure collaborations and maintaining compliance in research. To attend, register at https://events.marshall.edu/event/export-controls-training.… Read More
Marshall University’s annual Week of Welcome (WOW) is set to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 12, with events and activities to welcome students before the fall semester gets under way.
This year, more than 2,000 students are registered for Week of Welcome events. The activities are focused on making students feel at home and a part of the Marshall family.
“WOW provides new students an opportunity to immerse themselves in our campus culture and traditions, which are essential to being part of the Marshall family,” said Marcie Simms, vice president of Student Affairs. “By fostering connections and a sense of belonging early on, WOW sets the stage for a fulfilling college experience.”
WOW check-in and residence hall move-in for freshmen begins on Tuesday, Aug. 12, and continues through Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Activities kick off on Tuesday evening with a block party at Marshall’s Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. On Wednesday, activities include an ROTC Rock Climbing Wall, campus tours to help locate classrooms, opportunities to learn about the university’s online platform for classes and sessions on online safety, Design Thinking and more.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, a welcome event and a career development session led by President Brad D. Smith will kick off the morning in the Rec Center. Students will have the opportunity to earn a microcredential for completing the morning session with President Smith. Then, students will head to the stadium for the annual freshman “M” photo on the football field at 11 a.m.… Read More
8:30 a.m. Welcome, Dr. John Maher, Vice President of Research
8:35 a.m. Overview of the Six Pillars, Toney Stroud, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
8:45 a.m. What it Takes to Get Deals Done, State Senator Glen Jeffries
9:10 a.m. Why Here, Why Now, Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell
9:30 a.m. Solution Drivers in Action Across the State
Sara Payne Scarbro, WV Grant Resource Center
George Carico, WV Brownfields Assistance Center
Paige Reger, WV Career Services Collaborative
Kent Sowards, Center for Business and Economic Research
10:25 a.m. Power in Partnerships: Highlighting the Importance of Collaboration to Score Economic Wins
Derek Scarbro, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center
Dr. Josh Baker, President, Mountwest Community and Technical College
Brooke Frye, Special Metals
Stacy Droddy, Toyota
Michelle Caudill, Nucor
11 a.m. Remarks from Congresswoman Carol D. Miller
11:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions and working lunch
1:30 p.m. Town Hall-Reports from Breakout Sessions
2 p.m. Fireside Chat
Brad D. Smith, Marshall University President
Toney Stroud, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
2:30 p.m. Building Momentum Toward Becoming a Stateup State
Tricia Ball, Marshall ICenter
Jake Westriech, Gener8tor
3 p.m. Closing Comments and Adjourn
… Read More
Marshall’s University’s School of Art & Design has announced an open call for entries for its 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, which will be on display Jan. 5 through Feb. 5, 2026, at the Charles W. & Norma C. Carroll Gallery in the university’s Visual Arts Center at 927 3rd Ave., Huntington.
This annual exhibition features contemporary visual artists from across the United States, offering a space to showcase alongside a variety of other artists practicing in a vast range of mediums. Artists who are age 18 and older living in the United States are invited to submit up to three original artworks in any media.
The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on Oct. 25, 2025.
This year’s juror is Erika B. Hess, a nationally exhibited painter, creator of the podcast I Like Your Work, and artistic director of Visual Arts at the Chautauqua Institution. Hess maintains an active studio practice base in Columbus, Ohio, and Long Island City, New York, and holds an MFA from Boston University.
“This is one of my favorite exhibitions we host because there is always such a wide range of works and experiences on display in the gallery,” said Gallery Director Courtney Chapman. “Each year, we receive more works than the prior and are able to represent more regions of the U.S., and I don’t doubt that same trajectory this year with Hess as our juror.”… Read More
Marshall University will kick off the school year and the start of fall sports with their Herd Rally at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, on Ninth Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues in Huntington.
Herd Rally is part of Kindred Communications’ 9th Street Live Celebration and will feature Madhouse. At 8 p.m., Marshall’s Marching Thunder will march onto 9th Street to kick off the pep rally portion of the evening.
The pep rally will feature Marshall athletes and coaches, including the Thundering Herd football team. Marshall University’s mascot, Marco, will be meeting fans and available for photos.
“Herd Rally is a great event for Marshall fans and the Huntington community,” said Mallory Jarrell, director of Branding and Events. “This annual event is a perfect opportunity for students new to campus and those who have been fans for years to come together to celebrate the Marshall family.”
Herd Rally is a free event open to all community members.… Read More
The Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with DroneTrace, LLC, a trailblazer in drone forensics.
Small drones are an emerging national security threat, and turning captured hardware into actionable intelligence is key to outpacing adversaries and strengthening national security. This collaboration will catalyze innovation in autonomous systems/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) forensic research, workforce development and real-world operational cybersecurity, reinforcing Marshall’s position as a hub for cyber defense and innovation.
As part of this initiative, ICS will also partner closely with Marshall’s Aviation Program to integrate cybersecurity into the training of tomorrow’s pilots and aircraft mechanics. This cross-disciplinary effort will ensure the aviation workforce is prepared to operate and secure the increasingly connected and automated systems that power both commercial and defense aviation.
“This partnership represents exactly what Marshall stands for — innovation, collaboration and service,” said Alex Donathan, executive director of ICS. “Together with DroneTrace and our aviation program, we’re empowering a workforce that understands both the throttle and the threat vector.”
The partnership unlocks opportunities for students, researchers and industry alike including:
• Joint UAV security and forensics research projects
• Hands-on drone cybersecurity exercises utilizing ICS labs
• Training modules on cyber hygiene for flight operations
• Internship and field training pipelines with DroneTrace
• Research focused on counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and secure drone operations… Read More
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is DroneTrace, and why is this partnership significant?
DroneTrace specializes in drone forensics and autonomous systems security research. Through this partnership, DroneTrace gains access to ICS facilities, research expertise, and a talent pipeline of students. The collaboration supports the development of advanced drone exploitation tools and methods, especially important as drones’ threats become increasingly prevalent in defense, intelligence and law enforcement operations.
2. What does this mean for students at ICS and Marshall?
Students across disciplines, including cybersecurity, aviation, and engineering, will have opportunities to:
• Conduct joint R&D projects in UAV security and forensics
• Participate in internships and field-testing scenarios with DroneTrace
• Train in real-world environments through ICS labs and ranges
• Explore careers at the intersection of aviation and cyber
3. How is the aviation school involved?
ICS will embed cyber training into existing pilot and aircraft mechanical curricula. This includes:
• Cyber safety protocols for unmanned and manned aviation systems
• Hands-on modules in drone risk assessment and threat detection
• Simulated attacks on UAV command-and-control systems
• Cyber hygiene practices for modern avionics systems… Read More
Marshall University’s Office of Career Education has launched the Marshall WORKS Program, a federally funded initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic experience and real-world employment. The program is currently seeking employer partners and spreading the word to students and the broader community about the distinctive opportunities it provides.
The Marshall WORKS Program helps connect students with off-campus job opportunities that support their academic and career goals. From full-time and part-time roles to internships, co-ops and seasonal work, the program is committed to ensuring that students, regardless of financial aid status, can access meaningful employment experiences that enhance their skills and prepare them for life after graduation.
“This program is a win-win for both students and employers,” said Cristina McDavid, director, Marshall University Office of Career Education. “Employers gain access to a motivated, educated workforce, while students develop critical, transferrable skills that will serve them for years to come.”
Employers participating in the program can post their available positions through Handshake, Marshall University’s online job board.
The Career Education team will assist employers in identifying and connecting with students who are eager to contribute and grow. To list a position, employers simply need to include job responsibilities, desired hours per week, pay range and job location.
By joining the Marshall WORKS Program, businesses and organizations of all sizes can:
● Meet workforce needs with talented student employees.
● Provide mentorship and real-world experience to the next generation.
● Build a recruitment pipeline with Marshall’s top-tier talent.… Read More
During its regularly scheduled meeting today, the Marshall University Board of Governors focused on preparations for the upcoming academic year, receiving an encouraging update from President Brad D. Smith regarding student enrollment.
Smith shared that preliminary figures indicate fall enrollment is on track to increase for the third consecutive year — a positive trend reflecting the university’s continued momentum in student recruitment and retention.
“After reversing a 13-year decline in enrollment, we are now entering our third year and it looks like total enrollment, when you put all three years together, will be up around 15%,” Smith said. “Year-over-year, we will see a single digit increase, but together over three years a 15% increase, which is a wonderful testament to this entire campus and everyone working together.”
An increase in enrollment prompted early considerations about on-campus housing capacity, but Brandi Jacobs-Jones, senior vice president for operations, said all students who want to live on campus will be accommodated through a variety of on-campus housing options.
Additional updates during the meeting included strategic planning initiatives, campus improvements and ongoing academic enhancements as the university prepares to welcome students back later this month.
The board, in response to recently adopted state legislation, approved a resolution that aligns the university’s policies with the new West Virginia law that the faculty representative, student body representative and staff representative shall be non-voting, advisory members.… Read More
The Marshall University School of Pharmacy will welcome its newest class of student pharmacists during the annual White Coat Ceremony, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, in the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall on Marshall University’s Huntington campus.
This special event marks a defining moment in the academic journey of pharmacists. The donning of the white coat is a revered tradition in the profession, representing the responsibilities, ethics and compassion expected of pharmacists.
“At Marshall University School of Pharmacy, we are committed to upholding the traditions and honor of our profession,” said Dr. Eric Blough, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “The White Coat Ceremony not only welcomes our students to the program but also instills in them the values that will guide their careers in service to patients and communities.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Brittany Messer, Pharm.D., CTTS, FACC, a 2019 alumna of the School of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacist at Marshall Health – Cardiology. Messer completed her residency at the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center and currently specializes in hypertension, heart failure, anticoagulation and lipid management. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program and contributes to the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee. In recognition of her professional achievements, Messer was recently elected as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).
In addition to the white coat presentation, the ceremony will include the awarding of select scholarships to members of the incoming class.… Read More
RecFest, one of Marshall University’s largest and most spirited welcome events, returns from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Marshall Recreation Center.
The event is a high-energy celebration that occurs during Marshall’s Week of Welcome, which helps new and returning students explore resources, build connections and feel at home as part of the Marshall family. It features more than 100 vendors offering free samples, interactive games, giveaways, music and food. Read More
Marshall University’s June Harless Center is partnering to host a series of activities in August to raise funds and awareness about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which provides free books monthly to children up to the age of 5.
Saturday, Aug. 9, is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Day in West Virginia, as proclaimed by former Gov. Jim Justice in 2022. Since then, the state has hosted a week-long celebration annually, including Dolly Read Aloud Week events that feature a selected Imagination Library book for families and children to enjoy and foster a love of reading.
“We are building a brighter future for our children through early literacy,” said Jamie Lima, state director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. “Dolly Week is a way to promote awareness statewide and raise funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, which has such depth and positive impact with measured results after nearly two decades in West Virginia.”
The week culminates with the Dolly Dash 5K Race for Reading, the largest annual fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of WV, held on the Saturday during Dolly Week at Ritter Park in Huntington.
Earlier in the week, Marshall University’s June Harless Center will host a read aloud event at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Memorial Fountain on Marshall’s campus. This event is open to the public. Children who attend will receive a free book and will be able to participate in a variety of fun, kid-friendly activities.… Read More
