Marshall University selected as site for federally funded undergraduate research program

For a second year, the Department of Mathematics and Physics at Marshall University will be home to the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Appalachian Mathematics and Physics Site, an eight-week summer undergraduate research program scheduled for Summer 2025.

This program focuses on providing research opportunities in mathematics and physics to undergraduate students.

Participants will receive a $5,600 stipend, paid housing in the campus residence halls and a meal plan for the duration of the program.

The program will run for eight weeks, from June 2 to July 25, 2025.

“Programs like REUs highlight the good work our faculty do in research, and because they are so competitive to get, it means we are doing something right at Marshall,” said Tom Cuchta, assistant professor of mathematics at Marshall.

The program is competitive for applicants with 10 slots for undergraduate researchers across five projects—six slots for math students and four slots for physics students. This program will accept at most two undergraduate students from Marshall and the rest will be from other universities across the United States.

REU Sites are funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and are available nationwide in all areas NSF covers, including math, biology, chemistry, engineering and more. Read More

Upcoming Amicus Curiae Lecture to focus on American interest in foreign wars

Marshall University’s Amicus Curiae Lecture Series on Constitutional Democracy concludes the fall lecture series at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19,  in the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, with a lecture by Michael Neiberg.

Neiberg is Professor of History and Chair of War Studies at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His published work specializes in the First and Second World Wars in global context.

His lecture at Marshall, “Democracy, Power, and War: the Role of Americans in Foreign Wars,” will look at how the intricacies of American values and interests have shaped American involvement in foreign wars throughout history.

“Dr. Michael Neiberg’s upcoming lecture at Marshall University will offer a profound exploration of the complex legacy of America’s role in foreign conflicts,” said Patricia Proctor, director of the Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy, which sponsors the Amicus Curiae Lecture Series. “His insights will likely prompt reflection on the weight of these wars on our national identity and the enduring impact on the societies involved. I anticipate he will challenge us not only to learn from history but to consider our current and future choices as a global power.”… Read More

Two Marshall University faculty members receive awards at state conference

Marshall University announced today that two College of Education and Professional Development faculty members, Dr. Jerica Wesley and Dr. Kari Mika-Lude, were recognized by the West Virginia Counseling Association conference this past week.

Wesley received the Innovative Research Award, which recognizes dedication to the advancement of the counseling profession through scholarship.

Mika-Lude received the Distinguished Advocacy Award, which recognizes outstanding service and commitment to the counseling profession, clients, and/or community through advocacy work in West Virginia and the Outstanding Counselor Educator Award, which recognizes excellence and innovation as an instructor.

Both faculty members are assistant professors in the Department of Counseling at Marshall. … Read More

Marshall galleries to display Capstone projects and Foundations student artworks in November

Marshall University School of Art & Design is proud to present two Capstone Exhibitions for Fall 2024 in the Charles W. & Norma C. Carroll Gallery this November. The Carroll Gallery will host two groups of senior capstone exhibitions, showcasing the culminating work of students in the School of Art & Design. The first exhibition, “Serve,” will run Nov. 11-14, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. It will feature works by Sadie Allen, Jenna Billups, Josh Perry and Makayla Welch.

The second capstone exhibition, “Essentia,” will take place from Nov. 18 to 21, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18. Featured artists in the second group include Noah Chapman, Jonah Farmer, Sophie Kelley, Morgan Napier and Alex Vance.

Additionally, the Birke Art Gallery will present “Stressed to Impress: Selected Foundations Works,” an exhibition highlighting outstanding work by students who recently completed the Foundations program and review process. Juried by the School of Art & Design faculty, the exhibition will feature some of the most compelling works from this stage of student development.

“Stressed to Impress” will be on view from Nov. 18 through Dec. 20, with an awards reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Awards will be announced at 5:30 p.m.

These exhibitions showcase the success of Marshall’s art students, both as they are learning and as they prepare to exit the program, said Gallery Director Courtney Chapman.… Read More

Marshall University announces partnership with Kanawha County Schools

Marshall University is proud to announce a joint effort with Kanawha County Schools to simplify the college admission process for high school seniors. The announcement comes amid the statewide College Application and Exploration Week. Through this program, Marshall University will automatically accept any Kanawha County Schools senior in the Class of 2025 with a GPA of 2.5 or greater, with no admissions application required. The new program eliminates the traditional application process, providing a seamless and stress-free transition for students pursuing a four-year degree.

“Marshall University is thrilled to partner with Kanawha County Schools on this direct admission policy,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “By streamlining the path from high school to college, we aim to empower students to pursue their goals with fewer barriers and more confidence. This initiative reflects our belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and thrive in a supportive learning environment.”

Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Williams says he hopes the program will aid the district’s goal of a 60% college-going rate.

“This innovative partnership with Marshall University will remove stress from the admissions process and will encourage more Kanawha County students to consider a college degree,” said Williams.

Seniors who meet the 2.5 GPA criteria and wish to consider attending Marshall during Fall 2025 can meet with their school counselor to discuss their decision and learn how to enroll. Once parental permission is obtained, the student’s high school will share their academic and contact information with Marshall.… Read More

Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Charitable Foundation gifts $5 million toward Marshall For All program

Marshall University has announced a gift of $5 million from the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Charitable Foundation to support the Marshall For All program. The foundation was founded by Sheryl Sandberg, former chief operating officer of Meta and founder of Lean In.

“I am profoundly grateful to my friends Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal for their extraordinary generosity towards the Marshall For All program,” said Brad D. Smith, Marshall’s president. “This remarkable gift not only underscores their commitment to fostering opportunity and inclusion but also propels our mission forward with renewed vigor. It is with immense appreciation that we embrace this support, which will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on countless lives and advance our shared vision of a more equitable future.”

The Marshall For All program allows Marshall students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without needing student loans, which will allow students to graduate with little to no debt. To qualify, students will need to complete a FAFSA annually and commit to actions such as graduating on time, pursuing work opportunities and participating in financial literacy programs.… Read More

Marshall University Foundation hosts retirement celebration for outgoing CEO Dr. Ronald G. ‘Ron’ Area

The Marshall University Foundation announces the retirement of Dr. Ronald G. “Ron” Area. The foundation hosted a retirement celebration for Area Oct. 18 at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall with donors, board members, staff and campus partners in attendance. The foundation also recognized Area’s wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Area, for their shared support of the university the past 17 years.

Nicolas “Nico” Karagosian replaces Area and began serving as president and CEO of the Foundation Aug. 19. Area served as CEO since July 2007.

“We are incredibly grateful for Ron and Beth’s 17 years of remarkable service and leadership,” Karagosian said. “Their dedication to Marshall University and its community has left an enduring influence that will be felt for generations. As we celebrate Ron’s retirement, we honor their legacy to the Marshall family. Ron’s work has set a high standard, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”

Speakers for the event included Karagosian, Nancy E. Campbell, chair of the foundation Board of Directors, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, Amy Area Maxwell, daughter of the Areas, and the Areas as guests of honor. The conference center at Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall will now be named the Dr. Ronald G. Area Conference Center, and a plaque will hang in the conference center honoring Ron and Beth Area’s devotion to the foundation and their lasting impact on the university. Read More

Cabell County Commitment introduced to new class of students

Building on an initiative announced last spring, Marshall University and Cabell County Schools today celebrated another important milestone for the “Cabell County Commitment” with awareness events at Cabell Midland High School and Huntington High School.

The Cabell County Commitment is a distinctive partnership that allows any graduating student from Huntington High School, Cabell Midland High School and the Cabell County Career Technology Center with a GPA of 2.5 or greater to be automatically accepted at Marshall University.

In meeting with students at the local high schools, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its role in breaking down barriers to education.

“This program eliminates the traditional application process, providing a seamless and stress-free transition for students pursuing a four-year degree,” Smith said. “The end goal is to help students transition to college with as few hurdles as possible, which helps our community and state build a more educated workforce.”

Hundreds of Cabell County students are eligible for the direct admission program, which is likely to expand to support the university’s mission of access for all.… Read More

Dr. Christian Warner joins Marshall Eye Surgeons

Marshall Health is pleased to welcome Christian Warner, M.D., to Marshall Eye Surgeons, where he will provide advanced vision care to patients across the Tri-State area.  

Warner is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. He also specializes in performing laser vision correction, including LASIK and PRK, to help patients reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. 

With extensive training in the latest surgical and nonsurgical treatments, Warner brings a patient-centered approach to eye care. Warner offers a range of in-office procedures, including chalazion excision, minor eyelid lesion excision, nasolacrimal duct probing and irrigation, selective laser trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy and YAG laser capsulotomy. In addition, he performs surgical procedures such as cataract surgery, including the use of advanced technology intraocular lenses (IOLs), goniotomy and upper lid blepharoplasty. 

An Ironton, Ohio, native, Warner earned his medical degree from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. He completed his comprehensive ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. In addition to his role in patient care, Warner will also serve as an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he will assist in the education and training of medical students and residents. Read More

Prevention Empowerment Partnership recognized as “Program of Prominence”

The Prevention Empowerment Partnership (PEP) has been named an honoree for the 2nd annual “Programs of Prominence” (POP) award, recognizing its outstanding work and positive impact in communities across the state.
The Prevention Empowerment Partnership is a part of the Center of Excellence at the Marshall University Research Corporation.

The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WV ABCA) received funding from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) to host its 4th annual Prevention, Enforcement, Education, and Policy (PEEP) statewide conference. Representatives from the WV ABCA, Community Connections Inc., and the Bureau for Behavioral Health’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families serve on the conference’s planning committee, which created the POP award to highlight evidence-based, impactful programs making a significant difference in local communities.

Angela Saunders is the director of the Prevention Empowerment Partnership.

“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the dedicated coalition, staff, and young leaders who tirelessly empower youth in Cabell County and beyond to live drug-free lives,” Saunders said.

PEP’s commitment to addressing alcohol and substance use has been recognized as a key element of its success, as the organization continues to make a meaningful impact in its community. This recognition underscores PEP’s dedication to fostering healthier, safer environments.… Read More

Marshall to present ‘Virtuoso Violin’

The Marshall University School of Music presents Virtuoso Violin, a violin and piano concert featuring faculty members Dr. Alex Malaimare on violin and Dr. Johan Botes on piano. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in Smith Recital Hall. It is free and open to all.

They will perform compositions from Fritz Kreisler, Béla Bartók, Manuel Ponce, Claude Debussy, John Williams and Niccolò Paganini.

“The concert showcases the versatility of the violin, featuring works spanning two centuries that will appeal to both violinists and students interested in pursuing this instrument,” said Malaimare, assistant professor of violin and viola.

The concert is sponsored by the School of Music in the College of Arts and Media. All are welcome.… Read More

Fellowship-trained orthopaedic and sports medicine specialists join Marshall Health Network 

Marshall Health Network is pleased to welcome three specialists in orthopaedic surgery and primary care sports medicine to its team of orthopaedic providers.

Moses A. Adebayo, M.D., is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement, reconstruction and orthopaedic trauma. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, followed by an orthopaedic surgery residency at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Adebayo went on to complete fellowships in orthopaedic trauma at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and orthopaedic adult reconstruction at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York.

Adebayo is accepting new patients and referrals at Scott Orthopedic Center, 2828 First Avenue, in Huntington at 304-525-6905.

Suhirad Khokhar, M.D., is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, elbow and shoulder surgery as well as orthopaedic trauma. Khokhar earned his medical degree from Government Medical College in Patiala, Punjab, India, where he also completed his orthopaedic surgery residency. He then completed three fellowships—hand surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida; orthopaedic trauma at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio; and orthopaedic shoulder and elbow at Montefiore University Hospital/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, New York.

Khokhar is accepting new patients and referrals at Marshall Orthopaedics, 1600 Medical Center Drive, in Huntington at 304-691-1262 and Teays Valley at 304-691-6710.… Read More