Marshall University celebrates Marshall Day at the Capitol showcasing innovation, research and economic development 

Marshall University is proud to announce the 2025 Marshall Day at the Capitol celebration, an annual occasion that shines a spotlight on the institution’s distinctive growth areas like aviation, health care, entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, energy and cybersecurity and forensics, as well as statewide collaborations that impact communities across West Virginia.  

On Tuesday, March 4, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, faculty, staff, students and Marco will bring their green and white spirit and interactive displays to the West Virginia State Capitol, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community that defines Marshall. This year’s theme is Marshall Impact, showcasing the positive impact Marshall is making across the state. 

The festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a Marshall Morning Breakfast Reception in the lower rotunda, followed by displays and presentations in the upper rotunda and conclude with a group photo at 12:30 p.m.  

Adding to the excitement this year, members of the Capitol and Greater Kanawha Alumni Chapters will be in attendance.   

“Marshall Day at the Capitol gives legislators a look at Marshall’s successes and impact,” said Matt James, vice president of alumni relations. “This year, we’re lucky to have two of our alumni chapters from the state capitol region joining us. It’s important to highlight not only what we do on our campuses but also how our alumni contribute to our state.” Read More

Marshall University to host Charlotte Schmidlapp Lecture featuring Dr. Suzanne Lye

Marshall University will host the annual Charlotte Schmidlapp Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, in the Shawkey Dining Room of the Memorial Student Center. This year, Dr. Suzanne Lye, assistant professor of Classics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will present a talk titled “Crossing the Goddess: The Cosmic Power of Female Anger.”

Dr. Lye’s research explores ancient literature, mythology and gender studies, focusing on how classical narratives continue to shape modern discourse. Her talk will examine the role of female anger in mythology and its cosmic significance, offering a compelling perspective on the power and perception of women’s emotions throughout history.

Dr. Hilary Brewster is the director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at Marshall.

“The annual Schmidlapp lecture allows us to invite experts in a variety of fields to share their expertise with the Marshall and local communities each March,” Brewster said. “I am so grateful to my colleague, Dr. Sydnor Roy, for suggesting Dr. Lye as a speaker this year in order to tie in this event with the conference celebrating 150 years of Classics studies at Marshall that same weekend.”

The lecture is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow.… Read More

Sally B. Oxley gifts $100,000 to establish Mark S. Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The Marshall University Foundation has announced a gift of $100,000 to establish the Mark S. Taylor Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is generously endowed by Sally B. Oxley in memory of Mark Taylor, who died April 21, 2021.

Mark graduated from Marshall University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and received his master’s degree in physical therapy from West Virginia University in 1982. He was inducted into the Marshall University Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2006. Mark was a physical therapist and dedicated member of the Huntington Physical Therapy professional staff for 38 years.

“Mark joined our staff of three in 1984 and helped us grow the practice to 25 staff and four offices,” Oxley said. “He was always fiercely dedicated to the care and well-being of his patients. He continues to be missed by our staff and patients.”

The scholarship recipient will be a graduate student in the School of Therapy who is a resident of West Virginia. First preference will be given to residents of Cabell and Wayne counties and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The award will be renewable up to two years, or four semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 3.5 GPA or higher. The dean of the School of Physical Therapy, or their designee, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.… Read More

Marshall University maintains Carnegie Research 2 ranking

Marshall University has once again been named a “Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production” institution, as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.  

This R2 status highlights Marshall’s position among the nation’s leading research and teaching universities and signals a continuing commitment to the pursuit of research and innovation.  

“The research enterprise at Marshall continues to grow exponentially and I am incredibly proud of our faculty, staff and students,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall.  “With the advent of the Marshall Innovation Corridor and other new initiatives, like the Institute for Cyber Security, we are ready to elevate our research efforts to new heights.”  

There are 139 institutions ranked as R2, which means at least $5 million in research spending and 20 research doctorates.  The designation is the second-highest classification an institution can receive.  

“Continued recognition as a Carnegie R2 institution means Marshall University is progressing with its momentum as a highly regarded research entity,” said Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “From basic science to clinical research, cyber security, forensic science and the humanities, among many other areas, Marshall researchers are looking to better our lives and communities.”  

Marshall received 291 research awards in 2024 totaling $73.3 million in new funding according to the Marshall University Research Corporation.    Read More

Iconic West Virginia schoolhouse named to National Schoolhouse Register

A cherished piece of Cabell County’s history has received national recognition. The one-room schoolhouse, circa 1888, which once served as an educational cornerstone for the rural community near Glenwood, has been officially listed on the National Schoolhouse Register. 

Relocated to Marshall University’s Huntington campus in 1995, the schoolhouse now holds a distinguished place in the Country School Association of America (CSAA) National Schoolhouse Registry Program. This honor recognizes school buildings that contribute in some positive way to the appreciation and understanding of the country school experience and their unique architectural and historical heritage.  

The recognition is the result of efforts dating back to 1989 when Professor Emeritus of History Dr. Paul Lutz launched a research project on one-room schoolhouses in West Virginia.   

“One student asked if she could interview her neighbor in lieu of a traditional research paper topic,” Lutz said when writing about the project several years ago. “The student explained that, ‘When I told her I was majoring in Elementary Education, all she wanted to talk about was her years as a one-room schoolteacher’.”  

Lutz’s dedication ultimately led to the relocation of the Union School to Marshall’s campus, where it continues to stand as a symbol of the university’s enduring commitment to teacher education. Read More

Marshall University School of Pharmacy to host spring Preview Day

The Marshall University School of Pharmacy will host its annual spring Preview Day from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Stephen J. Kopp Hall, located at 1538 Charleston Ave. in Huntington.

Attendees will learn about career opportunities in the pharmacy profession, tour Marshall’s state-of-the-art simulation and classroom facilities and learn about the admissions process.  Additionally, there will be faculty, staff and student ambassadors available to discuss their perspectives on a pharmacy career.… Read More

Marshall to present 56th Annual Winter Jazz Festival

The Marshall University School of Music will present the 56th MU Winter Jazz Festival Wednesday through Friday, Feb.26-28, at Smith Recital Hall. The festival is among the longest-running collegiate jazz festivals in the country and features performances by 20 different ensembles from middle school to professional groups. All concerts are free and open to all.

A hallmark of the annual festival is the featured guest artist. This year’s featured guest artist is David Smith, a sought-after trumpet player based in New York City who has been recognized as a 2025 Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor in the Arts. Smith has released three albums featuring his original compositions and has appeared on the GRAMMY Award-winning albums Bianca Reimagined from the Dan Pugach Big Band (2025) and Four Questions from Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (2019).

Smith has also performed and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Tom Jones, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and The Who. Currently, Smith is Artist Teacher in trumpet at the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School, University of Hartford in Connecticut.

“Every year, we seek to invite a guest artist who is both a luminary performer and an inspiring educator,” said Jeff Wolfe, director of Jazz Studies at Marshall. “David’s experience, dedication to teaching and exceptionally high level of musicianship will edify our students and entertain our audiences.”

Highlights of the Winter Jazz Festival schedule are as follows:

· Wednesday, Feb.26, 7:30 p.m.: Morehead State University Jazz Ensemble and the Jewel City Jazz Orchestra… Read More

Marshall University to host career fairs in February and March

The Marshall University Office of Career Education will host two career fairs in February and March offering students, upcoming graduates and alumni the opportunity to engage with hundreds of employers.

The annual Career Expo is scheduled for 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the Marshall University Recreation Center, located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 20th Street. The expo is open to all majors and features employers in education, engineering, health care, business, law enforcement, media, manufacturing and graduate education, among others.

Also scheduled for 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, is the annual Cyber Forensic and Cybersecurity Career Fair in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

Jennifer Brown, assistant director of career education, said attending career fairs is important because it provides valuable opportunities for networking, learning and advancing your career.

“These events allow you to connect directly with employers and industry professionals, giving you the chance to make a strong first impression and showcase your skills and interests,” Brown said. “By engaging in conversations with recruiters, you can gain insights into company cultures, job openings, and the qualities they seek in candidates, which helps you better understand how to position yourself in the job market.”… Read More

Marshall University expands Marshall For All initiative

Marshall University is excited to expand its Marshall For All initiative with Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV—a transformative program that allows eligible first-time freshmen from West Virginia to attend college without paying tuition.  The new program is already underway and will be applied to all accepted incoming freshmen students who qualify.

Under this expansion, West Virginia students with a family income of $65,000 or less will have their tuition and fees fully covered – with no loans required. This initiative reflects Marshall’s continued commitment to affordability, accessibility and student success, particularly for families with financial need.

“We believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their financial background,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “With this expansion, we’re eliminating tuition as a barrier for even more students, helping them build a future of success—without the weight of student loan debt.”

While Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV covers 100% of tuition and mandatory university fees, students remain responsible for housing, meals, books and other personal expenses. However, additional financial aid options—including scholarships and grants—are available to help offset these costs.

“This is a game-changer for students across West Virginia,” said Dr. Jerry Ross, Marshall’s chief enrollment officer. “We understand that affording college is a major concern for many families, and this program is another way we’re working to make a Marshall education more accessible.”

No Additional Application Required… Read More

Marshall University president issues statement on WV POWER Tech Center announcement

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith issued the following statement regarding Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s announcement this evening of a new West Virginia POWER Tech Center.

“We are excited to support Gov. Morrisey’s vision to establish West Virginia at the forefront of emerging technologies and innovations with the creation of the West Virginia POWER Tech Center. This center will bring together a statewide collaboration of higher education institutions, including Marshall, to supercharge our technology, energy and innovation sectors.

“As a global energy leader, it’s West Virginia energy that has built our great nation and will continue to power our nation’s next chapter of success. Marshall is proud to help spearhead the state’s collective energy and technology strategy, especially focusing on workforce development in a world powered by artificial intelligence (AI.)

“As a national leader in cyber security and advanced manufacturing, Marshall University is eager to continue to scale these efforts in support of this vision and in partnership with the state.”

 Read More

Marshall to host Poets & Portraits at First Baptist Church of Huntington

Marshall University’s School of Music will host “Poets and Portraits: An exploration of the African American experience through song” at 5 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Huntington.

The concert will feature Marshall faculty members Carline Waugh, a soprano and professor of voice, and Johan Botes, a professor of piano.

“Poets & Portraits is a thoughtfully curated program that weaves together songs reflecting the African American experience,” Waugh said. “Through music, we will journey into universal themes of love, loss, grief and triumph, as seen in the poetry of iconic Harlem Renaissance figures like Langston Hughes and Paul Laurence Dunbar. The program will also delve into the profound power of faith, expressed through songs and spirituals that celebrate the resilience and strength of a people.”

The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for the benefit of the Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church. The church is located at 801 6th Ave., Huntington.

This event is sponsored by the First Baptist Church, Marshall University College of Arts and Media, the School of Music, and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum.… Read More

Airbus Helicopters in the US establishes scholarship for Division of Aviation students

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Airbus Helicopters Inc. Rotor-wing Scholarship to benefit students in the Division of Aviation at Marshall University.

The scholarship is generously endowed by Airbus Helicopters in the U.S. to support underprivileged, low-socioeconomic, or need-based students who are planning to be trained as pilots in the helicopter industry.

Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest leading manufacturer of civilian and military helicopters. A division of Airbus, Airbus Helicopters employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. Its fleet in service includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers across 150 countries.

Airbus Helicopters’ U.S. division opened its main facilities in 1969 in Grand Prairie, Texas. It also operates a production line in Columbus, Mississippi. Airbus Helicopters’ products are the U.S. market leaders for air medical transport, law enforcement, airborne tourism and in the corporate and VIP segment.

The recipient of the scholarship must be a student in the Marshall University Division of Aviation who has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The recipient must be training to be a helicopter pilot and willing to be involved with Airbus in helping improve the rotor-wing training curriculum and enhancing helicopter industry standards.

For information regarding the Airbus Helicopters Inc. Rotor-wing Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.… Read More