Marshall University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter) has named four people to the university’s second cohort of Innovation Catalysts, a first-of-its-kind program aimed at training the higher education community in design thinking, a specialized approach to solving complex, human-centered problems.
Dr. April Fugett, professor and executive director for the Center for Teaching and Learning, Jason Gibbs, STEAM Coordinator at the June Harless Center, Wes Spradlin, director of Marshall’s off-campus centers and Toney Stroud, chief legal officer and vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations, comprise the new group.
The goal of the innovation catalyst program, modeled after a similar program at financial technology firm Intuit, is to advance Marshall for All, Marshall Forever’s strategic priorities of improving student achievement, affordability, and flexibility, as well as ultimately becoming the most agile institution in higher education in terms of responding to students’ changing needs.
To become an Innovation Catalyst, participants complete an intensive semester-long training on design thinking tools and techniques led by the iCenter Interim Assistant Director Maddy Branham, while also facilitating a design thinking project to solve a challenge in their academic discipline or department.
This year’s cohort members focused on four separate projects including incorporating design thinking into first-year seminar courses, professional learning for K-12 teachers, food accessibility on Marshall’s South Charleston campus and how to meet the growing demands of housing for Marshall students. It’s anticipated the projects will be finalized in the coming weeks, with implementation in the spring.… Read More
The Live(r) Hep C Free program, an initiative of the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network (WVCRN) housed within the Marshall University Research Corporation, is partnering with CHESS Health to deploy its digital contingency management platform that uses a series of reinforcements and rewards for meeting treatment goals
The program seeks to reduce hepatitis C (HCV) cases in West Virginia, which has nine times the national average of positive cases.
HCV is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections that can lead to complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. While the disease is treatable, barriers such as stigma, financial concerns, and lack of awareness often deter individuals from seeking care, said Teresa Warner, the program’s director.
“Myths about HCV, along with concerns about treatment costs, can hinder access, particularly among high-risk groups,” Warner said.
The Live(r) Hep C Free program uses CHESS Health’s Rewards Engine to incentivize testing and treatment. Participants receive $25 for completing an HCV test and another $25 upon completing treatment if needed. The program also provides peer navigators with lived experience to support individuals through the process.
“We’re trying to reach people in the early stages, before the disease causes liver damage or side effects,” Warner said. “We want to educate people about the treatment so they understand there is hope and a cure.”… Read More
The Marshall University Board of Governors today approved the purchase of property on 4th Avenue that will become part of the $200 million Innovation District.
The parcels, located at 1518, 1520 and 1524 4th Ave., will expand the university’s footprint and represents a pivotal step in Marshall University’s ongoing efforts to transform the area into a leading hub for innovation and technology.
While there are no specific plans for the properties currently, they are included in the university’s master plan for the innovation district, which is flanked by the future Institute for Cyber Security on the east end and the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation on the west end.
“The purchase of this property signals another step forward in our collaboration with the city of Huntington and the state of West Virginia to cultivate a vibrant hub for innovation and economic development,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith.
The board also approved a resolution allowing reallocation of state funds for deferred maintenance projects to include repairing roof damage to Gullickson Hall, which houses programs for the College of Health Professions. The state funding, distributed to Marshall in 2022, is being used for more than 30 projects including structural repairs, HVAC upgrades and elevator modernization, among other significant initiatives. Nicknamed “Project: Shock and Awe,” the most visible work to date is the demolition of Laidley Hall at Third Avenue and 19th Street and also includes the planned demolition of Holderby Hall.… Read More
Marshall University will host a holiday concert by the Brass Band of the TriState at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Smith Recital Hall. The band will perform classic Christmas favorites such as “A Carol Fantasy,” variations on “Lo How a Rose e’r Blooming,” as well as more popular selections such as “The Christmas Song,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Directed by Marshall music Professor Dr. Michael Stroeher, the Brass Band of the TriState is a college-community British-style brass band, the only one in the state. The ensemble performs a wide variety of music ranging from historic British compositions to contemporary popular tunes.
The concert is free and open to all.… Read More
This holiday season, Marshall University will again host its annual Herd Holiday event, a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer, community connection, and seasonal magic.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Marshall University’s Memorial Student Center on the Huntington campus.
Herd Holiday is more than a holiday gathering—it’s a cherished tradition that unites the Marshall University family and surrounding community to embrace the spirit of the season, said Mallory Jarrell, director of events and brand management.
“Herd Holiday is such a special time for the Marshall family to come together, celebrate the season and create lasting memories,” she said. “We look forward to sharing the joy of the holidays with everyone who attends.”
Event Highlights… Read More
The Huntington Municipal Parking Board will begin enforcing parking violations along the northbound lane (east side) of Hal Greer Boulevard between 3rd and 7th avenues beginning Monday, Dec. 9.
Parking violations will be enforced 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Motorists parking in these spaces can pay by using the ParkMobile app only. The app is free and available for download in the Apple and Google Play app stores. It also is available by texting “Park” to 77223, by visiting parkmobile.io or by calling 877-727-5014. Read More
Marshall University welcomes the community to attend the Lifelong Learning Program’s (LLP) holiday open house from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13 in the lobby of the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation at 1415 4th Ave. in Huntington.
The LLP’s focus is providing learning opportunities for people of all ages without the added costs that are typically incurred with college tuition.
Program membership benefits include access to a monthly Tuesday Talks series, travel to local points of interest, access to Marshall University library services, volunteer opportunities and more.
“Spearheading Marshall’s Lifelong Learning Program has been the highlight of my career,” said Elizabeth Appell Sheets, program coordinator. “Our program provides an opportunity for our Huntington community members to experience diverse and timely topic discussions courtesy of our university faculty, local experts and regional specialists.”
Holiday music and refreshments will be provided.
The event is free and open to the public, and media are invited to attend.
For more information on the Lifelong Learning Program at Marshall University, visit www.marshall.edu/llp/ or contact Elizabeth Appell Sheets at appell1@marshall.edu.
… Read More
Marshall University’s School of Theatre and Dance will present “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-7 in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Written by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez, the show is a comedic mash-up of favorite Christmas stories, featuring familiar cameos from the Grinch, Rudolph, Frosty, Charles Dickens and more.
“ ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)’ is a humorous and irreverent take on the traditional holiday narrative,” said Sam Kincaid, project coordinator for the School of Theatre and Dance. “The play features a fast-paced compilation of classic Christmas tales, blending them with pop culture references, improvisation and engaging audience participation. This unique combination provides a fresh and entertaining experience, allowing viewers to celebrate the season with laughter while exploring the themes of Christmas in a fun and unexpected way.”
The show will be directed by theatre Professor John Colclough and will feature cast members Daniel Calwell, George Kinley and Gavid Spiewak.
All are welcome. Tickets are $22 general admission, $15 for seniors and employees, and $5 for children ages 5-12. Marshall University students can see shows for free on opening night and $5 for the other three nights.… Read More
The Marshall University School of Music will present a holiday concert following the university’s Thanksgiving break, featuring many of its ensembles and students.
The annual Holiday Celebration, “Home for the Holidays,” is a concert featuring multiple Marshall University music ensembles. It will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.
“This is an evening the whole family will enjoy, featuring a variety of different types of holiday music and fun,” said Dr. Martin Saunders, director of the School of Music. “Home for the Holidays will help set the tone for your holiday season.”
Tickets are $25 at the door, $15 for seniors age 55 and older, and $5 for Marshall University employees and students with a valid MU ID. Children age 12 and younger can attend for free.
Tickets will be sold in advance, beginning Nov. 20. They are available at the Marshall Box Office located in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center or by calling 304-696-2787. Box office hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This concert is sponsored by the School of Music in the College of Arts and Media.… Read More
Marshall University marked a historic moment Monday with the dedication of an Artemis Moon Tree sapling, grown from seeds that traveled around the moon.
The sweetgum tree, native to Appalachia, now stands proudly outside Old Main, the university’s iconic administrative building.
The sapling, awarded to Marshall University through a competitive grant process led by College of Science faculty member Rick Gage and what is believed to be the first moon tree in West Virginia under the Artemis program, represents a symbolic connection between the university, NASA and exploration in all realms of study. Administered by NASA and the U.S. Forest Service, the Moon Tree program continues a tradition started during the Apollo era, when seeds orbited the moon and were planted on Earth as lasting symbols of hope, exploration and discovery.
“This tree has traveled farther than any human being ever has,” said Gage. “But what makes it special is what it represents: hope and a future. These samplings are being entrusted to a select group of institutions like Marshall University. Places where they can ignite curiosity, foster learning and serve as a beacon for community engagement.”
The sweet gum sapling is one of several being planted at distinguished educational institutions across the country. The continuation of the Moon Tree project highlights the enduring spirit of exploration and the vital role of education in advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe.… Read More
The Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) is proud to announce the upcoming fifth annual Cyber Safety Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the university’s Cam Henderson Center.
The event will bring together middle school students from across the region to empower them and educate them on the importance of cyber safety in today’s digital world.
Amid increasing concerns over online enticement and internet dangers, recent data from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) highlights the need to educate children about the dark side of the internet. From 2020 to 2023, nearly 476 children reported missing were targeted through online enticement, and 59% of these children were under the age of 15, with 18% under 13. These statistics underscore the urgent need to protect and educate young people in a landscape where digital interactions are constant.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the return of our Cyber Safety Summit,” said John Sammons, associate director of the Marshall ICS. “Children and parents in our communities need support and resources in an increasingly digital world, and we are pleased to partner with our local schools and others to give them the tools they need.”
James Lanham, an instructor/researcher with the ICS who is coordinating the summit, said thousands of students are expected.… Read More
The Prevention Empowerment Partnership (PEP) is sponsoring a Community Lego block competition at the Fairfield Community Center from 4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. Teams of four to six middle and/or high school youth will have one hour to build the project as instructed using the supplied materials. Judges will award first, second and third prizes to each team member who wins.
The Prevention Empowerment Partnership (PEP), a part of the Marshall University Center of Excellence in the Marshall University Research Corporation, is a collaborative coalition of community-based members and organizations that partners to increase access to comprehensive prevention services for youth and families in Cabell County and surrounding areas. The partnership empowers youth to affect positive change in their communities and prioritize prevention throughout their lives.
“This is going to be an amazing community outreach event, and we are excited to provide this fun, interactive activity for middle and high school youth in the Huntington community,” said Angela Saunders, director of PEP.
PEP will also provide participants at the Lego event with snacks and a party favor. Read More
