Welcome to Marshall University’s Parent & Families Program! We are thrilled to have you as part of our Herd. We are here to ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your student’s college journey. We believe that when families are engaged, the students will succeed. Together, we can create a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal growth, as well as a sense of belonging. We are here for you every step of the way and we look forward to partnering with you to make your student’s experience at Marshall University exceptional. Go Herd!
Mission Statement
“Supporting and empowering Marshall families for their student’s success.”
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create an environment where every family and support system is actively engaged and fully supported in their student’s journey at Marshall University. We will provide resources, encourage connections and empower families and support systems to play a crucial role in their student’s journey.
Dr. Gabe Brown has worked with families and college and high school students for over eight years. As a first-gen student, he relied on the help of friends and family, as well as mentors to help guide him through his journey as a college student. Dr.Brown holds an Education Doctorate from the University of Dayton where he published his dissertation titled, “Degree Attainment: Prior Pre-College Program Students’ Reality.” He also earned his Master of Social Work focused on community practice from Case Western Reserve University, and a bachelor’s in sociology. He has a son who is attending the University of Memphis studying Egyptology, and a daughter who is attending Shawnee State University studying nursing. Dr. Brown has taken students across the US from coast to coast, border to border, including Puerto Rico, to guide them in their college selection. He is very passionate about student affairs and wants to see every student succeed.
Expectations: Discuss your expectations with your student. Be open and honest with them.
Communicate: Set up dates and times to talk to your student. Not every day, or every week. Their schedule is busy!
Letting go vs. letting grow – Your student may be growing up, but you don’t have to let them go, completely. Let them grow and develop.
Homesickness: Your student will feel homesick within the first week, if not sooner. We will do everything we can to help them through this transition.
Getting involved: Encourage your student to get involved. Research shows that being involved on campus plays a major role in degree attainment.
Changing majors: Your student may change majors once or twice. It’s ok, they are trying to find their calling. They should speak with their advisor to make sure they are on track to graduate on time.
Having the right mindset & setting goals: Discuss with your student what they want out of their college experience. Help them to set their goals and achieve their dreams but remind them they have 4 years to accomplish this. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.
