Marshall to host summer science camps

Marshall University’s College of Science will again be offering summer science camps for students in kindergarten through fifth grade in June and July.

Summer Camps for children in grades kindergarten through second grade are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and camps for children in third through fifth grades are from 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $145 per camp, or $120 for children of Marshall students and employees. A $50 discount is offered to those who sign up for all four camps:

Registration is here.

The schedule is as follows:

Village Quest Camp – June 16-20

Whether crafting amazing structures, exploring exciting new worlds or teaming up for exciting challenges, there’s something for everyone at this camp, which is perfect for young Minecraft fans who want to learn new skills, make new friends and unleash their imagination in the blocky universe of Minecraft.

Explorers Camp – June 23-27

This hands-on camp invites young explorers to dive into the wonders of science through fun experiments and discoveries. From uncovering the mysteries of biology to exploring the magic of chemistry and physics, children will ignite their curiosity and creativity. Perfect for kids who love to ask questions, get their hands dirty and explore the world of science

Fins, Fur & Feathers Camp – July 14-18… Read More

Marshall University announces admissions agreements with Putnam and Wayne County Schools systems

Marshall University is excited to announce its partnership with Putnam County Schools and Wayne County Schools to simplify the college admissions process for seniors.

Building on a program already in place with several other counties, Marshall University will automatically accept any senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with no admissions application required. The program eliminates the traditional application process, providing a seamless and stress-free transition for students pursuing a four-year degree.

“We are thrilled to expand this direct admission policy to students in Putnam and Wayne counties,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “By eliminating unnecessary barriers, we enable talented scholars to focus on their passions and reach their full potential, knowing that their hard work and dedication will guide them every step of the way.”

Both Putnam and Wayne County officials say the new streamlined system is a welcome process.

“Our students are capable of incredible things, and we are always looking for ways to support their dreams,” said John Hudson, Putnam County Schools superintendent. “We are committed to opening doors of opportunity for every student. This new direct admission partnership with Marshall University removes obstacles and empowers our seniors to take the next step in their educational journeys with confidence. We are grateful to Marshall University for their vision and for making college access more seamless and achievable for our students.”

Wayne County Schools Superintendent Todd Alexander said the agreement will open doors and eliminate barriers for students.… Read More

Marshall School of Pharmacy Academic Partner Appreciation and Future Pharmacists open house planned for May 19

Marshall University School of Pharmacy will host its inaugural Academic Partner Appreciation and Future Pharmacists open house from 2 till 5 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Stephen J. Kopp Hall on Marshall’s Health Sciences Campus.

The event is open to any current high school or undergraduate college students interested in pharmacy; high school teachers, counselors and pre-health profession instructors; undergraduate professors, advisors and pre-pharmacy organization representatives.

The afternoon will feature a presentation highlighting academic programs, admissions pathways and what it’s like to be a student at the School of Pharmacy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Marshall’s innovative approach to pharmacy education through a tour of its state-of-the-art facilities, including flipped classrooms and collaborative learning spaces.

Academic partners will be recognized for their ongoing support, receive resources to help guide future pharmacists and be honored with a special thank-you gift.

All attendees will receive Marshall School of Pharmacy swag and informational packets. Read More

Marshall University appoints Dr. Rohan Christie-David as dean of the Lewis College of Business

Marshall University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Rohan Christie-David as the new dean of the Lewis College of Business, effective Aug. 4.

President Brad D. Smith said Christie-David brings with him an exceptional record of academic leadership, scholarly achievement and a deep commitment to student success.

“This was an extensive and thoughtful search process for a critical leadership role,” Smith said.  “I’m deeply grateful to the search committee, under the direction of Dean Dr. Dave Dampier, dean of our College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, as well as our provost and senior vice president for academic affairs Dr. Avi Mukherjee, for their dedication to the selection process. I’m also grateful for those across our campus who participated in the on-campus interviews and surveys that helped guide the selection of Dr. Christie-David. Their engagement was instrumental in choosing a leader who will elevate our College of Business to new heights.”

Mukherjee said the university’s brand and future opportunities led to a very strong applicant pool that ultimately led to the selection of Christie-David.

“He brings a strong vision for academic excellence, a deep commitment to student success, and a proven record of leadership,” Mukherjee said. “I am confident that under their guidance, the college will continue to thrive and expand its impact locally, nationally, and globally.”… Read More

Marshall to host group exhibition with Huntington Artist Collective & Studios

Marshall University’s School of Art & Design will present “Friends in Low Places,” a group exhibition organized with the Huntington Artist Collective & Studios (HACkS).

It will be on view at the Birke Art Gallery from May 16 through June 20, with a closing reception planned for 5 to 8 p.m. June 20. The reception will be held June 20 in conjunction with the June Downtown Huntington Art Walk.

“Friends in Low Places” takes a fresh look at long-standing divisions in the art world by featuring work that exists outside the traditional boundaries of “high art.” With a focus on creativity, experimentation and a broad range of artistic styles, the exhibition reflects the energy and personality of HACkS, as well as a variety of influences, including counterculture, kitsch and unconventional approaches to art-making.

According to HACkS, “The line between high and low has become blurred. Now more than ever, the rich appropriate the poor, the poor imitate the rich, and amidst the muddied waters, lowbrow art starts showing up in high places.”

HACkS operates as a collective with studios and event space located on the 5th and 6th floors of the West Virginia building in downtown Huntington. Working with local artists, including graduates from Marshall’s School of Art & Design, the group’s mission emphasizes a creative environment centered on collaboration, resource-sharing and inclusivity.… Read More

Marshall celebrates young writers with annual contest

The Central West Virginia Writing Project has joined with the West Virginia Department of Education, the University of Charleston and Marshall University’s June Harless Center in hosting the West Virginia Young Writers Contest, celebrating talented writers in elementary school through high school throughout the state.

The contest was founded in 1984 as part of a commitment to writing in all subjects, as well as publishing, displaying and celebrating students’ writing. Students in first through 12th grade were invited to submit entries in fiction, nonfiction, narrative, memoir or essay. First-place winners in each county advanced to a state-level competition.

Statewide and county winners were recognized at Young Writers Day May 2 and given the opportunity to participate in workshops with local published West Virginia authors.

They were selected by a panel of certified West Virginia teachers, who scored entries based on traits of effective writing such as ideas, organization, voice, word choice and writing conventions. All winners also demonstrated exceptional creativity and mastered the art of storytelling.… Read More

MAMC, W.Va. Department of Education launch statewide pre-apprenticeship program

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) today announced a statewide partnership to create new pre-apprenticeship opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for Mountain State industries.

Through the WVDE’s Classroom2Careers initiative, MAMC will align manufacturing trade programs at the state’s career technical education (CTE) centers with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pre-apprenticeship standards. Approximately 2,000 students across West Virginia will be eligible to earn pre-apprenticeship credit, giving them direct access to employment opportunities with companies that offer registered apprenticeships through MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works.

“Through this collaboration with Marshall Advanced Manufacturing, our students will gain early, hands-on experience in the field — helping them to build confidence, sharpen skills and see what it truly means to build a career,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “These students are learning real-world skills that employers are actively seeking. These are the skills that open doors and create opportunity.”

“This pre-apprenticeship initiative is a major step forward for workforce development in West Virginia,” said MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. “By connecting education and industry in a meaningful way, we’re helping to ensure that our students have clear pathways to rewarding careers — and that our companies have access to the homegrown talent they need to compete and grow.”

Students who complete the pre-apprenticeship program will benefit from a streamlined pathway into full apprenticeships, shortening the time it takes to earn journeyworker certifications.… Read More

Marshall University announces Top Scholars in Honors College

Marshall University is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of Top Scholars in the Honors College, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to academic excellence. For the first time, the cohort includes recipients of all named scholarships within the Honors College: the Yeager, Hedrick, Hodges, and 1837 Scholars.

This year, 17 exceptional students have been awarded these honors, showcasing their dedication, talent and academic achievements.

Incoming Yeager Scholars:

· Walker Fowble, Vinton, Ohio, Oak Hill High School

· Amin Gozal, Columbia, Missouri, Muriel Williams Battle High School

· Zoe Hughes, Hampton, Virginia, Peninsula Catholic High School

· Alycen Hurst, Russell, Kentucky, Russell High School

· Claire Johnson, Huntington, West Virginia, Huntington High School

· Isabella Jones, Panama City Beach, Florida, J.R. Arnold High School

· Katie McCutcheon, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Point Pleasant High School

· Addison Poling, Hurricane, West Virginia, Hurricane High School

· Aadi Rautela, Winfield, West Virginia, Winfield High School

· Anna Toledo, Nitro, West Virginia, Nitro High School

Incoming Hedrick Scholars:

· Matthew Sevilla, Hurricane, West Virginia, Hurricane High School

· Telina Williams, South Charleston, West Virginia, Charleston Catholic High School

Incoming Hodges Scholars:

· Cameron Simmons, Barboursville, West Virginia, Cabell Midland High School

Incoming 1837 Scholars:

· Madeline Best, Little Hocking, Ohio, Warren High School

· Landon DeLille, Thurman, Ohio, River Valley High School

· Becky McGivern, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, Washington High School

· Sydnie Wolfe, Chapmanville, West Virginia, Chapmanville Regional High School… Read More

Marshall to host “Safety for All” conference connecting national safety experts and innovators

Marshall University’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Program Advisory Board, will host a “Safety for All” conference from April 30 – May 1 in Huntington. The event will bring together safety professionals, industry leaders and students to explore the evolving landscape of occupational health and safety.

The event features a full day of expert-led sessions from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall. The conference will focus on timely and impactful topics, including OSHA compliance, suspension trauma and mental health in the workplace. A golf outing and welcome reception will precede the conference on April 30 at Creekside Golf Course in Lavalette and the Brad D. Smith Business Center, respectively. The golf tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon, with all proceeds benefitting student scholarships in the Occupational Safety and Health Program at Marshall. The pre-conference reception will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m., offering an opportunity for early networking in a casual setting.

Designed to spark dialogue and inspire collaboration, the conference will offer attendees the opportunity to network with professionals from across the country and engage with some of the field’s most forward-thinking leaders.

James McIntosh, chair of Marshall’s Weisberg Department of Mechanical Engineering, says the goal is to build and sustain a culture of safety that meets the complex challenges of today’s workplaces.… Read More

Marshall University and AD Spears mutually agree to part ways

Marshall University and Athletic Director Christian Spears announce their mutual agreement that Spears’ contract will not be renewed.

During his tenure at Marshall, Spears oversaw a tremendous period of program growth and athletic achievement. Highlights include the opening of Jack Cook Baseball Field, Sun Belt Conference Championships in Football, Men’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball, and notable academic success – culminating in a collective 3.36 GPA for student athletes in Fall 2024.

“We are grateful for Christian’s passionate leadership and substantial contributions to Marshall Athletics,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “From championship seasons to key facility upgrades, Christian is leaving the athletic department in a strong position. We wish him continued success in his next venture.”

Reflecting on his time at Marshall, Spears shared, “It has been my honor to serve this incredible university. I am proud of the victories we’ve earned, both on the field and in the classroom. My family and I cherish the friendships we have made here and are grateful for having been a part of such a remarkably special place. I continue to support Marshall Athletics and look forward to hearing of its future success.”

The university will immediately begin a national search for its next Athletic Director, while Spears will continue to serve in his role during the transition.… Read More

Marshall’s Herd Academy expands to South Charleston campus for Fall 2025; open house set for May 15

Marshall University’s Herd Academy is expanding opportunities for high school students in the Kanawha Valley. Beginning in fall 2025, students in Kanawha County will have the chance to take college-level classes at Marshall’s South Charleston campus.

The expansion builds on the success of Herd Academy’s current programs, which offer high school students an early start on earning college credits. The South Charleston campus will serve as a new location for classes designed specifically for high school participants, creating greater access for students in the region.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Kanawha County Schools and also expand offerings to students in the Kanawha Valley Area,” said Michelle Biggs, Herd Academy director. “The South Charleston campus is an amazing facility, and we would love to see this program grow to offer more classes to our area high school students.”

The Herd Academy will host an open house event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at Marshall’s South Charleston campus. High school students and their families are encouraged to attend to meet faculty and staff, tour the facilities, and learn more about enrollment, course options and program benefits. Students can register to attend the event by visiting the Herd Academy Registration Link. Read More

Marshall University students win national volunteer awards

Marshall University students Sarah Talkington and Valec Spencer have become the first in the university’s history to receive the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a national honor recognizing exceptional commitment to community service.

The awards, presented during Marshall’s 2025 Leadership Awards ceremony, recognize student leaders and volunteers for their efforts to serve both the campus and broader communities. The PVSA was established by President George W. Bush and honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding civic engagement through volunteerism. The award is based on the number of service hours completed over a 12 month period. Bronze, silver and gold levels recognize increasing tiers of service.

Sarah Talkington earned a bronze PVSA through service with organizations including the Barboursville Public Library, Southwestern West Virginia Chinese Association, Marshall University and the Chinese Student & Scholars Association.

Valec Spencer earned both a bronze and silver PVSA by volunteering with the Huntington Children’s Museum, Drinko Library, HerdCON and Marshall’s Student Center facilities team and by participating in Huntington street clean-up and beautification efforts.… Read More