The search for Marshall University’s next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs is underway, assisted by executive search consultants Academic Search.
The university’s current provost, Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, has resigned to assume a similar role at Georgia Southern University, effective July 1. Marshall University President Brad. D. Smith recently appointed retiring Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Robert “R.B.” Bookwalter to begin serving as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs on the same date.
A search committee has been named and is seeking insights about the position and the search from students, faculty and staff through an online survey. Academic Search will recruit candidates over the summer and finalists will be invited for on-campus interviews the week of September 22. The university intends to have Marshall’s new provost on board by the start of the Spring 2026 semester.
As chief academic officer at Marshall, the provost reports directly to the president, with the responsibility of advancing the academic mission of the university. The provost provides oversight and guidance for all academic matters, including teaching, learning, research and the student experience.… Read More
Marshall University and Marshall Health Network are proud to bring West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Mountaineer Mile movement to Huntington starting with a community walk on Friday, May 16, at Ritter Park.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Ritter Park Fountain, and the one-mile walk will begin promptly at noon. The first 100 participants will receive a free “Marshall Mile” t-shirt. The walk will be led by the first families of Marshall University, Marshall Health Network and the city of Huntington.
This event marks the local launch of the Mountaineer Mile, a statewide initiative encouraging West Virginians to take the first step toward lasting wellness through simple, daily movement. It also kicks off Marshall University’s Community Cares Week, a celebration of service, health and community spirit.
“To care for others, we must first care for ourselves,” said Marshall University First Lady Alys Smith, who is leading the May 16 event. “This walk is a meaningful first step toward healthier habits — not just for individuals, but for our communities. My hope is that it inspires a renewed focus on personal wellness and encourages participants to build momentum leading up to the Marshall Marathon on November 2.” Read More
Two Marshall University students have been selected to receive the competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which supports U.S. undergraduates in pursuing study abroad experiences.
The award will help fund their international programs this summer.
Anette Silva Licona, a junior transfer student majoring in anthropology, will study in Austria for one month through a program offered by the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). While in Bregenz, she will take courses led by Dr. Robin Riner of Marshall’s faculty and live with a local host family. Her program also includes excursions to cities such as Innsbruck, Munich and Vienna. Licona says the experience will help her explore future opportunities in anthropology and higher education.
Kayla Roberts, a senior majoring in computer information technology with an emphasis in game and simulation development and a minor in Japanese, will travel throughout Japan with KIIS. Her itinerary includes stops in Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, Gifu, Nagoya and Tokyo. Roberts hopes to strengthen her Japanese language skills and cultural understanding, which she believes will support her goals of becoming a software engineer or working in the video game industry.
The Gilman Scholarship, established in 2001 and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has helped more than 44,000 students with financial need study or intern abroad. The program aims to increase access to international experiences and broaden the diversity of students who study in underrepresented countries and regions.… Read More
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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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 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
