Researchers at Marshall University have developed a promising treatment strategy to address overdoses involving fentanyl and the veterinary sedative xylazine, a combination increasingly linked to severe health complications and reduced effectiveness of standard overdose reversal agents.
In a new study published in The Journal of Translational Research, Michael Hambuchen, PharmD, PhD, associate professor at the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, and pharmacy graduate student Jyostna Yalakala, BVSc, MS, in collaboration with Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine clinical researcher Todd Davies, Ph.D., associate director of research and development in the Division of Addiction Sciences, and addiction medicine fellowship team, report that combining naloxone with the investigational drug atipamezole dramatically improves recovery outcomes in animal models of fentanyl-xylazine overdose.
“Adding even a low dose of atipamezole—already tested safely in humans for other indications—to naloxone rapidly restored consciousness in rats exposed to fentanyl and xylazine,” said Hambuchen, lead author of the study. “We also saw improvements in heart rate, blood glucose and body temperature, which are all severely disrupted by this dangerous drug combination.”
Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use, is increasingly found as a contaminant in illicit fentanyl supplies. The combination results in profound sedation, impaired respiration, dangerously low heart rate, lowered body temperature and elevated blood glucose, and chronic use is associated with serious skin ulcers. Compounding the danger, xylazine is not an opioid and is therefore resistant to reversal by naloxone alone.… Read More
Marshall University is proud to announce that Alexandria Donathan, (formerly Royal), has been appointed as the new executive director of the Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS).
In her role, Donathan will oversee all aspects of the institute’s operations, including requirements, priorities, budgets, systems and processes. She will also work closely with industry and government partners to ensure robust and ongoing support for the ICS mission.
Donathan brings extensive experience in cybersecurity from her most recent position as the senior technical advisor at United States Cyber Command’s Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN), a key partner with Marshall’s ICS. At JFHQ-DODIN, she played a vital role in advising leadership on cybersecurity threats and shaping policies related to cyber threat management and mitigations for Department of Defense (DOD) networks.
In addition to her distinguished service at JFHQ-DODIN, Donathan previously served as a technical architect with Palo Alto Networks, where she led the deployment of cybersecurity capabilities for the DOD. Her work involved designing solutions that balanced business needs with cybersecurity requirements, showcasing her expertise in aligning strategic objectives with cutting-edge security practices.
Donathan’s military background further enhances her role at the ICS. She served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, rising to the rank of master sergeant before her commissioning as a second lieutenant in December 2023. During her service, she deployed multiple times.… Read More
The Brass Band of the TriState will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in Smith Recital Hall on the Marshall University campus. The concert is free and open to all.
The band will present a program of movie music from classics like “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Great Escape,” and “2001 A Space Odyssey” to more modern fare such as “Jurassic Park,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Brassed Off.”
The Brass Band of the TriState is the only British-style brass band in the state and has been in existence for approximately 30 years. The group, under the direction of Dr. Michael Stroeher, professor of brass at Marshall, consists of community members, Marshall students and alumni, and professional musicians.
“I’ve aways thought that some of the best music being written today and, in the past, comes from movies,” Stroeher said. “This concert highlights the wide variety of styles in film music, from heavy classical to jazz.”
All are welcome.… Read More
Nearly 200 Marshall University faculty, staff, students, Marshall Health Network employees and community members from the Huntington area participated today in a one-mile walk led by the first families of Marshall University, Marshall Health Network and the City of Huntington at Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia.
The free event brought to Huntington Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Mountaineer Mile initiative, which is a statewide effort to encourage West Virginians to take the first step toward lasting wellness through simple, daily movement. The Marshall Mile event also kicked off Marshall University’s Community Cares Week, a celebration of service, health and community spirit, that begins Tuesday, May 20.
“To care for others, we must first care for ourselves,” said Marshall University First Lady Alys Smith. “This walk is a meaningful first step toward healthier habits—not just for individuals, but for our communities. My hope is that it inspires a renewed focus on personal wellness and encourages participants to build momentum leading up to the Marshall Marathon on November 2.”
Photos and video are available here:
Photos: https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2025-Events/Marshall-Mile-… Read More
Marshall University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kelly D. Bradley as the new dean of the College of Education and Professional Development, effective Sept. 8.
“This was a thorough and highly competitive search for a critical leadership position at Marshall,” said President Brad D. Smith. “I’m deeply appreciative of the search committee’s efforts, led by Dean Robert Bookwalter and Provost Dr. Avi Mukherjee, as well as the contributions of colleagues across campus who helped guide us to the right choice. Dr. Bradley brings a dynamic vision and renewed enthusiasm to our university, and we look forward to the impactful leadership she will provide.”
Mukherjee said the selection of Bradley is a testament to the strength of the university’s reputation and the exciting opportunities ahead.
“Dr. Bradley brings a compelling vision for educational innovation, a deep commitment to preparing future educators and a proven record of transformative leadership at the institutions she has previously served,” Mukherjee said. “I am confident that under her guidance, the College of Education will continue to grow its impact on schools and communities locally, nationally, and beyond.”… Read More
Marshall University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter) has selected four faculty members for its third cohort of Innovation Catalysts, a pioneering initiative designed to train members of the higher education community in design thinking. This problem-solving methodology emphasizes human-centered, creative approaches to addressing complex challenges.
The newly appointed Innovation Catalysts are:
Carol Smith – professor and coordinator of the Violence, Loss, and Trauma (VOLT) Certificate, Counseling Department
Casey Baker – department chair and associate professor, Accountancy & Legal Environment
John Sammons – associate director, Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security
Sarah Walton – assistant professor and director of Digital Humanities, English Department
Inspired by a similar initiative at financial technology company Intuit, the Innovation Catalyst program aligns with Marshall for All, Marshall Forever, the university’s strategic plan. It supports key priorities including student success, affordability and institutional agility in meeting evolving student needs.
Each Catalyst in the spring 2025 cohort focused on a project aligned with their area of expertise, including graduate education, undergraduate student – faculty mentoring, cybersecurity education and digital humanities. Participants completed an intensive, semester-long training in design thinking, led by Maddy Branham, interim assistant director of the iCenter. In addition to learning new tools and techniques, they also applied their skills to lead design thinking projects within their own departments.
The cohort was formally recognized for each member’s achievements at a reception held April 29 at the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation.… Read More
The names of Marshall University students who made the president’s and dean’s lists for the Spring 2025 semester are available on the Marshall website at the following link:
Dean’s and President’s Lists – Marshall University News
… Read More
The Marshall University School of Pharmacy celebrated numerous recognitions amongst its faculty, staff, students and alumni last month, including annual school awards and those presented by the West Virginia Pharmacists Association last month at its annual meeting in Morgantown.
“These accolades demonstrate the Marshall University School of Pharmacy’s commitment to innovation, leadership, service and education, highlighting our individual and collective strengths,” said Dr. Eric Blough, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “From faculty and staff to students and alumni, these honors reflect not only individual excellence but the strength of our commitment to enhancing the delivery of health care throughout West Virginia and beyond.”
The 2025 Awards from Marshall University School of Pharmacy were presented at the MUSOP 2025 Awards & Pinning Ceremony April 11 at the Memorial Student Center. Recipients included:
Dr. Nandini Manne — recipient of the Faculty Person of the Year Award, the Dean Brian Gallagher Award for Excellence in Community Outreach and/or Advocacy 2025. Manne is an associate professor and associate dean of assessment and accreditation in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Administration, & Research. The award was presented for his impactful public health work across the Tri-State area, particularly in West Virginia. His efforts have secured over $5 million in external funding and advanced initiatives in vaccine equity, overdose prevention, and community response, solidifying his role as a leader in data-driven, community-centered health advocacy.… Read More
At the 2025 Drinko Symposium Saturday, May 2, Marshall University’s John Deaver Drinko Academy for American Political Institutions and Civic Culture announced that History Professor Dr. Christopher M. White is the 30th Distinguished Drinko Fellow, which is the highest faculty honor bestowed by the university.
Drinko Fellows receive a stipend and financial and clerical support from the Drinko Academy for two years. During those two years, Drinko Fellows conduct research, engage in creative production or work on special projects.
This year’s Drinko Symposium was attended by more than 170 faculty, staff, administrators and community members who gathered in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center for a formal dinner, a poster exhibit and a multimedia presentation by 28th Drinko Fellow Dr. Luke Eric Lassiter about his two-year project on “New Generation Change Agents in Appalachia.”
The symposium concluded with Drinko Academy Executive Director Dr. Montserrat Miller’s announcement that White is the 30th Drinko Fellow.
“Dr. Chris White is a consummate scholar,” said Miller. “He has a long and impressive record of community outreach and engagement, working over the course of more than two decades to bridge ideological, religious and other social and cultural divides.”… Read More
The search for Marshall University’s next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs is underway, assisted by executive search consultants Academic Search.
The university’s current provost, Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, has resigned to assume a similar role at Georgia Southern University, effective July 1. Marshall University President Brad. D. Smith recently appointed retiring Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Robert “R.B.” Bookwalter to begin serving as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs on the same date.
A search committee has been named and is seeking insights about the position and the search from students, faculty and staff through an online survey. Academic Search will recruit candidates over the summer and finalists will be invited for on-campus interviews the week of September 22. The university intends to have Marshall’s new provost on board by the start of the Spring 2026 semester.
As chief academic officer at Marshall, the provost reports directly to the president, with the responsibility of advancing the academic mission of the university. The provost provides oversight and guidance for all academic matters, including teaching, learning, research and the student experience.… Read More
Marshall University and Marshall Health Network are proud to bring West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Mountaineer Mile movement to Huntington starting with a community walk on Friday, May 16, at Ritter Park.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Ritter Park Fountain, and the one-mile walk will begin promptly at noon. The first 100 participants will receive a free “Marshall Mile” t-shirt. The walk will be led by the first families of Marshall University, Marshall Health Network and the city of Huntington.
This event marks the local launch of the Mountaineer Mile, a statewide initiative encouraging West Virginians to take the first step toward lasting wellness through simple, daily movement. It also kicks off Marshall University’s Community Cares Week, a celebration of service, health and community spirit.
“To care for others, we must first care for ourselves,” said Marshall University First Lady Alys Smith, who is leading the May 16 event. “This walk is a meaningful first step toward healthier habits — not just for individuals, but for our communities. My hope is that it inspires a renewed focus on personal wellness and encourages participants to build momentum leading up to the Marshall Marathon on November 2.” Read More
Two Marshall University students have been selected to receive the competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which supports U.S. undergraduates in pursuing study abroad experiences.
The award will help fund their international programs this summer.
Anette Silva Licona, a junior transfer student majoring in anthropology, will study in Austria for one month through a program offered by the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). While in Bregenz, she will take courses led by Dr. Robin Riner of Marshall’s faculty and live with a local host family. Her program also includes excursions to cities such as Innsbruck, Munich and Vienna. Licona says the experience will help her explore future opportunities in anthropology and higher education.
Kayla Roberts, a senior majoring in computer information technology with an emphasis in game and simulation development and a minor in Japanese, will travel throughout Japan with KIIS. Her itinerary includes stops in Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya and Tokyo. Roberts hopes to strengthen her Japanese language skills and cultural understanding, which she believes will support her goals of becoming a software engineer or working in the video game industry.
The Gilman Scholarship, established in 2001 and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has helped more than 44,000 students with financial need study or intern abroad. The program aims to increase access to international experiences and broaden the diversity of students who study in underrepresented countries and regions.… Read More
