Marshall University Alumni Association to host 85th Alumni Awards Banquet on April 13

Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) are set to host the 85th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner and awards at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.

The Marshall University Alumni Awards Banquet recognizes outstanding alumni, university supporters and students during an evening of celebration and reverence of the great things being accomplished by the Marshall University alumni community.

“We are thrilled to recognize a few special members of our Marshall family at this year’s awards banquet,” said Matt James, executive director of alumni relations. “Each of our honorees represents the grit, determination and success often attributed to Marshall alumni and I’m honored by the opportunity to celebrate each of their achievements and service to our alma mater.”

Highlighting the list of more than a dozen honorees at the 2024 awards banquet are Dr. James M. Lester as the recipient of the Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus award. Joel M. “Woody” Woodrum has been selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award. Holly Mount has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Community Achievement award, and Kyle D. Powers will receive the Distinguished Young Alumnus award.… Read More

Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College partner to create smooth transition for   two-year graduates

Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College (CTC) today announced a significant partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and bolstering West Virginia’s workforce for the demands of the 21st century economy.

The affiliation agreement eases the process for students graduating with associate degrees, offering them a clear pathway to continue their education at Marshall University, while simultaneously providing the framework for more collaboration between specific programs at the two institutions. The initiative is part of Marshall’s broader effort to update agreements with CTCs across the state, reinforcing its commitment to educational accessibility and workforce development.

“Today marks a significant milestone for both institutions, as we unite to empower students and boost the skills of our West Virginia workforce,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “Our mutual commitment is aimed at dismantling educational barriers for all residents of our great state and prepping a workforce to meet the needs of a complex economy.”

Dr. Josh Baker, president of Mountwest, said the new affiliation agreement provides the groundwork for program-to-program agreements to be built.

“There has never been a better time to be a college student,” Baker said. “New pathways make college more relevant for working adults. Our relationship with Marshall will help associate degree graduates advance their education and careers. This is a big win for students.”… Read More

Partial closings on Marshall University campuses

Due to inclement weather, portions of Marshall University’s campuses are closed today, Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

The Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation and the South Charleston campus are closed. They will reopen tomorrow.

Some other campus offices may be closed due to power outages. Employees and students should check their email and the university website for detailed information regarding potential weather-related closures.… Read More

Marshall University officially approves hiring of new head men’s basketball coach

The Marshall University Board of Governors unanimously approved a resolution today during a special session authorizing President Brad D. Smith to officially hire Cornelius “Corny” Jackson to serve as the next Marshall University Men’s Basketball Coach.

The Oak Hill, West Virginia, native becomes the team’s 30th coach.

President Brad D. Smith said, when reviewing long-term plans for the team with Coach Dan D’Antoni, the coach personally recommended Jackson to fill the position when the time came for a leadership change.

“Let me begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Danny D’Antoni, a beloved figure and true ambassador for Marshall University,” Smith said. “Danny’s longstanding history with our institution–first  as a student athlete, followed by successful careers coaching at the high school and professional levels, then returning to coach his alma mater’s team for ten years speaks for itself.

“The decision to not renew his contract was very difficult, but this decision was made somewhat easier thanks to Coach working with Christian (Spears) and me last year to name Corny Jackson as a coach in waiting.”

Smith said that great coaches do more than build a team. They build a program like what D’Antoni did. Smith went on to say that the internal succession architecture is the reason that a national search did not need to be conducted.Read More

Marshall Health Network offers breakthrough minimally-invasive treatment for patients with heart valve leakage

The MitraClip™ procedure is now available at Marshall Health Network to treat individuals suffering from mitral valve regurgitation. The FDA-approved, minimally-invasive procedure addresses valve leakage and improves overall cardiac function.

Marshall Health interventional cardiologist and structural heart specialist Salem Badr, M.D., an assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, performed the first MitraClip procedure at St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute in February followed by the Institute’s second MitraClip procedure in March.

“This is a groundbreaking advancement in cardiology,” Badr said. “This procedure, for a select group of patients, offers a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery and allows patients to experience faster recovery times and improved quality of life.”

The MitraClip procedure, also known as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), utilizes a small device called the MitraClip to effectively stop leaking in the mitral valve. The device is placed on the mitral valve using a minimally-invasive approach with a flexible, hollow tube known as a catheter. By grasping and clipping together the leaflets of the mitral valve, the MitraClip reduces regurgitation, allowing the valve to function more effectively and improving overall heart health.… Read More

Marshall University announces plans for Community Cares Week; invites alumni and supporters to campus

Marshall University is preparing to welcome hundreds of volunteers to its campuses for its annual Community Cares Week: Giving Back to the Herd. All members of the #MarshallUFamily, including alumni, community members, students, faculty and staff, are invited to volunteer their time and effort to help make Marshall shine. The sweat equity event is slated for May 14-17.

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith says the event is about coming together for a common cause, the beautification and betterment of the university that so many hold dear.

“For the past two years, our campus and community have joined together to donate time and talents,” said Smith. “I am amazed and humbled at the response to this sweat equity event, which binds the Marshall family together and allows us all to work together and give time toward completing projects across our campus and in many other communities.”

In 2023, the number of volunteers surpassed the event’s inaugural year by more than 60% with a total of 724 people who pre-registered or walked up to volunteer, working 1,955 service hours. Additionally, there were approximately 100 staff members working anywhere from one shift to all nine leading projects, as well as a dozen staff or cabinet members serving lunches and drawing raffle prizes each day.

Members of the public are invited and welcome to volunteer. Those who serve will receive a t-shirt, enjoy a free lunch on the day they serve and be entered to win door prizes.… Read More

Marshall University Physician Assistant program to host open house April 5

The Physician Assistant (PA) program at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine will host an open house for prospective students from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Robert W. Coon Education Building at 1542 Spring Valley Drive, Huntington, on the campus of the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center.

Students interested in applying, as well as individuals considering a physician assistant career path, are invited to learn more about the program, meet with current students, tour the facilities and practice hands-on clinical skills.

Upon successful completion of the 28-month program, students are awarded a Master of Medical Science degree. The program was established in 2018.

To learn more, visit jcesom.marshall.edu/students/physician-assistant-program/ or call 304-696-6035. For news and information about the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, like us on Facebook or visit jcesom.marshall.edu.

#… Read More

Marshall art gallery director curates exhibition at NCECA National Conference

Courtney Chapman, gallery director at Marshall University’s School of Art & Design, curated a ceramics exhibition entitled “Machina Minutiae” for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) during the council’s 2024 National Conference, Coalescence, March 20-23 in Richmond, Virginia.

The exhibition features the work of Frederick Bartolovic, Jamey Biggs, Mike Bowen, Chris Dufala, Steven Montgomery, Taekyeom Lee, KwokPong Tso, Shalene Valenzuela, Brant Weiland, as well as Marshall ceramics students, including Noah Chapman, Sophie Leffew, Oliver Lovejoy, Lily Narraway, Josh Perry, Zoë Peterman, Alexa Preston and Lea Teasdale.

Works in this exhibition range from static sculptures to multi-functional vessels, created by artists who are imitating or referencing materials and processes that are not always conducive to clay, Chapman said.

“The artists featured find inspiration in man-made – or more often, machine-made – metals, gears, knobs, and plastic bits in all sheens and patinas,” she said. “Whether having used the objects conveyed as an extension of ourselves or feeling a hazy nostalgia for the automations and tools of by-gone eras, in this grouping of artworks, we are able to recognize a certain coalescence between man and machine while reflecting on our own experiences – our own labor.”… Read More

Optimizing electronic health records

In a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine identify transformative effects of electronic health record (EHR) optimization on departmental productivity. With the universal implementation of EHR systems, the study sheds light on the importance of collaborative efforts between clinicians and information technology (IT) experts in maximizing the potential of these digital tools. 

The study, led by a team of health care professionals in a family medicine department, embarked on a department-wide EHR optimization initiative in collaboration with IT specialists over a four-month period. Unlike previous efforts that primarily focused on institutional-level successes, this study delved deep into the intricacies of EHR interface development and its impact on clinical workflow. 

“There has been a longstanding disconnect between EHR developers and end-users, resulting in interfaces that often fail to capture the intricacies of clinical workflows,” said Adam M. Franks, M.D., interim chair of family and community health at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and lead researcher on the study. “Our study aimed to bridge this gap and demonstrate the tangible benefits of collaborative optimization efforts.” 

The methodology involved an intensive quality improvement process engaging clinicians and clinical staff at all levels. Four categories of optimizations emerged: accommodations (adjustments made by the department to fit EHR workflows); creations (novel workflows developed by IT); discoveries (previously unnoticed workflows within the EHR); and modifications (changes made byRead More

Marshall University announces launch of new E-Bike share program: Rolling Thunder Bike Share

Marshall University is excited to announce the launch of an innovative new transportation option for its campus community – the Rolling Thunder Bike Share program.

In partnership with Charleston Mobility, a leading mobility solutions provider based in Charleston, South Carolina, the university will welcome a fleet of 60 cutting-edge e-bikes and six rental hubs to campus at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 27.

The bike share program marks a significant step forward in enhancing campus mobility – while also supporting sustainable travel options.

“We’re excited to launch the new Rolling Thunder Bike Share for Marshall’s students, faculty, and staff,” said Amy Parsons-White, sustainability manager at Marshall University. “The bike share will offer free alternative transportation to those needing to get around campus or downtown.”

To celebrate the launch, representatives from Charleston Mobility will be on campus to introduce the new program to students. The event will feature giveaways, prizes, important safety information, and specifics on how the free bike rental program will work.

The introduction of the bike share program builds on the success of previous bike share initiatives at Marshall.

Parsons-White said given the popularity of past programs, the university anticipates that the new option will be a welcomed addition to campus – especially considering that, unlike the previous program, these bikes are entirely powered by electricity.

WHO:  Marshall University and Charleston Mobility

WHAT:  Announcement of new e-bike program

WHEN:  3 p.m., Wednesday, March 27

WHERE:  Memorial Student Center Plaza

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About Charleston Mobility

Charleston Mobility, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina,… Read More

Marshall pathway programs offer students glimpse of medical school life

Free summer pathway programs at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine help high school and undergraduate students decide if a career in medicine is right for them and prepare them for application to medical school. 

A Virtual Summer Academy is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 14 for undergraduate students who are interested in applying to medical school. Topics will include interviewing skills, maximizing study skills, admissions tips from admission committee members and staff and advice from current medical students.  

“The Virtual Academy is a great opportunity for college students who are just starting their academic careers as well as students who are farther along and planning to apply to medical school this summer,” said Jennifer Plymale, director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health and associate dean for admissions at the School of Medicine.  

The one-day academy is open to West Virginia residents and out-of-state students currently enrolled in a West Virginia public or private accredited college or university. Students must have completed at least 30 college credit hours to participate. Register now through May 6.… Read More

New study investigates impact of maternal PCOS on biomarkers and metabolic factors in young adolescents

A new study at Marshall University led by Jennie Yoost, M.D., M.Sc., aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its potential impact on biomarkers and metabolic factors in young adolescent girls.

PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Yoost, an associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the only fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologist in West Virginia, has teamed with Holly Cyphert, Ph.D., associate professor of Biological Sciences in Marshall’s College of Science, to determine how maternal PCOS may influence the metabolic health of young girls during puberty.

Yoost emphasized the challenges of diagnosing PCOS during adolescence, citing the complexity of hormonal and metabolic changes.

“While acknowledging a potential hereditary connection in some families, the exact onset of PCOS remains unclear,” Yoost said. “Through this study, we aim to assess young girls with a first-degree family history of PCOS in order to help guide future diagnoses and monitoring of this at-risk population.”… Read More