Marshall University to host Aviation Careers Open House at Tri-State Airport

Marshall University Aviation invites aspiring pilots and aviation technicians to its Aviation Careers Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Saturday, April 26, at the Marshall Aviation Hangars at Huntington Tri-State Airport, 1448 Airport Road, Huntington.

This open house event will provide a unique opportunity for prospective students and families to explore Marshall’s flight and aviation maintenance technology programs and learn about career pathways in aviation. Attendees will have the chance to engage with faculty, instructors and current students while getting an up-close look at the aircraft and state-of-the-art training equipment used in these dynamic programs. Refreshments will be provided.

Who should attend:

· High school students considering careers in aviation

· Families supporting future pilots or technicians

· Adults interested in transitioning into a high-demand career

Marshall’s aviation programs provide students with the skills and training necessary to enter the growing aviation industry. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and career readiness, the programs prepare graduates for success in various aviation careers.

Marshall’s aviation maintenance program is offered jointly with Mountwest Community and Technical College and is located at the Huntington Tri-State Airport. Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School* is located at Yeager International Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, and offers satellite locations in Wheeling, Lewisburg and Martinsburg. For more information about Marshall’s aviation programs, visit www.marshall.edu/aviation.

* The Professional Pilot program is not eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits at this time.… Read More

Marshall announces spring commencement speaker

Marshall University is proud to announce that long-time broadcast journalist, author and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien will deliver the university’s keynote address for the 2025 graduation ceremonies scheduled for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Marshall Health Network Arena.

O’Brien is widely recognized for her work with CNN, NBC, HBO and PBS, among other prestigious entities. She has reported on major events, including natural disasters, political upheavals and community movements, earning multiple awards for her compelling storytelling. Her work has recently included highlighting Marshall University’s Marshall For All: Debt-Free program on her acclaimed series, Matter of Fact, and she has appeared at Huntington’s Women Warriors Summit, founded by Marshall First Lady Alys Smith. O’Brien’s philanthropic efforts encompass initiatives with both The Starfish Foundation and The PowHERful Foundation.

O’Brien will deliver remarks to Marshall’s 2025 graduates, and she will be presented with an honorary degree by the university.

“It is an honor to have Soledad O’Brien joining us for commencement this year,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “She has an exceptional way of connecting with audiences and possesses a genuine and inspired understanding of our campus and our community. I know we will be entertained, educated and empowered by her remarks. We are very grateful that she accepted our invitation.”

Approximately 1,500 students are expected to graduate at two separate ceremonies.

 

The schedule is as follows:

9:00 a.m. ceremony

Lewis College of Business undergraduate and graduate students

Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia candidates… 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 20-23.

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith says Community Cares Week is an opportunity for everyone to come together in support of a common goal — improving and beautifying the university that holds a special place in so many hearts.

I have been amazed and humbled by the response to Community Cares Week these last few years,” said Smith. “I’m moved and inspired by the response to this invitation to join us on campus and to invest in helping ‘take care of the house.’ It brings the Marshall family closer and gives us a chance to collaborate and contribute to projects not only on campus, but in surrounding communities, as well.”

In 2024, the volunteer work surpassed the event’s previous year by more than 50% with a total of 1,088 people who pre-registered or walked up to volunteer, working 3,415.5 service hours. Of those, 785 volunteered on Marshall’s campuses, while 303 volunteered in their hometowns through their Marshall alumni affiliations. Approximately 100 staff members working as many as all eight shifts led projects and a dozen staff or cabinet members served lunches and drew raffle prizes each day.… Read More

Marshall University partners with AEP to offer remote worker training micro-credential course

Marshall University, in partnership with American Electric Power (AEP), is excited to announce a new micro-credential training opportunity designed to help individuals develop essential skills for remote work.

The free workshop will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Harless Center Banquet Hall, Larry Joe Harless Center in Gilbert, West Virginia.

The session will cover a variety of critical skills necessary for remote work success, including:

Durable skills training

Resume building

Interviewing techniques

Time management

Effective communication

This training is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to improve their remote work capabilities, gain valuable professional skills and increase employability in today’s digital job market. Attendees will have access to the micro-credentials after the workshop.

Details of the Event:

Date: Wednesday, April 9

Time: 6 – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Harless Center Banquet Hall, Larry Joe Harless Center, 4200 W.Va. Route 80, Gilbert, West Virginia.

The session is open to all interested participants, and attendees are encouraged to register in advance. This class is perfect for job seekers, those looking to enhance their remote working skills, and individuals aiming to stay competitive in the evolving job market.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact Julia Spears, 304-696-2542,  spearsj@marshall.edu or Brandon Dennison,… Read More

Marshall University joins United States Health Promoting Campuses Network, strengthening commitment to well-being

Marshall University is proud to announce its official membership in the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network (US HPCN), a prestigious initiative dedicated to promoting mental and physical health at campuses across the nation. This affiliation ensures that health will remain a central priority for the university as it continues to foster a supportive, healthy environment for all students. 

Guided by the leadership of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Student Body President Brea Belville, Marshall University’s journey toward joining the Health Promoting Campuses Network reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to providing a holistic and enriching experience for its students. 

“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done as a campus community to join the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network,” Belville said. “This achievement represents the collective efforts of students, faculty and staff to ensure that every Marshall student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive, both academically and personally. Our campus will continue to be a place where health and wellness are central to our mission, long after my tenure as student body president.”

The US HPCN is a national platform that brings together institutions focused on advancing comprehensive health and well-being initiatives, both physical and mental, for students. As a member, Marshall University will have access to a wealth of resources, best practices, and research-driven strategies that will help shape a future where the health of students is prioritized at every level of university life. Read More

Upcoming Amicus Curiae Lecture to focus on American justice system

Marshall University’s Amicus Curiae Lecture Series on Constitutional Democracy concludes its spring lecture series at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in the Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall, with a lecture by Jared Fishman.

Fishman is founder and executive director of Justice Innovation Lab (JIL), an organization that designs solutions for a more fair and effective justice system.

Prior to founding the JIL, Fishman served for 14 years as a federal prosecutor in the U. S Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

“Jared Fishman was on the front lines as a prosecutor, successfully securing verdicts in some of the most well-known civil rights cases in the country dealing with hate crimes, human trafficking, and police brutality,” said Patricia Proctor, director of the Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy, which sponsors the lecture series. “His experience exposed him to problems with our justice system and led him to found an organization that works collaboratively with law enforcement to make their systems safer, more just, and fair. I am excited to hear about the experiences that led him to found the Justice Innovation Lab as well as about the work he is doing and how JIL’s approach can be applied to many kinds of societal challenges everywhere.”

Fishman earned his law degree from the George Washington University Law School, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.… Read More

Marshall University to host 2025 Charles Hill Moffat Lecture on Russia, World War II

The Marshall University Department of History will welcome Dr. Karen Petrone, professor of history and Zantker Professor of Jewish History at the University of Kentucky, for the 2025 Charles Hill Moffat Lecture. Petrone will present “Vladimir Putin and Russian Memory of the Second World War,” at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10, in the Shawkey Dining Room of the Memorial Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Petrone’s lecture:

· Will examine how Russia’s memory of World War II has been sacralized, mythologized and reimagined as a central pillar of contemporary Russian nationalism.

· She will explore how Vladimir Putin has leveraged historical narratives of the war to justify Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

· And how the war’s legacy continues to shape Russian state legitimacy and patriotism today.

“Professor Petrone is an excellent resource for understanding how Russia has used historical memory to justify its actions in Ukraine and beyond,” said Dr. Chris White, a professor in Marshall’s history department. “Her expertise provides important historical context to those seeking a fuller understanding of the Russo-Ukraine War.”

Petrone is the author of “Life Has Become More Joyous, Comrades: Celebrations in the Time of Stalin and The Great War in Russian Memory.”  She is currently completing a book on war memory in Putin’s Russia and serves as co-director of the UK-JHF Holocaust Education Initiative.

“This promises to be a dynamic and exceptionally relevant presentation,” said Dr. Greta Rensenbrink, chair of the history department.… Read More

Herd Academy to host open house events for high school students

Marshall University’s Herd Academy is inviting high school students to explore early college opportunities through two upcoming open house events. These events will provide students and families with valuable information about dual enrollment programs, early entry courses and the benefits of earning college credits while still in high school.

The in-person Open House will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in Room 2E28 of the Memorial Student Center.  This event is specifically designed for local high school students who are interested in taking courses on Marshall’s campus for the first time.

For students interested in online courses, Herd Academy will host a virtual Open House from 4 – 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, via Microsoft Teams. Students can register to attend either event by visiting the Herd Academy Registration Link.

Marshall’s Herd Academy offers dual enrollment programs, online courses and on-campus classes to help high school students jump-start their college education. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable experience, earn college credits and ease the transition to higher education.… Read More

Marshall University Recreation Center to host annual Swim for Easter Eggs

The Marshall University Recreation Center’s annual Swim for Easter Eggs is set for Saturday, April 12, offering kids a one-of-a-kind egg hunt in the pool.

Children will dive in to search for colorful plastic eggs hidden throughout the water. Some lucky hunters who find an egg with a plastic bunny inside will win a free session of group swim lessons. Two winners will be chosen from each age group.

Event sessions are as follows:

· Ages 6 and under: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

· Ages 7 and older: 1-2 p.m.

Registration is open through April 4. The cost is $5 for members of the rec center and $10 for non-members. Those who are not hunting eggs do not need to register. A waiver is also required. Read More

Marshall University student selected for prestigious Amgen Scholars program

Marshall University Yeager Scholar Asha Bora has been selected to participate in the competitive Amgen Scholars undergraduate research program this summer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The nine-week program includes hands-on research in a campus laboratory alongside a faculty mentor, on-campus housing with other scholars, and participation in seminars, workshops, activities and social events. Scholars will also attend the Amgen Scholars North America Symposium in California.

Bora, a biological science major with minors in chemistry and psychology, said she is looking forward to participating in a research experience with a strong emphasis on biotechnology.

“Through the program, I’ll be able to interact with individuals in both academia and industry, which will help shape my understanding of what my future career in neuroscience research might look like,” Bora said.

As part of the experience, Bora will learn new laboratory techniques and build connections with faculty, staff and fellow students. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience and says the program will help her gain valuable knowledge and contacts for the future.

In addition to her research, Bora, a member of Marshall’s women’s track team, plans to give back in her home state this summer by volunteering as a camp counselor at the Country Roads Running Camp in Davis, West Virginia.

The Marshall University Office of National Scholarships helps students, alumni, faculty and staff apply for competitive opportunities such as the Amgen Scholars program and Fulbright awards. For more information, contact Heather Smith at ons@marshall.edu.… Read More

Marshall University civil engineering student, professor win first prize at ASCE Virginias Conference

Marshall University junior Josh Brubaker, a civil engineering student secured first place in the “Hardy Cross” oral research presentation competition at the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) 2025 Virginias Conference on Saturday, March 29, in Beckley, West Virginia.

Brubaker presented his engineering research, “A Computational Investigation of a Non-Homogeneous Elastic Material Undergoing Wave Propagation,” alongside his mentor, Dr. Arka Chattopadhyay, an assistant professor of engineering.

The duo competed against research universities, including Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia and West Virginia University. The victory marks a historic achievement for Marshall University, as it is the first time the trophy has left the state of Virginia.

As part of the victory, Marshall’s Civil Engineering Department will hold the traveling trophy for the next year until the ASCE 2026 Virginias Conference. Read More

Marshall’s Visiting Writers Series to feature Poet Laureate of Ohio Kari Gunter-Seymour

Marshall University’s A.E. Stringer Visiting Writers Series hosts its final event of the semester at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, in the Drinko Library Atrium. The featured writer is Kari Gunter-Seymour, the Poet Laureate of Ohio, an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship recipient and a Pillars of Prosperity Fellow for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. The event is free and open to all.

Gunter-Seymour’s award-winning collections include Dirt Songs (EastOver Press, 2024), Alone in the House of My Heart (Ohio University Swallow Press, 2022), and A Place So Deep Inside America It Can’t Be Seen (Sheila Na Gig Editions, 2020).

She is a ninth-generation Appalachian, the executive director of the Women of Appalachia Project and editor of its anthology series, Women Speak. Gunter-Seymour is also a retired instructor in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and the founder, curator and host of “Spoken & Heard,” a seasonal performance series featuring poets, writers, and musicians from across the country.

Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Verse Daily, World Literature Today, American Book Review and on Poem-a-Day.… Read More