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 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 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
Marshall University’s 41st Annual Staff Recognition Luncheon is scheduled for noon till 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, in the Don Morris Room in the Memorial Student Center on the Huntington Campus. In addition to the service awards, the John Marshall Employee of the Year will be named. RSVPs will be accepted until May 1 at Staff Recognition and Service Awards Luncheon 2025 – Classified Staff Council.
The following is the list of university staff members who will receive awards:
2024-2025
For 10 Years of Service: Diana Adams, Andrea Adkins, Brandi Anders, Kyle Arthur, Kody Baumann, Travis Edmonds, Bruce Felder, Brandi Jacob-Jones, David Lester, Christopher Lapole, Cassandra Mills, James Nicks, Amanda Preece, Elizabeth Ramsey, Libby Rayment, Teresia Saulton, Kelly Sowards, John Taylor, Sarah Ulrich, and Brandi Waiters.
For 15 Years of Service: Ben Childers, Rebekah Duke, Bob Glasser, John Hall, Lisa Martin, Lisa Maynard, Mitzi Meade, Carl Mummert, Wes Spradlin, Lorna Varney, Tony Wallace, and Teresa Wellman.
For 20 Years of Service: Jason Bays, Johnny Bradley, Dyanna Collins, Ivory Damron, Amy Marie Davis, Jennifer Jimison, Sam Kincaid, Scott Morehouse, Kelli Price, Julia Schreiber, Erica Thomas, and Russell Tomblin.
For 25 Years of Service: Scott Ballou, Tara Hensley, Peggy Hovatter, Carol Hurula, Anita Mathis, Tammy Reynolds, and Mary Waller.
For 30 Years of Service: Kevin Bannon, Jean Ann Bevans, Elizabeth Hanrahan, Babette Napier, Jan Parker, Alice Roberts, Denise Smith, Jeff Tomblin, Bob Walker, and Lance West.… Read More
Marshall University’s Dr. Rachael Peckham, a member of the university’s Department of English, has been named the 2024 Professor of the Year by the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia.
Peckham was presented with the award during an event on April 17 in Charleston. She was one of five finalists for the recognition that included professors from Glenville State University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Shepherd University and West Virginia University.
“There is not a day goes by that I don’t count myself lucky to be a part of the Marshall family,” Peckham said during the awards ceremony. “The abundance of teaching awards, fellowships, grants and opportunities for collaboration at Marshall continually remind me of my good fortune, to be teaching at a university that so clearly values the work of its faculty — and for good reason; there is so much talent here. I am a better teacher for working alongside colleagues I admire and feel inspired by every day.
“But it’s the students, more than anything, that bring me purpose and joy. I get to know them personally through their autobiographical writing, so to watch them grow and thrive, not just as writers but as people, brings meaning and power to every day.” … Read More
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert “R.B.” Bookwalter as interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, effective July 1. This appointment follows the departure of Dr. Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, who will assume the role of executive vice president and provost at Georgia Southern University on the same date.
Bookwalter has been a dedicated member of the Marshall University community since 1987, serving as a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies. He held the role of coordinator of CMM 103 for 15 years and served as department chair from 2008 to 2010. His scholarly interests include conflict management, interpersonal communication, group process and leadership, and language and discourse analysis.
In June 2010, Bookwalter was appointed interim dean of the College of Education. He served as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 2013 and was named dean of the College of Liberal Arts in June 2014. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in advancing the college’s academic programs and fostering a student-first philosophy.
In addition to his daily responsibilities, RB has been leading a campus-wide effort to refresh and reimagine the university’s Gen-Ed program and continues to serve as the sponsor of the John Marshall Fellows Program, strengthening the leadership growth and development of high performers across the campus community.… Read More
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. The nationwide event provides a safe, convenient and responsible way for individuals to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications, helping to prevent drug misuse and environmental contamination.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, Huntington Police Department and Marshall University School of Pharmacy are partnering with the Prevention Empowerment Partnership (PEP), to host three collection sites in Cabell County where community members can safely dispose of medications:
· Drug Emporium – 3 Mall Road, Barboursville, West Virginia 25504
· Cabell County QRT – 1133 20th St., Huntington, West Virginia 25703
· Huntington Police Department – 675 10th St., Huntington, West Virginia 25701
Organizers encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring in any unused or expired medications for safe disposal. The service is free and anonymous — no questions asked. PEP is housed in the Marshall University Research Corporation.
By participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, individuals help protect loved ones from the dangers of prescription drug misuse and contribute to a safer, healthier community. Read More
Marshall University’s June Harless Center for Rural Educational Research, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is hosting its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony April 25.
This year’s inductees include: Michele Blatt, West Virginia state superintendent of schools; West Virginia native Emily Calandrelli, who is nicknamed the “Space Gal” and is an MIT engineer, TV entertainer, author and promoter of science education; Teresa Eagle, dean of Marshall’s College of Education and Professional Development; and Sheryl Sandberg, renowned business executive, author and philanthropist whose charitable foundation has donated $5 million to Marshall For All, Marshall Forever.
The induction celebration is a private event. Media are welcome to attend.
A reception will begin at 5 p.m. April 25, with the induction ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. and dinner to follow at the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall.
“These honorees embody the center’s mission by tirelessly advocating for equitable access to high-quality education for all students, regardless of their zip code,” said Tarabeth Brumfield Heineman, executive director of the June Harless Center. “Their dedication and innovative approaches have significantly contributed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for West Virginia students to thrive academically and personally.”
The event not only honors Hall of Fame inductees, but celebrates the center’s first 25 years, highlighting its history and its work accomplished.… Read More
Marshall University’s School of Art & Design will host its 22nd annual Empty Bowls pottery sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Pullman Square Gazebo in downtown Huntington.
Bowls created by Marshall art students and other community volunteers will be sold for $20 each, with proceeds going to the Huntington Area Foodbank. Each bowl sold can help the foodbank provide 180 meals to those in need.
The longstanding event is part of a class in which Marshall art students learn about art and community involvement. Along with making bowls to sell, students visit the food bank and gain insights about its services.
“I think the Empty Bowls project is not only a great thing for the community, but also for the emerging artists who get to experience first-hand how art can impact the community, not just emotionally, but physically as well,” said Marshall student Addyson Aftanas, who is participating for her second year.
“Empty Bowls merges art with community activism in a truly positive way,” said Frederick Bartolovic, professor of art and ceramics coordinator for Marshall’s School of Art & Design. “It teaches students how to sell their work and illustrates the impact art can have on the community. For the community, it offers a chance to support student artists while also assisting those in need. Empty Bowls demonstrates that art can catalyze positive community changes.”… Read More
Marshall University’s first official Esports team has qualified for the 2025 College CoD League (CCL) Nationals after finishing in the top six of the Southeast Regional playoffs.
Marshall was the only university in the region to have two teams ranked among the top 32, earning spots at No. 21 and No. 32. The No. 21-ranked team advanced to finish in the top six, securing a place in the national tournament.
“I’m beyond proud of both teams this CCL season,” said Kyle Trapp, director of Esports and club sports. “For our first year as a fully invested varsity program and becoming one of the top 32 teams in the country, it has been an insane roller coaster.”
The national championship features the top eight teams from each region in a 32-team, double-elimination bracket.
“We’re one of 32 college Call of Duty teams remaining, making us one of the best in the country out of hundreds of schools competing,” said team captain Niko Thibeault. “The national competition gives us a chance to compete for an in-person appearance and prize money.”
The tournament kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11. A watch party will be held in the Memorial Student Center, and the match will be livestreamed on Twitch at twitch.tv/marshallu_esports. Marshall Esports will take on No. 9 Cincinnati CoD.… Read More
U.S. News & World Report ranked Marshall University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) No. 93 in the nation in its 2025 rankings, placing the program in the top 36% of all physical therapy programs in the United States.
This ranking reflects the continued dedication and excellence of the program’s faculty, staff and students.
“This ranking is an incredible milestone for our program, considering we began in 2012,” said Dr. Scott Davis, the program’s director. “We are so proud to be leading the way in physical therapy in our region through high-quality education and hands-on clinical training.”
Marshall’s DPT program also ranks No. 24 nationally in first-time National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) pass rates in 2023-2024, the highest in West Virginia.
Marshall’s DPT program is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing health sciences and preparing graduates to make a difference in Appalachia and beyond. Read More
The Marshall University Board of Governors on Wednesday approved a 2.5% tuition increase for West Virginia undergraduate and graduate students for the next academic year. Metro, non-resident and international student tuition will remain flat.
Additionally, students will see nominal increases in housing and dining costs, 2.6% and 4% respectively, as well as small increases in capital and auxiliary fees.
The board also approved the university’s overall FY 26 budget, which includes adjustments for an evolving economic landscape. In his report, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith told board members that the university is prepared for belt-tightening measures. … Read More
