By Alyson Messinger, News Editor
Feb. 4, 2026
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — Marshall leaders met with state representatives to discuss the next step in building Appalachian leaders where discussions were opened about the six key pillars of Marshall’s success.
Students, staff and faculty met with state legislature to discuss funding for higher education, deferred maintenance, the innovation district, as well as other key topics on Marshall’s campus at the West Virginia Capitol.
Caleb Ferguson, an intern at the government relations office at Marshall explains some of the goals this event helps achieve.
“I know we have a specific interest in working to get the innovation district up and going, I know the cyber security building is already being built but continued growth for that, working through deferred maintenance,” Ferguson said. “There are so many pieces of infrastructure at Marshall — whether it be buildings, paths — that we’re just trying to make sure they stay maintained, and the legislature does as a great job at giving us money for that.”
As the Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association, Eric Cochrane said participants aren’t just looking out for Marshall as a university, but are making sure student’s voices are heard, especially when legislation impacts them directly.
“We’re really focused on getting students and faculty heard on these board of governor’s of state institutions because they’re the people who see this environment every day — they’re the people who work in the environment every day — so we want to be sure they’re heard just as much as the other members of the Board of Governors are,” Cochrane said.
Matt James serves as the Executive Director of Alumni Relations, said how important it is for students to attend Marshall Day at the Capitol, as well as faculty, to give authentic perspectives and voice real concerns.
James said, “We can tell folks all day what we get paid to say, even though, you know, for me, it’s in my heart. Students are unfiltered. When you ask a student about their experience, I would say most of the time they’re going to tell you the truth.”
This event continues to be an effective way for students to have their voices heard and to showcase what Marshall University has to offer.
Marshall Day at the Capitol is on its 20th year and there is no end in sight.
Listen to Alyson’s package here: