Dr. Laura Michele Diener has been named the inaugural Charles. E. Hedrick Professor of History. She will serve a three-year term, beginning in the fall semester of 2024.
The Charles E. Hedrick Professorship in History was endowed by Charles and Mary Jo Hedrick in memory of Charles’s father, Dr. Charles E. Hedrick, who taught history at Marshall from 1918 to 1946 and was a long-serving chair of the department. Charles and Mary Jo Hedrick’s gift supports salary and other activities connected to the endowed professorship. Dr. Greta Rensenbrink, the Department of History’s current chair, calls this gift “monumental.”
“It will have a direct and lasting positive effect on the department and its students,” Rensenbrink said. “We are very grateful to the Hedrick family.”
Diener’s Hedrick Professorship will not only provide support for her research, but will also advance the public history, community and interdisciplinary goals and priorities of the department. The focus of Diener’s Hedrick Professorship will be a multifaceted project exploring the role of the Middle Ages in the modern world. The professorship includes full support for a graduate student, who will work with Diener in creating a book and accompanying website dedicated to Medieval Scandinavia. Diener will also coordinate series of interactive workshops open to Marshall students, high-school students, and other members of the community.… Read More
Student scholarship recipients were honored Saturday at Marshall University during the 2024 Scholarship Honor Brunch, hosted by the Marshall University Foundation. This annual event recognizes those students who are beneficiaries of privately funded scholarships, as well as the donors and families who made the awards possible.
Dr. Ron Area, CEO and senior vice president of development of the Marshall Foundation, delivered a special welcome to more than 400 students and donors who attended the event in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.
“The Scholarship Honor Brunch unites scholarship recipients and donors, underscoring our dedication to enhancing ongoing support for Marshall University and its students,” Area said. “We are steadfast in our mission to broaden educational access for our students and deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, who invest in Marshall through their contributions and active participation in today’s event.”
Bonnie Bailey, director of Marshall’s Student Support Services (SSS) Program, served as the featured speaker. The program, which is federally funded, targets students who are first-generation, the first in their family to complete a four-year degree and are income-eligible.
Senior Amelya Bostic from Grundy, Virginia, served as the student speaker. A communication disorders major slated to graduate at the end of April, Bostic spoke about the positive impact Student Support Services has had on her throughout her time at Marshall.… Read More
Coal River Coffee Company (CRCC), a dedicated community partner of the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network (WVCRN), is set to receive the College Recovery Philanthropist of the Year Award at the 2024 ARHE Conference in San Diego, California.
The Collegiate Recovery Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary efforts to support collegiate recovery.
The award underscores Coal River Coffee Company’s (CRCC) contributions, which have directly contributed to the growth and success of collegiate recovery initiatives in the state of West Virginia. The WVCRN is housed in the Marshall University Research Corporation at Marshall University, under the direction of Susie Mullens with support from the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery.
“Our mission at CRCC is roast coffee and brew community,” said Michael and Rachel Ervin, owners of CRCC. “Our partnership with WVCRN allows us to accomplish this mission through roasting and selling coffee. Customers can enjoy incredible coffee while also making a difference in the world. We are humbled to receive The Collegiate Recovery Philanthropist of the Year Award.”
Coal River Coffee Company has been a key ally of the WVCRN, actively promoting and raising contributions for the WVCRN scholarship fund. These scholarships play a crucial role in providing financial support to students in recovery, enabling them to pursue their educational and career aspirations with greater ease and confidence.… Read More
Marshall University officials announced today that Dr. Henry Collier has been named the inaugural executive director of the Institute for Cyber Security at the university.
Marshall Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee said the university benefited from a strong applicant pool, with individuals eager to direct Marshall’s future opportunities in cyber security.
“The search committee narrowed this pipeline of interested applicants to five semifinalists who were invited to airport interviews in Columbus,” Mukherjee said. “We emerged from that process with strong alignment on three finalists who were invited for on-campus interviews over the past few weeks. Each campus finalist had a campus-wide presentation and Q&A session, along with the opportunity to meet with the faculty, staff, students and administration. We also had the benefit of watching the recorded video of the public forum and reviewing the feedback surveys and ratings from all stakeholders. While each finalist proved to be uniquely qualified, Dr. Collier emerged as being the most qualified candidate to steward Marshall’s excellence in cyber security.”
Collier is currently the director of technology programs at Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. He leads and manages the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, the Master of Science in Information Systems, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems programs. His areas of research include artificial intelligence, networking, and the human firewall.… Read More
Marshall University faculty were recognized today during the university’s spring general faculty meeting in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on the Huntington campus.
Three people were given the Distinguished Service Awards. Two qualify for Distinguished Service Awards, individuals must have at least 20 years of service at Marshall University, a record of distinguished service to the university and/or college and a record of distinguished teaching as evidenced by peer, administrative and/or student evaluations. The Distinguished Service Award winners will receive $1,000. They are:
Dr. Keith Beard, professor of psychology, College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Wendell Dobbs, professor of music, College of Arts & Media
Dr. Kelli Williams, professor of dietetics, College of Health Professions
Also recognized at the meeting were the following individuals who were honored with six separate awards. They are:… Read More
Marshall University senior chemistry major Peregrine “Perin” Schray has been named Outstanding New Supplemental Instruction Leader by the International Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Schray is the supplemental instruction (SI) leader for Chemistry 205 at Marshall, a class that covers general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry and serves health science students. SI occurs in regularly scheduled, twice-a-week voluntary sessions outside of class, reviewing class material and providing instructions on helpful learning techniques. The SI program is one of the flagship programs supported by Marshall’s Center for Student Success.
“We are very proud of Perin and the great work he is doing at Marshall,” said Dr. Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His commitment to the success of his fellow students underscores the importance of peer mentorship at Marshall and promotes a sense of community and support among peers, creating a collaborative learning environment for learning and growth. Marshall’s innovative approach to student success through the four-pronged mentorship approach is facilitated by Perin and our nationally recognized supplemental instruction program.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” Schray said. “Being a supplemental instruction leader has been a highlight of my time at Marshall. I am so grateful to the chemistry department, the Center for Student Success and my fellow SI Leaders. I would also like to thank my current and former SI students: you all are amazing, hardworking, incredibly kind, and super smart.”… Read More
Aaron Blankenship, West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network (WVCRN) team member and peer recovery support specialist at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will be honored with the ARHE Cornerstone Award for Student Support at the 2024 Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) National Collegiate Recovery Conference in San Diego, California, this summer. The award honors an individual or organization who has gone above and beyond to support students in recovery.
The Cornerstone Award recognizes and celebrates the core of what the field is about: supporting students in recovery.
The WVCRN is housed in the Marshall University Research Corporation at Marshall University under the direction of Susie Mullens with support from the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery.
“Through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Aaron Blankenship exemplifies the essence of the ARHE Cornerstone Award for Student Support,” said Dr. Pamela Alderman, president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “His commitment to going above and beyond in supporting students in recovery transforms lives and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our community. We celebrate Aaron’s profound impact and recognize him as a cornerstone of support for those navigating the recovery journey.”… Read More
Marshall University today announced the appointment of Lewis (Dan) D’Antoni as ambassador and advisor in support of advancing its visionary strategy — Marshall For All, Marshall Forever — a roadmap that aims to level the playing field of opportunity for all who have the aspiration and grit to try.
In making the announcement, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith said there are few in Marshall history who epitomize the phrase — Marshall for All, Marshall Forever — like Dan D’Antoni.
“His journey has showcased the arc of possibility and achievement, while dedicating his life to the success of the next generation and Marshall University, ” Smith said. “After years of contribution to the Marshall Men’s Basketball program – from player to head coach – Dan is now transitioning into a new role as a Marshall ambassador and advisor.”
In this position, D’Antoni will collaborate closely with Marshall’s president to inspire the next generation of high school students to dream big and choose Marshall as their gateway to prosperity. His efforts will include supporting the highly successful “Run with the Herd” initiative to champion the Marshall story across West Virginia and throughout Appalachia. In addition, he will be engaged with potential and longstanding donors to advance the university’s aspirations.… Read More
The Marshall University Board of Governors today approved a $345 million budget for the next fiscal year, including a nominal increase in tuition and fees, and plans to increase employee salaries.
Approval was given for an overall 2.5% increase to in-state undergraduate and graduate fee rates, as was a three percent increase in housing and dining rates. The increase equals about $220 more a year for undergraduate students and $230 more annually for resident graduate students. Tuition and fee rates for non-resident, international and metro undergraduate and graduate students will stay flat.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith said the university remains dedicated to its enduring financial principles.
“We are grounded in our principle to grow students and not fees, so the tuition and fees increase that was approved today is very modest, below current inflation,” Smith said. “And in support of the principle to invest in our team, we are awarding the state funds for a pay increase. Every employee will get a $1,000 lump sum payment and a one percent base salary increase.”
Additionally, Smith said that a market equity study has been concluded. As a result, $1 million, sourced by the university’s “Save to Serve” program, will be allocated to employees who deviate furthest from market norms. … Read More
Marshall University officials, faculty, staff and students celebrated Wednesday afternoon the official dedication of the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation, located at 1425 4th Ave. in Huntington.
The new facility housing the Lewis College of Business, Brad D. Smith Schools of Business is about 78,000 square feet and features some of the latest technology to educate 21st Century business students and serve the business community, including a 360-seat auditorium with the latest technology, a finance lab that will house 12 Bloomberg terminals, a computer lab, and nine classrooms with ThinkHub Education technology that includes an instructor station and student stations that can work both collaboratively and independently.
“The Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation was necessary to overhaul Marshall’s business education, emphasizing teamwork, innovation and local economic integration,” said Marshall Provost Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, former dean of the Lewis College of Business. “This new facility serves as a nucleus for this transformation, providing Marshall students with cutting-edge resources, technology, and collaborative spaces vital for success in today’s business landscape. For faculty, it offers an environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaboration, research advancements, and fostering a culture of excellence, thereby enhancing their ability to deliver top-tier education.”… Read More
Marshall University’s School of Theatre and Dance will present the Neil Simon play “Brighton Beach Memoirs” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, through Saturday, April 13, in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.
The play is a coming-of-age comedy about Eugene Morris Jerome, a Jewish teenager growing up in Brooklyn, New York, in 1937 and is the first in a trilogy of Simon’s plays that also includes “Biloxi Blues” and “Broadway Bound.”
“It’s a show that speaks to anyone who remembers what it’s like to come of age at the onset of extraordinary times and how family bonds last a lifetime,” said Samuel Kincaid, box office and public relations manager for the School of Theatre and Dance.
The play is directed by Marshall University School of Theatre alumnus T. Michael Murdock, who is also the co-founder and artistic director of The Alchemy Theatre in Huntington. The play stars George Kinley as Eugene; Camden Gleason as Stanley; Jimi Lawson as Jack; Samantha Phalen as Kate; Nikki Riniti as Blanche; Eliza Aulick as Nora and Kate Kennedy as Laurie.
Tickets are available at the door and by contacting 304-696-ARTS. They are free for Marshall students with a valid MU ID. They are $22 general admission and $15 for seniors aged 60 and older and Marshall employees. The production is sponsored by the School of Theatre and Dance in the College of Arts and Media.
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Marshall University officials are pleased to announce that Chris Gardner, acclaimed American businessman, motivational speaker and author will serve as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024.
The commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, April 27, at the Marshall Health Arena in Huntington.
Gardner’s remarkable journey from homelessness to success has inspired millions around the globe. As the founder and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC, he has demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination and compassion throughout his career. His bestselling autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” was made into a movie starring Will Smith in 2006.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith expressed his excitement about Gardner’s selection as the commencement speaker.
“Chris Gardner embodies the spirit of Marshall University. His personal story, professional accomplishments, grace, and compassion resonate deeply with our mission to educate students, many of whom are from overlooked and underserved communities,” Smith said. “Marshall University is proud to celebrate individuals who, like Chris, have overcome adversity to achieve extraordinary success.”
The commencement ceremonies are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., allowing graduates, families and friends to join in the celebration of the significant milestone. All guests should be aware of the following when planning to attend the events.
Parking … Read More
