Jacob Harper, a 23-year-old fighting a rare form of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), has become a beacon of hope for many. Diagnosed in 2022 and the youngest person in the state of West Virginia with ALS, Jacob’s perseverance and participation in experimental treatments have inspired a movement to raise awareness and funds for ALS clinics, nonprofits and research.
Recently, Harper and his family partnered with Racing for ALS to donate more than $6,000 to the Marshall University ALS Clinic, where Harper receives care. The clinic is jointly operated by Marshall Health Network and Marshall University and is the only ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center in West Virginia.
“Jacob’s mission throughout this journey has been to make as big of a splash as possible,” said Dale Harper, Jacob’s father. “His goal is to help promote awareness and patient assistance.”
Jacob Harper’s personal story of strength, bolstered by the Team Jacob Initiative, is driving advocacy, research and a search for a cure. On March 16, 2022, Harper, 23 at the time, was diagnosed with a rare form of ALS. The incurable disease came with a three- to five-year life expectancy. Harper is now in a clinical trial for a drug named ION 363, which Team Jacob is hopeful will slow the disease progression.… Read More
Marshall University’s School of Theatre and Dance will present “A Doll’s House” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16-19 in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Groundbreaking in 1879 when written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, “A Doll’s House” tells of a housewife daring to pursue her own views amidst the time of women’s suffrage and fight for equality. In American English, the title would translate as “Dollhouse.”
“Henrik Ibsen’s play presents a powerful narrative of Nora’s transformation from a submissive wife to an empowered individual,” said Sam Kincaid, project coordinator for the School of Theatre and Dance. “Its timeless themes, emotional depth and dramatic tension resonate with contemporary issues, keeping viewers engaged and thoughtful long after the play concludes.”
Directed by Leah Turley, an assistant professor in the School of Theatre and Dance, the cast includes Eliza Aulick, George Kinley, Kristen Scites, Camden Gleason, Gavin Spiewak, Maggie Piaskowski and Gabriella Bellomy.
All are welcome to Marshall University theatre productions. 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.
Season tickets to all of Marshall’s productions this academic year also are available. Upcoming shows include “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),” “Sylvia” and “The SpongeBob Musical.”… Read More
Marshall University’s School of Art & Design will host Art Careers: Public Art, a mini conference set for Friday, Oct. 18, at the Visual Arts Center.
This event, free and open to the public, will highlight the work of regional public artists and feature guest Becky Borlan, a Baltimore-based public artist known for producing vibrant, large-scale works that create a sense of the whimsical through the use of light and color.
Borlan has been selected as a Marshall University Visiting Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor in the Arts and will be working with School of Art & Design students in advance of the artist talk and mini conference. The invitation was inspired by her selection for the Reinventing Central City public art commission, for which she will create two sculptures for the Central City Gazebo in west Huntington. This project, funded by T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant program and sponsored by RenewAll and the city of Huntington, is part of a larger revitalization effort for the area.
The mini conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18 with catered networking on the second floor of the Visual Arts Center, followed by resource presentations by local organizations at 9 a.m. in Room 209. At 10 a.m., Borlan and regional artists Jonathan Cox, Frederick Hightower, Matt Smith and Nichole Westfall will share insights into their public art practices and experiences in a panel moderated by Maria Gindhart, dean of the College of Arts and Media.… Read More
The Carter G. Woodson Lyceum at Marshall University is hosting the 2025 Black History Month Poster Competitions for students in elementary, middle and high school. The deadline for submissions is 10 p.m. Nov. 15 and the theme for 2025 is “African Americans and Labor.”
The competitions are open to Marshall University and all K-12 students, who may submit one entry per student. It is free to enter. The winner at Marshall will receive $250. First place winners in elementary, middle and high school will receive $100 and their teachers $50.
Entries will be judged based on these criteria:
The extent to which the design effectively expresses the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor.” Information about the theme is available at 2025 Black History Theme African Americans and Labor. Social Impact: The potential of the design to improve race relations and/or preserve/observe Black history. Visual Impact: the expression of ideas through the composition and execution of the poster. Statement: Description of the research, what the student learned and factors that were considered in designing the poster. The statement should be at least 100 words. Students may create their posters using digital tools and/or traditional media such as letterpress, silkscreen, markers, paint, pens, collage, stitching, photography, mixed media, etc. If using traditional media, scan or photograph your entry for online submission.
Posters should be 11 x 14 inches. Submit only JPG or PDF formats. Images must be 4 MB or smaller and less than 1,000 pixels in either dimension.… Read More
A new collaborative, rural internal medicine residency program between the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Holzer Health System in Gallipolis, Ohio, has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is the first of its kind in West Virginia and third in the United States.
The rural internal medicine program is sponsored by the Marshall Community Health Consortium, which includes the school of medicine, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and Valley Health Systems, in collaboration with Holzer Health System and Logan Regional Medical Center. ACGME has approved the three-year training program for four trainees per year, with a full complement of 12 residents once the program is fully implemented. While the program will recruit trainees to begin as early as September 2024, it will participate in the nationwide matching program for medical student applicants to start training in July 2025.
“We are excited to continue to educate young physicians in the unique structure of a rural residency,” said Paulette S. Wehner, M.D., vice dean for education at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “The very strict accreditation criteria are met as well as additional, stringent requirements to qualify as a separately accredited Rural Internal Medicine Residency. We are proud to lead the nation in this type of residency training to support the needs of our local communities.” … Read More
Marshall Health Network (MHN) announces the launch of neuro-ophthalmology services, led by Christopher W. Burrell, M.D., the only neuro-ophthalmologist in southern West Virginia. This new offering addresses complex vision issues linked to neurological conditions such as stroke, brain tumors and multiple sclerosis (MS), further complementing MHN’s commitment to comprehensive care.
Neuro-ophthalmology bridges neurology and ophthalmology, offering a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating vision problems originating from the brain or nervous system. Conditions treated include optic neuritis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, giant cell arteritis, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, compressive optic neuropathy, optic atrophy, nutritional or toxic optic neuropathies, hereditary optic neuropathy, visual loss, visual disturbances, cortical visual impairment, ocular myasthenia gravis, nystagmus, cranial nerve palsies, diplopia, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, Horner’s syndrome, Adie’s tonic pupil, and other pupillary abnormalities. Services also include genetic testing, Botox treatments and collaboration with Marshall Health’s comprehensive MS center of excellence.
Burrell earned his medical degree from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, where he also completed his neurology residency. Burrell returns to West Virginia following a neuro-ophthalmology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where he was named the 2023-2024 Fellow of the Year.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Burrell serves as an assistant professor at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, with dual appointments in neurology and ophthalmology. He is dedicated to educating future medical professionals by fostering clinical experiences and inspiring compassionate caregiving. He also enjoys leading grand round presentations.… Read More
The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Julius Gregory Jessie Scholarship. This scholarship is generously bequested by Julius “Greg” Jessie, a 1973 accounting graduate of Marshall University.
Jessie founded Jessie and Jessie in 1980 with his brother, Chris, after previously working for their father. Jessie and Jessie is an accounting firm in Williamson, West Virginia, offering accounting and tax preparation services to customers and small business owners.
Jessie said his decision to endow this scholarship through the bequest of his estate came from a decrease in resumes over the years to his business from accounting majors and he hopes to energize undergraduate students in the accounting department at Marshall.
“I would like to encourage more graduates and more college students to get involved in the accounting profession,” Jessie said. “I want to help these students to encourage them to take business courses and get into accounting with the long-term goal of becoming a CPA. We need to get more CPAs into our field.
“I want to help the business school as best I can the way it helped me.”
The scholarship recipient will be a full-time student majoring in accounting in the Lewis College of Business and Brad D. Smith Schools of Business and is a West Virginia resident.… Read More
The first Green and White Day of the current academic year is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 28. Prospective Marshall University students and their families will have the opportunity to meet with financial aid, housing and admissions, as well as a chance to tour campus and even get tickets to the home football game that afternoon against Western Michigan University.
Lisa Williamson, director of Orientation, Outreach and Special Events, said Green and White Days are a great way for prospective students to get all the information they need about Marshall in one place.
“Green and White Days are a way for students and parents to meet with faculty from every department and staff from our support offices, all in one location,” Williamson said.
Prospective students also get the opportunity to experience football gameday with the tickets they’re provided.
“It’s a great way for students and their families to experience college life and see firsthand the gameday spirit of the Thundering Herd,” Williamson said.
The day’s schedule will start with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m. and continue with a Welcome Session in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse, where students will get to hear from the university’s president and leaders from across campus. The Welcome Session will be followed by the Academic and Student Services Showcase held in the campus rec center, which will allow prospective students and their guests to meet with representatives from many of Marshall’s various academic and support programs.… Read More
Marshall University has announced its 2024 Homecoming activities, promising a week filled with nostalgia, camaraderie and spirited festivities for students and alumni alike. The theme this year is “The Marco Games,” which takes a Marshall spin on multi-sport events from a wide range of disciplines providing unity and athletic excellence.
The Homecoming game is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, against Appalachian State University at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
“We are pleased to announce the return of events that our Marshall and Huntington communities look forward to attending,” said Tiffany Hartman, assistant dean of student life. “This year, we’re also introducing new activities for families to enjoy together. Additionally, the Homecoming Court will be bringing awareness and raising funds for nonprofit organizations during Homecoming Week. We invite everyone to join us on Monday, Sept. 30, for the Unity Walk, where we will announce this year’s Homecoming Court and begin a week of celebration and community engagement.”
The Marshall University Alumni Association is eager to welcome back members of the Marshall family, recognizing the vital role alumni play in the university’s continued growth and success.… Read More
Marshall University is pleased to announce two key positions within its Office of Enrollment Services.
Amanda Means has been appointed as the associate vice president of enrollment management, and Cody Call has been named director of financial aid.
In naming the two individuals, Jerry Ross, chief enrollment officer and vice president of enrollment management at Marshall, said Means and Call are outstanding leaders.
“Their many talents will help to strengthen Marshall University and position us for the future,” Ross said. “Both of these individuals stand ready to champion our efforts.”
Means previously led various divisions at Miami University, including admission, enrollment operations, financial aid, strategic enrollment and retention initiatives and Veteran Services. She began her higher education journey at Marshall University, where she worked in housing and residence life and served as a recruitment coordinator.
“I’m thrilled to return to Marshall University where I started my professional career,” Means said. “As a first-generation college student from southern Ohio, my undergraduate experience at Marshall University opened the world up to me, introduced me to mentors and set me on this amazing path that has led me back to this new position. I look forward to joining what is already a strong team, continuing the work to grow and innovate and once again helping students join the Marshall family!”… Read More
The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $21 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE), now entering its 24th year.
Since its inception, WV-INBRE has secured more than $92 million in funding for West Virginia, significantly strengthening the state’s biomedical research infrastructure and capacity. Marshall University serves as the lead institution, collaborating with West Virginia University and 14 other colleges and universities across the state to implement this initiative.
“Advancing biomedical research is essential for fostering innovation in health care and enhancing the health outcomes of our communities,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president of health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University. “A robust research infrastructure allows us to develop solutions to complex diseases, attract and train the next generation of scientists and physicians and foster collaboration across institutions. By investing in this infrastructure, we are empowering our faculty and students to lead groundbreaking research that can shape the future of medicine and address the pressing health challenges of our time.” … Read More
The Marshall University School of Art & Design will present a two-person exhibition featuring Marshall University Fibers Professor Miyuki Akai Cook and Houston-based jewelry-maker Masumi Kataoka. This exhibition will be on view from Oct. 7 through Nov. 7 in the Birke Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Visual Arts Center at 927 3rd Ave. in Huntington.
This exhibition offers a look as traditional craft techniques transcend into fine arts.
“I am hoping to speak to a broad audience, especially children and families,” Cook said. “My message is to reveal valuable animals that are disappearing from Earth because of environmental issues and poaching by transforming them into monster-like creatures – creating a funny monster appearance can bring children’s curiosity, and it can be a conversation starter.”
The opening events for the exhibition will include an artist talk by Kataoka from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, in Room 209 of the Visual Arts Center. Kataoka will discuss her creative process and inspirations behind jewelry-making – a skillset not presently taught at the School of Art & Design. Following the talk, an opening reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Birke Art Gallery, offering an opportunity for further conversation with the artists and to view the exhibition.
Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission to the gallery and associated events is free and open to all.
For additional information or inquiries, contact Gallery Director Courtney Chapman at galleries@marshall.edu… Read More
