Marshall Magazine, Autumn 2022

The

A Preview of Thundering Herd Basketball

BIG 5

ENROLLMENT STUDENT EXPERIENCE

DIGITAL MARKETING PRICING

VISION AND STRATEGY

Marshall charts its course for the future

See page 39 for ALUMNI NEWS and more

Autumn 2022 | www.marshall.edu

Marshall The official magazine of Marshall University

Marshall President Brad D. Smith Executive Editor Susan Tams

m a g a z i n e

Autumn 2022

Director of Communications Leah Payne Publisher Jack Houvouras Office Manager Dana Keaton

Contents

Art Director Suzanna Stephens

4 COVER STORY : President Brad D. Smith’s listening tour laid the groundwork for the future direction of the university.

Senior Graphic Designer Katie Sigler

12 DIVISION OF AVIATION : The Aviation Maintenance Technology program is poised to fill some of the most in-demand jobs in the world.

Contributing Photographers Rick Lee, Morgan Napier, Austin O’Connor, Marilyn Testerman-Haye

16 RESEARCH : After 25 years of hard work by faculty and students alike, Marshall is one of the leading research universities in the nation.

Contributing Writers James E. Casto, Amy Deal, Amanda Larch, Keith Morehouse, Lalena Price, Katherine Pyles, Taylor Stuck

22 AUTISM TRAINING CENTER : The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall is a national leader in the field of autism.

­Editorial Advisory Board Michelle Biggs, William “Tootie” Carter, Larry Crum, Karen McComas, Chuck McGill, Sheanna Spence, Susan Tams

26 SPORTS : Coach D’Antoni and his Thundering Herd basketball team hope to shine in the Sun Belt Conference.

30 IN BRIEF : Read an update on Marshall’s baseball stadium and the university’s new home for the College of Business.

34 ACCREDITATION : Marshall begins a three-year Quality Initiative to make both the university and the community more inclusive.

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everGreen

YOUR ALUMNI CONNECTION

39 Letter from Mikala Shremshock, MUAA President 40 Spotlight 42 Financial Aid 44 Maier Foundation Scholarship

Marshall Magazine is distributed three times a year by: Marshall University One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 ADVERTISERS’ CONTACT: HQ Publishing Co. P.O. Box 384 Huntington, WV 25708 304-529-6158 mail@marshallmagazine.com For subscription information contact: MU Office of Alumni Relations at 304-696-3134 Comments or suggestions should be addressed to: magazine@marshall.edu Designed & Published by:

46 Homecoming 48 Class Notes 50 In Memoriam 52 Letter From MUAA

on the cover

University President Brad D. Smith has a vision for Marshall’s future that focuses on five key areas addressed in our cover story.

HQ Publishing Co. P.O. Box 384 Huntington, W.Va. 304-529-6158 www.hqpublishing.com © 2022 by Marshall University

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LEADING LISTENING President Brad D. Smith’s listening tour laid the groundwork for the future direction of the university.

By Katherine Pyles

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Brad D. Smith began his presidency with a Listening Tour. The 1,200+ responses he received were referenced when addressing the “Big Five” key areas of concern for the university’s future.

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rowing up, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith was often reminded, “You were born with two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion.”

“It was one of my mom’s favorite sayings,” Smith said.

Smith carried those words with him as one of Silicon Valley’s preeminent CEOs, and they remained at the top of his mind as he stepped into the role of Marshall president.

“Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that you should first seek to understand before seeking to be understood,” he said.

It’s fitting, then, that Smith’s first presidential undertaking was, simply, to listen.

“I thought it would be best to begin by listening,” Smith said. “I recognize that even though I was born in this area and I’m a Son of Marshall, I’ve been gone for 36 years. I didn’t want to assume that I knew the things that were most important to focus on.”

To gain insight into what matters most to the Marshall

The 2022 Alumni Award recipients Jeff McKay (Distinguished Young Alumnus), Alys Smith (Distinguished Service to Marshall University), Brad Smith (Distinguished Alumnus) and Cathy Burns (Outstanding Community Achievement) were honored April 9.

OCT 27, 2021 - Brad D. Smith named president of Marshall University

Marshall’s annual Week of Welcome (WOW) included a full schedule of activities in August to welcome the Class of 2026.

Shown is the Freshman Walk held on Fourth Avenue between campus and the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

community, Smith kicked off his presidency with a 100day listening tour, meeting with students, alumni, faculty, staff, community leaders and others in 38 separate listening sessions. More than 1,000 people participated in the sessions, garnering more than 1,200 suggestions for the university.

Board of Governors Chairman Patrick Farrell said Smith’s tour, which also included visits to other campuses and conversations with 18 college and university presidents, was inspiring to witness.

“President Smith has an extraordinary ability to listen and empathize with people so they really feel understood,” Farrell said.

An outside firm analyzed the data from the listening tour. The suggestions were organized by theme, and the most frequently referenced themes were identified as key areas. Smith labeled these areas “The Big Five.”

“It was surprising to see how aligned our campus community is about what our priorities should be,” Farrell said.

JAN 3, 2022 - On Smith’s first day as president, he receives a green jacket from the Board of Governors

NOV 12, 2021 Smith initiates his 100-day Listening Tour

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FEB 21, 2022 Christian Spears is named MU’s new athletic director

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“It’s normally hard to get large groups to agree on almost “And what I love is that we’re already taking action. We’ve anything, but it’s clear from the listening tour feedback made pricing decisions to hold our tuition relatively flat that there’s widespread agreement among our stakeholders even in an inflationary market, and we just expanded our about where we should metro discounts to a focus our resources.” total of 59 counties in The Big Five are: 1) Ohio and Kentucky. increasing enrollment, That’s a 100-mile rausing an “end-to-end” dius that can get tuapproach that begins ition rates lower than when a student first the in-state rates in learns about Marshall Ohio and Kentucky.” and ends with lifelong The administraalumni engagement; tion has also hit the 2) improving the ground running in student experience, bolstering Marshall’s with targeted efforts marketing strategy, for commuters, onwith digital marketline learners and other ing campaigns and nontraditional stustorytelling efforts dents; 3) investing in that align with the staff and faculty with university’s mission an emphasis on comand vision. pensation, resources “One thing that — President Brad D. Smith and professional dereally bubbled to the Marshall University velopment; 4) increastop during the listening efforts in diversity, ing tour was that we equity and inclusion; need to be aligned as and 5) advancing the a university commuuniversity’s marketing strategy to better tell the Marshall nity on what our vision is — who we are, who we aspire story. Efforts are already underway in each area. to be — and then build a concrete strategy as we move Smith said that seeing the level at which certain topics forward,” Smith said. “For a long time there were quesresonated among the different groups was eye-opening. tions of, ‘Do we want to be a high-research university?’

For example, increasing enrollment by making Marshall ‘Do we want to be another WVU?’ What we want to more affordable, particularly for metro residents, was a be is a great Marshall University. The question now is, leading issue brought up in multiple sessions.

‘What does that look like?’”

“That was top of mind for many people,” Smith said.

The university has partnered with McKinsey Consulting

“

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that you should first seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”

APR 9, 2022 Avinandan Mukherjee is named new Provost

APR 9, 2022 - Brad and Alys Smith are honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet with the Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Service to Marshall University awards, respectively APR 12, 2022 Intercultural Center opens

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APR

JUN 9, 2022 - Bruce Felder is named inaugural Chief Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer APR 19-20, 2022 - Inaugural Student Research Creativity Symposium is held

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to help build that narrative and increase awareness of working on the major decisions that affect the university.

Marshall throughout the nation and world. Smith can To be clear, there are primary decision-makers in certain hardly contain his excitement for what they’ve come areas — the faculty is the primary decision-maker on the up with. academic side of things, and there are areas where the “As we wrap up the work with McKinsey, I’ll just put administration is the primary decision-maker. But all the a teaser out there: ‘Marshall for all. Marshall forever,’” groups have a voice.”

Smith said with a smile. “And we’ll explain more soon.”

The ad hoc committee is conducting a study of other Decisive action is taking place in the other areas as universities that utilize shared governance in order to put well. A comprehensive compensation analysis is being their best practices in place at Marshall. conducted to identify potential inequities due to gender, “They are studying the best practices of universities race or other factors. Through a partnership with consultthat not only have strong shared governance but also move ing firm InfoTech, the university is working to modernize at the speed of life, because one thing we all recognize is its IT platforms and processes. Marshall is adopting a that we can’t measure the world by semesters when things Responsibility Center Management (RCM) philosophy, are changing by day,” Smith said. an approach that gives academic administrators more Tackling the Big Five and moving Marshall forward control over resource decisions. The university’s Strategic takes everyone, Smith said. And it was in that spirit of Enrollment Management plan will work to increase encollaboration that Marshall held its inaugural Community rollment, expand recruitment initiatives and improve Cares Week, a series of service projects that gave the retention rates. And key leadership positions in diversity, equity and inclusion have been filled in order to better facilitate the university’s diversity and equity work.

Complementing all these efforts is a shared governance ad hoc committee focused on promoting transparency, accountability, inclusivity and collaboration. Smith said the concept of shared governance is vital to Marshall’s future success.

“All strong cultures and great decisions are made better by diversity: diversity of thought, diversity of experience and demographic diversity like gender, race and sexual orientation,” Smith explained. “And that’s really the foundation of shared governance. Shared governance means that all the powers that be — ­ students, faculty, President Brad D. Smith’s first press conference recapped his first 100 days staff, the Board of Governors, the administrain office including a summary of the issues brought to his attention during his extensive listening tour. tion — are coming together and collectively

JUN 20-24, 2022 Community Cares Week

JUN 20, 2022 100 Days press conference

JUL 22, 2022 - Former Thomson Reuters CEO James C. “Jim” Smith appointed to BOG

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AUG 9, 2022 An evening with Dolly Parton

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Brad D. Smith assisted with housekeeping in residence halls during International Housekeepers and Environmental Services Week which honors the “unsung heroes” of the housekeeping, grounds crew and sustainability staff.

Marshall family an opportunity to give back to the institution through sweat equity last June.

“We thought we’d have 50 people show up,” Smith said. “Then we said, ‘Let’s dream big. Maybe we’ll have 250.’ Well, we had 451 people show up. And I have not walked out of my office a day since and not seen someone I worked with that week.”

Smith, whose jobs included power washing, painting, planting trees and scrubbing the floors of Corbly Hall, said one moment in particular stood out to him. He was assigned to a shift with a group of incoming B.S./M.D. students, high school seniors preparing to earn both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine at Marshall in an accelerated program. Their task that day was to put together park benches, securing new wood to stone frames throughout campus.

“I was working with two young women, and when we were finished one of them asked if I’d take a picture of

AUG 22, 2022 - Global education technology leader Ginny T. Lee appointed to BOG

them on one of the benches,” Smith recalled. “I did, and I handed her phone back to her. As I was walking away, I overheard her say, ‘I want to have this picture so that one day when my daughter comes to Marshall, she’ll see the bench that her mother built.’”

He said tears ran down his cheeks as he walked back to his office.

“This was a 17-year-old girl, who had just finished doing very hard work, with people she’d never met before, on a campus she wasn’t officially a part of yet — but she’s already envisioned herself having a daughter who will follow in her footsteps at Marshall and sit on the bench her mother built,” Smith said.

That’s the power of “we,” he asserted.

“I’ve always felt that the most important word in ‘We are … Marshall’ is the word ‘we,’” he said. “This is the community’s university. This is Appalachia’s university.

And quite frankly, it’s the world’s university. Everywhere I’ve traveled, if I say, ‘We are …’ someone will call out, ‘Marshall!’ They’ve seen the movie. They know our story.

We have a part to play in a bigger picture.”

In a sense, bringing that bigger picture to life was the goal of the listening tour. While the tour has ended and 100 days in office have turned into 200, and soon 300, that doesn’t mean things are slowing down for Smith.

He’s just getting started.

“People sometimes ask me if being the president of a university is very different from being the CEO of a Fortune 500 company,” he said. “My answer is that the hours really aren’t that different. What’s different is that not a day that I’ve been here has felt like work. It feels like purpose.”

Katherine Pyles is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia. She is a 2009 graduate of the Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

AUG 29, 2022 - MU alum and Hubspot CMO Kipp Bodnar appointed to the BOG

AUG 25, 2022 - Aviation maintenance program ribbon cutting AUG 25, 2022 - Pedestrian safety initiatives launched

AUGUST

SEP 16, 2022 - Investiture: Brad D. Smith announces the goal of ending student debt at MU in 10 years SEP 2, 2022 - MU to partner on multiple projects in $63 million federal award

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Student Body President Isabella Griffiths is leading several mental health initiatives for students who are facing any challenges.

IMPROVING Improving THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE the student When it comes to experience improving the student experience, for FIT all. one size doesn’t ALL.

By Katherine Pyles

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ne of the Big Five focus areas is improving the student experience, and students themselves are leading several initiatives to effect change in that area. It starts with recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, said Marshall President Brad D. Smith.

“Part of our Strategic Enrollment Plan is recognizing that we’re not just enrolling recent high school graduates,” Smith explained. “A nontraditional student expects a different college experience than a student coming straight out of a local high school. A veteran expects something different than a working parent with a child at home.”

Seeing the need for better inclusion of diverse, nontraditional and commuter students, as well as for expanded mental health services, Marshall’s student leaders are working to promote campus connections.

“We want every student to feel like they’re being heard and have a role in the Marshall community,” explained Student Body President Isabella Griffiths. “No voice is bigger or smaller than another. Everyone can contribute.”

The Intercultural Center, which opened last spring, houses the LGBTQ+ Office, Office of Student Success, Center for African American Students, Center for International Student Affairs and English Language Institute. It also houses a lounge area where students can relax and connect, Griffiths said.

“It’s a space where you can learn about different sexualities, ethnicities, gender identifications, religions — all the things that make you unique,” she said. “It’s a space to share your story and learn from others’ stories.”

The Intercultural Center is one of several small lounge areas on campus that students can take advantage of, said Student Body Vice President Walker Tatum. Some of the lounge areas, like a space located in the Women’s and Gender Center, can even be reserved for individual use.

“You can sign in, dim the lights and just take a breather,” Tatum said, adding that the smaller lounge areas are especially beneficial to commuter students who don’t have a dorm where

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they can go to relax. “Sometimes you don’t want to be in a populated area like the student center or the plaza. Having these little spaces tucked away is really important.”

Mental health initiatives and services are also key to a more inclusive student experience, he said.

“College isn’t easy, and Bella and I are the first to say, ‘It’s OK not to be OK,’” Tatum said. “But Marshall has so many resources that students can use. We want students to know that there are things they can take advantage of whenever they feel the need to.”

He said therapy dogs through the MU PAWS program are becoming increasingly popular, and the Counseling Center recently hired additional counselors to improve access to counseling services. For students who’d prefer to reach out to a peer for support, the Green Bandana Initiative offers peer-level mental health assistance. Students who join the Green Bandana Initiative go through mental health first aid training and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, then receive green bandanas that they display on their backpacks or elsewhere to show that they’re a safe person to turn to for help.

“So many people have participated in the trainings,” Tatum said. “It’s nice to see the green bandanas all around campus.”

As Griffiths and Tatum work to spread awareness about the initiative and other mental health resources, Griffiths said she hopes students also know that they can always come to her.

“We’re always here for the students,” she said. “They’ve put their faith in us to represent them, and our doors are always open to them.”

She said one of her priorities as president is to facilitate opportunities for students to be heard, with events like “Popsicles with the President” and “Mochas with the Mayor” designed to promote civic engagement. She’s also working to reinstate the Marshall University House of Delegates to encourage collaboration among Marshall’s clubs, organizations and athletic teams.

“We want students to feel connected not only on campus but also out in the community,” she said. “We want them to make their voices heard.”

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Ground Support The opening of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program in Huntington has Marshall poised to fill some of the most in-demand jobs in the world.

By Lalena Price

Students are being trained in the critical field of aviation maintenance technology through a partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College.

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The first students of the Aviation Maintenance Technology A.A.S. program at Marshall University are joined by James Smith, program director, and Nancy Ritter, director of the Bill Noe Flight School.

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ill Noe says Marshall University is perfectly poised to bolster the aviation industry for decades to come.

“If you’ve ever watched somebody surf, you see them sitting out there waiting for the perfect wave to ride,” said Noe, the university’s new chief aviation officer and the man for whom its flight school in Charleston is named. “At Marshall we see this perfect wave starting to come our way, and we’re starting to paddle hard to catch it because we know we will be able to ride it for the next 30-plus years.”

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to get it up and Noe, an acrunning in complished time for classes pilot and the that began in former presiAugust. Years dent and chief of work culoperations ofminated in a ficer for NetJets, flurry of activthe largest priity prior to the vate jet f leet start of the fall in the world, semester. FAA has served as a certification was trusted adviser granted in late to Marshall’s June. An open aviation prohouse was held gram since its in early July. inception in Twenty quali2017. He was From left, AMT Program Director Jim Smith; Stephen M. Friedrich, CCO, Embraer Executive fied students tapped to lead Jets; William Smith, Director, Learning and Development, Delta Air Lines; MU President Brad were recruited it in late August D. Smith; Sen. Shelley Moore Capito; MU Chief Aviation Officer Bill Noe; and Mountwest and admitted to 2022, and it Community and Technical College President Joshua Baker cut the ribbon on the new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program’s facility at Huntington Tri-State Airport Aug. 25. the program, beseems the sky’s ginning classes the limit for his even before the vision.

School and administrators from the ribbon was cut on the state-of-the“Right now, the aviation indusaviation management program in the art training facility at Huntington try is so open that you can pick and Lewis College of Business. And now, Tri-State Airport. choose pretty much what you want students are being trained in the Certainly, Smith’s program will to do once you get your certifications critical field of aviation maintenance fill a void in the aviation industry; and qualifications,” Noe said. “We technology through a partnership but he said he also sees potential for have aircraft manufacturers right with Mountwest Community and it to serve as an economic driver for now telling us they want to hire Technical College, which became the region, producing a workforce people coming out of our program. the nation’s newest FAA-approved with malleable skills that also directly We have them wanting to support aviation maintenance technician answers industry needs. our program financially and donate school and the first of its kind in “One-quarter of students who equipment to help us train people the region. graduate from these programs will they can hire. They — all the major There’s no doubt aviation is go to work in oil and gas, maritime players — are donating engines, gaining speed at Marshall. Noe’s and automotive industries,” Smith wings, propellers and more to help intention is to feed the program said. “So, the Aviation Maintenance expose our students to everything well and watch it get stronger and Technology program is a blessing they need to know.” stronger, he said. for all the industries in the region.”

In Noe’s eyes, Marshall’s Division “I’m asked, ‘Bill, can you train Students will earn an Associate of Aviation, which operates two your students this way, or that way,’ of Applied Science (A.A.S.) through programs through agreements with and it makes me think of the scene in an 18-month, year-round program.

West Virginia International Yeager the movie Jaws where someone says, Graduates will be qualified to take Airport in Charleston and Tri-State ‘We’re gonna need a bigger boat.’ the FAA’s Airframe and Powerplant Airport in Huntington, is perfectly Once we get up to full throttle with certification exams, which are good positioned for the future. He said Marshall aviation, we may need a for life and can be used in any state he envisions the aviation division bigger school,” Noe laughed. without restriction. The average evolving into an industry leader James Smith directs the Aviation U.S. annual salary for an aviation that produces capable, adaptable, Maintenance Technology program technician? Over $55,000. Industry industry-savvy professionals, includand said many stars had to align need for AMTs? 132,000 technicians ing pilots from the Bill Noe Flight

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before 2041. Current licensed AMTs? Not enough to fill every job. Coming attrition? 30% of the existing AMT workforce will retire, creating thousands of positions for new technicians. These are not great statistics for the industry, but they are great for students. Smith is seeking perfect candidates for 2023 to fill 30 spaces for the spring semester and 50 for the fall semester. The FAA sets the ratio of instructors to students at 25:1 to ensure quality instruction.

“The aviation industry is hurting for technicians; and if you look at the way a lot of companies invest in their infrastructure, they tend to invest in facilities where they have a direct pipeline of workforce,” Smith said. “My goal for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program is to inspire companies to come to Huntington that can employ our students and help grow our airport.”

Overall, Marshall’s aviation program has received a number of gifts from the likes of Delta Airlines TechOps and the Embraer Foundation, among others, in support of its nascent program; and at least one company, Thoroughbred Av i a t i o n , h a s e x p a n d e d t o Huntington Tri-State Airport in part due to Marshall’s program.

Monica Newman McCluney, head of the Embraer Foundation, said, “Aviation is a robust, high-growth industry; and the incoming students at Marshall University have the opportunity to greatly contribute to the future of flight. We celebrate the university, as well as the students, and are proud to be part of this journey.”

There’s no need for instruments to gauge what those kinds of strong industry investments mean for Marshall’s climb in the world of

aviation. It’s ultimately about jobs for students — whether they operate, build or maintain aircraft or manage those who do. Curating a specialized workforce takes time.

As Noe says, “You do have to crawl before you walk.”

Noe’s most meaningful involvement in the program begins as students are preparing to leave it.

He wants his students to have jobs before they graduate, he said.

“That’s when I go to work creating paths to guaranteed employment, guaranteed opportunity, guaranteed fulfillment for our students just about anywhere they want to go.

That’s what we are starting to see happen already with these aviation companies,” Noe said.

Lalena Price is a freelance writer living in Kenna, West Virginia.

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Faculty and students have worked hard over the last 25 years to transformMarshall into one of the leading research universities in the nation.

By Amanda Larch

Dr. Derrick Kolling explains a chemical reaction to a student. Kolling is a professor and the chair of the Department of Chemistry.

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r. John Maher, vice president for research at Marshall, says the university’s prestigious reputation for research is a success story 25 years in the making. Having achieved Carnegie Classification R2 High Research Activity status in 2018, Marshall is now among the top 6% of research universities in the country.

“If you name a direction of research, our faculty are involved in it,” Maher said. “When you look at Marshall research, it’s impactful.”

Many factors at Marshall foster research and have laid the groundwork for this success, such as the accreditation of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, as well as the construction of the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center in 2006 and the Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex in 2015. This past fiscal year, Marshall was awarded approximately $63 million in grants for research — an all-time record for the university.

“Those are elements that have been built brick by brick by Marshall faculty, and we’ve been come a long way in the last 25 years,” Maher said.

Maher said the research experience at Marshall prepares students, no matter their area of study, for the real world.

Dr. John Maher is executive director of the Marshall University Research Corporation and vice president for research at Marshall.

Dr. Umapathy Sundaram has practiced gastroenterology at Marshall and WVU for almost 20 years and is discovering new pathways for treating obesity.

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“That training builds resilience, selfconfidence, and collaborative and team skills,” he explained. “We see that across the board, whether somebody’s doing an undergraduate research project in fine arts or doing an undergraduate research project in biomedical engineering.”

One focus of research at Marshall is discovering new pathways for treating obesity, spearheaded by Dr. Umapathy Sundaram, vice dean for research and chairman of the Department of Clinical and Translational Science at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

“Obesity is an epidemic in West Virginia and central Appalachia,” said Sundaram.

“The many complications of obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, etc., are more common in West Virginia than most any other state.”

To focus the research at Marshall in this important area, the Appalachian Center for Cellular Transport in Obesity Related

“

If people were not doing research, we wouldn’t have transistors, iPhones or cholesterol drugs. All of that comes from people asking basic questions and training students to be curious.”

— Dr. John Maher vice president for research

Disorders (ACCORD) at Marshall University was founded several years ago. Through the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) program of the National Institutes of Health, Sundaram and his team were awarded a nearly $11 million grant to investigate obesity.

“This program will allow us to not only perform research in obesity and its complications, but also provide funding to train the next generation of biomedical researchers and establish important infrastructures to perform state-of-the-art research at Marshall,” said Sundaram, principal investigator of the grant. NIH has also awarded grants to fund other entities, including the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in partnership with West Virginia University, led by Dr. Gary Rankin, chair of the JCESOM Department of Pharmacology.

“INBRE uses the research experience at WVU and Marshall to foster student and faculty research activity at primarily undergraduate institutions in the state, and it creates a statewide network of people who are trained and going into careers in biomedical research,” Maher explained. “It has a

profound impact on research competitiveness and on the lives and the careers of the students who are now leaving the undergraduate institutions to go on to graduate or medical studies.”

Sundaram, who has been at Marshall for nine years and has practiced gastroenterology at Marshall and WVU for almost 20 years, said a priority among university researchers is to “concentrate our efforts on research that is relevant to our patients.” Because many West Virginians face difficulty in traveling to receive the latest and most advanced care, the Marshall Clinical Research Center (MCRC) was established to bring advancements in treatment and medicine to the area. It supports and grants patients access to clinical trial programs and promotes clinical and translational research to provide advanced care that otherwise is not available for patients in the region.

“The goal with the MCRC is to bring the latest treatment available by the government and pharmaceutical companies to our locale so patients don’t have to travel too far,” Sundaram said.

Recently, Sundaram and his team completed a clinical trial with a new medication that specifically treats patients with liver complications of obesity.

Dr. Gary Rankin is the principal investigator of the NIH-funded West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence.

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Reflecting the success of this collaboration between the VA and Marshall, Sundaram was recently awarded the prestigious Senior Clinician Scientist Investigator VA Merit Award by the Department of Veterans Affairs to study inflammatory bowel disease, a common condition in veterans as well as West Virginians.

The Marshall University College of Science has a large research concentration in water resources and environmental science. Researchers in the College of Science are partnering with the U.S. Army to understand how army bases are impacting Dr. Lynn O’Connell and Amy Saunders (center) are both involved in behavioral and wildlife — and how to minimize that public health research and program development. impact. Members of the college are also studying river systems, trying “We participated in a multicenter trial, and it to understand how to control, detect and prevent certainly shows significance in terms of potentially harmful algae blooms. reversing this problem,” Sundaram said.

The university’s Forensic Science Graduate The Department of Clinical and Translational Program, one of the foremost forensics master’s Science has another goal: to train the next generadegree programs in the country, is conducting tion of researchers. Dr. Sundaram and his fellow cutting-edge research in DNA analysis. researchers work with students to study the landscape “There’s a real advancement taking place in of health care disparities in West Virginia and central forensics for law enforcement, and our forensic Appalachia. They then focus on solving those inequicenter is at the forefront,” Maher said. ties through research. Sundaram said getting medical and graduate students involved in research that is important for the state of West Virginia adds to the level of care they provide. The goal is to get those students interested in the health care issues facing West Virginia so they can start to prepare mindful paths to solve those problems.

Sundaram also noted that West Virginia and central Appalachia are home to a large number of veterans, and the Huntington VA Medical Center has the largest research facility in the region.

“In the last several years we have made a concerted effort to collaboratively enhance research between the VA and Marshall,” said Sundaram, who takes care of patients as well as Dr. Maria Serrat is associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences where she heads research on childhood obesity. conducts research at the VA.

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Marshall has been awarded grants focusing on addiction and recovery through the Center for Recovery Excellence, headed by Dr. Lynn O’Connell, associate director of Addiction Sciences, and Amy Saunders, managing director of the center. They apply state-of-the-art techniques to provide services to people in recovery to maximize their chances of finding success and re-entering the workforce. This involves partnerships between state and federal organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Marshall’s Psychology Department and the Department of Family Medicine at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

“We work a lot on the most profound problems that address the state, and we hope that we’re having an impact,” Maher said. “These folks are working to make this state a better place, either from an economic development perspective or from a health perspective.”

Under Marshall President Brad D. Smith’s leadership, the university is reorganizing and even more sharply focusing its research strategy.

“We’re also going to emphasize areas of economic

development where we have real strengths to ensure we are having the maximum impact possible on the region’s growth,” Maher said.

Smith, who continues the tradition of encouraging research, said the growth of Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill is senior the research research associate at the WV Autism enterprise at Training Center at Marshall University. the university has been nothing short of incredible the past few decades.

“Under the direction of my predecessors, and with the commitment of our dynamic faculty, staff and students, Marshall has transformed into a Carnegie Classification R2 institution, a designation that gives us a standing in the research world,” Smith said. “Research is a two-pronged operation in higher education: it drives novel concepts and prepares the next generation of investigators.”

Research is a priority at Marshall, Maher said, because it’s fundamentally important to science while also having a positive economic impact on society.

“If people were not doing research, we wouldn’t have transistors, iPhones or cholesterol drugs,” Maher said. “All of that comes from people asking basic questions and training students to be curious. The economic impact of the research itself is that we hire people and we conduct research, and it creates a vibrant university community.

“The most gratifying aspect is that the students and faculty are working hard not only to come up with innovative solutions, but to make them a reality as well,” he continued. “Everybody in the community should recognize all the good work being done at Marshall and take pride in its commitment to research.”

Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Wendy Trzyna focuses her investigation on cellular activity.

Amanda Larch is a freelance writer living in Hurricane, West Virginia.

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autism training center

Autism EXPERTISE Over the past 38 years, Marshall has become a national leader in the field of autism.

By Amy Deal Photos by Rick Lee

P

eople in the Huntington region might be surprised to learn that Marshall University is the home of a national leader in the field of autism. Born from the passion and dedication of autism pioneer Dr. Ruth Sullivan, the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall has been serving the needs of individuals with autism since being established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1984. Their mission: “To support individuals diagnosed with autism as they pursue a life of quality.”

The oldest program at the center, now called Direct Services, has provided free multitiered support to both families and educators statewide. The services are designed to meet the needs of all West Virginians with autism and the people who

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support them. A community-based program, its services include behavior and needs assessments as well as training parents and caregivers in positive behavior support techniques.

School-based paraprofessionals who receive training become credentialed as “autism mentors.”

In 2002 the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder was created, becoming the first of its kind in the nation. The only program offered that isn’t free, the fee-based initiative serves 60 -70 students each year. Around 60% of those students are from out of state, which brings revenue to the university for housing, meal plans and other services. In addition, it also teaches students how to transition into employment after college.

Examples include summer workshop

programs with local businesses and hosting a panel of business leaders who help soon-to-be graduates understand what managers expect from employees.

According to Dr. Marc Ellison, executive director of the center, the businesses involved also learn about the benefits of hiring people with autism.

“A lot of companies are looking for the skills that people with autism have; they just don’t know it,” Ellison said. “As employees they are extremely reliable, having stellar attendance rates. What’s more, many are hyperfocused about their work.”

Matt Kaiser is a 2015 graduate of Marshall and one of the students who benefited from the program. He said that the mentors were a huge part of his success, working with him to

Staff of the West Virginia Autism Training Center provide support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder as they pursue a life of quality.

“

A lot of companies are looking for the skills that people with autism have; they just don’t know it. As employees they are extremely reliable, having stellar attendance rates. What’s more, many are hyperfocused about their work.”

— Executive Director Dr. Mark Ellison WV Autism Training Center at Marshall

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The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall offers a variety of services including behavior and needs assessments as well as training parents and caregivers in positive behavior support techniques. It also teaches students how to transition into employment after college.

plan his schedule and assisting him with any projects he might have had difficulty navigating.

In August the center announced a partnership with CAI Neurodiverse Solutions to work with its end-to-end employment program. The program provides work experience and employment opportunities in the technology field to Marshall graduates. While not all graduates have an interest in the tech field, Ellison said he believes it’s important to give those who do a chance to succeed.

The Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center supports educators by teaching positive behavior support and interventions.

It also oversees a statewide Mental Health First Aid initiative. The center

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was established as a response to a request for support from teachers with issues related to student behavior and mental health needs. The services supported by the center are based upon national models and research related to multitiered systems of support (MTSS) and interconnected systems framework (ISF).

Ellison has followed in Sullivan’s footsteps by working to get legislation passed that further benefits West Virginia citizens who have autism.

In 2021 Gov. Jim Justice signed into law Senate Bill 634, which requires law enforcement and correctional officers to be trained on the best ways to interact with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The training focuses on providing officers

with a base knowledge of how autism spectrum disorder affects a person and why they may not act or react the same way as a neurotypical person.

West Virginia is now one of only a handful of states that require this training.

Ellison worked with Lt. K.G. Murray, deputy director of training at the West Virginia State Police Academy, to get the bill passed.

Murray has two sons with autism.

“The bottom line is this training is vital to ensure those people with ASD will be safer when they may have an encounter with the police,” Murray said. “What’s more, police officers will be safer when they encounter a person with ASD.” The Autism Training Center

currently employs 44 staff members and has offices not only on Marshall’s Huntington campus, but also in Fairmont and Parkersburg. In addition, autism specialists are stationed in regions across the state and work from their homes.

“How we understand autism is constantly evolving,” Ellison noted. “For example, new research shows that many females exhibit autism traits differently than men. Not being aware of this fact clearly led to the misdiagnoses of thousands of women over the decades.”

A five-year plan calls for the number of students served by the college program to double. A major part of this plan will involve moving from the

current location in Old Main to a building on Sixth Avenue that formerly housed Tri State MRI. Ellison said the program will need to raise $5 million to renovate the building.

“We believe that doubling the size of the program and moving into a new location will enable us to develop a center of excellence for the employment of people with autism,” Ellison said. “This is meaningful work that benefits not only those with ASD, but their families, friends and the community as well.”

The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall was born from the passion and dedication of autism pioneer Dr. Ruth Sullivan, having been established by the West Virginia Legislature in 1984.

Amy Deal is a freelance writer living in Barboursville, West Virginia.

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sports

Thundering Herd Basketball Preview 26

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arshall basketball coach Dan D’Antoni unwittingly snagged his best recruit in the offseason without so much as picking up the phone or leaving his office.

When senior guard Taevion Kinsey decided to return for his senior season, D’Antoni had his prize puzzle piece for the 2022-23 season.

“I hope people appreciate his loyalty to Marshall,” said D’Antoni of his leading scorer. “He comes out every day to get better. He’s an unselfish player and an unselfish person.

He’s been a pleasure to coach.”

The 6-foot-5-inch guard could have tested the NBA draft waters the last two years — or he could have even hit the transfer portal. Ultimately, he said there were things to improve upon in his repertoire so he’s bringing his 19 points per game to the Henderson Center to run it back one more time.

“I think I’m just more loyal to who’s more loyal to me,” said Kinsey. “Coach Dan, Marshall, my teammates and the community have been very loyal to me. It was a no brainer.”

There is also a bad taste in his mouth that needs to be expunged for him and the team. Marshall finished 12-21 and 4-14 in its final year in Conference USA. “It was a hurtful season,” agreed junior guard Andrew Taylor. “I don’t think many people around here have been through a losing season and experienced that. It’s

With the return of star guard Taevion Kinsey and a bevy of new talent, Herd hoops hope to shine in the Sun Belt Conference.

By Keith Morehouse

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motivation like I never had because I’ve never been through a losing season.”

Kinsey and Taylor (14 points per game last year) return with a familiar cast from last year. Six-foot, 9-inch sophomore Obinna Anochili-Killen (12 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game) is back and Coach D’Antoni is eager to get him back to “blocking shots, rebounding, setting picks and playing the pick and roll.”

The Herd struggled from distance last year and the staff hopes that will be rectified by the addition of VMI transfer Kamdyn Curfman. He was second in the nation in 3-point field goals made last year with 117 and shot nearly 40% from behind the arc. He also averaged nearly 16 points per game. Marshall’s fast-paced, freewheeling offense is tailor-made for an outside shooter. He thinks that will fit well in the Sun Belt Conference.

“For us the Sun Belt is kind of a grittier, more athletic league,” said Curfman. “We can match up well with those teams, but I think we can provide more scoring than a lot of those teams so they’re going to have a matchup problem on a nightly basis.”

Head Coach Dan D’Antoni is thrilled that guard Taevion Kinsey chose to return for his senior season instead of heading to the NBA.

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Goran Miladinovic, a junior, is one of two 7-footers on the Thundering Herd’s basketball roster for the 2022-23 season.

“We can already tell in pickup games that things run a lot more smoothly, Taylor said of Curfman. “Our flow offense is just smooth. We don’t have to worry about him knocking down his shot.”

Herd fans shouldn’t forget 7-foot junior Goran Miladinovich, who played plenty of minutes last year, or junior swing man Marco Sarenac, who gives the Herd another shooter from distance.

There are plenty of other position players for D’Antoni to pluck off the bench. Returning 6-foot, 9-inch sophomores Aymeric Toussaint and Chase McKey will help inside. The Herd has added 7-foot, 1-inch Micah Handlogten, who runs the floor quite well for a big man. There’s 6-foot, 8-inch freshman Wyatt Fricks who sat out last year with an injury, but D’Antoni is high on his potential. Freshman Jacob Conner also brings height and range to the perimeter, while sophomore guards David Early and Kyle Braun will provide depth at the guard positions.

For Kinsey and the Herd, this will be a year to get better.

“Me being more mature now I think it’s time the game slowed down a little bit more for me,” Kinsey said. “So, I’m able to make better reads and get this guy the ball or that guy the ball when they’re open. Then, we just need to make the shots.”

The Henderson Center also will get a mini-makeover this fall with new playing surfaces for basketball and

“

I think I’m just more loyal to who’s more loyal to me. Coach Dan, Marshall, my teammates and the community have been very loyal to me.”

— Taevion Kinsey

Junior guard Andrew Taylor started all 22 games last season, averaged 14 points and 5.8 rebounds. He also had 33 steals.

Obinna Anochili-Killen averaged 12 points and 6.6 rebounds last season as a freshman. Coach D’Antoni is eager to get him back to blocking shots, rebounding and playing the pick and roll.

volleyball. Also on Dan D’Antoni’s wish list since he became head coach was to make Gullickson Hall into a more suitable practice facility. The plans are in place to make improvements by adding more baskets and upgrading the HVAC system.

“Christian Spears is moving a lot of things forward,” D’Antoni said of Marshall’s new athletic director. “There was a 20-year period where we didn’t keep up with the competition. He’s going to have Gullickson ready where we can practice with multiple hoops.”

It all points to Nov. 7, 2002, when Marshall opens at home against Queens College. Public address announcer Mike Kirtner will intone, “Starting tonight for the Thundering Herd, 6-foot, 5-inch senior guard Taevion Kinsey.”

Dan D’Antoni won’t hold his smile back. Herd Hoops has that effect on him.

Keith Morehouse is a freelance writer and the sports director at WSAZ NewsChannel 3 in Huntington, West Virginia.

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i n

b r i e f

Huntington Campus

UPDATES

A revised baseball stadium plan was approved by the Board of Governors in June. It will now be built at Second Avenue and 22nd Street, adjacent to the Dot Hicks Field, and will be ready for the 2024 season.

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There’s a new site and strict deadline for Marshall’s field of dreams while construction is underway at the university’s modern new home for the College of Business.

By Jack Houvouras

Baseball Stadium For decades Marshall fans have been dreaming of a new stadium for the university’s storied baseball program. And, with the arrival of President Brad D. Smith and new Athletic Director Christian Spears the Thundering Herd’s field of dreams is close at hand. In June the pair presented a revised baseball stadium project statement to the Board of Governors, which unanimously approved the plan.

The new stadium will be built along a parcel of land located at Second Avenue and 22nd Street, adjacent to Marshall’s Dot Hicks Field. President Smith said while the project was initially slated for property on Fifth Avenue, the newly designated site was selected because it will be developed at a lower cost, with an accelerated time to completion. The goal is for the stadium to be ready for the 2024 season.

“Marshall is ready to see this long-anticipated ball field come to fruition,” Smith said. “Our partners, including the City of Huntington, are ready. Our intention to build this ballpark has never wavered and while we encountered a major hurdle in the COVID pandemic, it’s never dampened our enthusiasm to see this project to its completion.”

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said he is confident there will be collegiate baseball played in the city in the coming months.

“I’m pleased that President Smith, Athletic Director Christian Spears and the Marshall University Board of Governors have settled on an aggressive plan for the

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construction of the new baseball stadium,” Williams said. “I am enthused that we can take on big projects that will benefit our university, city, state and region.”

“This is why this university and community are so special,” Spears said. “We don’t back down, we don’t quit. We partner, we collaborate, we include, we find a way, we believe.

We are ready to move forward with a new location, timeline, budget and plan. Now we need many to give.”

BREAKING NEWS West Virginia’s Office of Economic Development will contribute $13.8 million toward the baseball stadium project. Gov. Jim Justice came to the site especially to make the announcement and to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Here he is shown presenting the check to President Brad D. Smith and Athletic Director Christian Spears, surrounded by members of the baseball team.

The Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation is on track to open in 2024.

The Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation One of the university’s largest development projects in years is underway with the construction of the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation. Steel beams went up in April at the 1400 block of Fourth Avenue in Huntington — the site of the former Uptowner Inn and later the Flats on 4th apartments.

The sprawling facility will be 77,000 gross square feet and is expected to welcome its first students in January 2024. Along with classroom space, the center will feature a forum and auditorium, computer and finance labs, office space, meeting rooms and study spaces for students.

It will be equipped with conference capabilities for small and large

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business gatherings and serve as an incubator for both management and practice. Officials say the facility will allow for more interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty, concurrently advancing research, 21st-century learning and community engagement.

“This is the realization of a longcherished dream for our university to have a world-class facility for our business students,” said Dr. Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, provost and former dean of the Lewis College of Business. “The economic impact of the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation on the state, the region and the city will be incredibly significant.”

The building project is the result of a $25 million gift in 2018 to the Lewis College of Business from

former Intuit CEO Brad Smith and his wife, Alys. It marked one of the top three gifts to Marshall University in its history.

Future development that is envisioned along Fourth Avenue will be a collaboration among Fairmount Properties, Marshall University, PJ Dick Construction and architectural firm Perkins Eastman.

Fairmount Properties plans to develop a vibrant, mixed-use district where one can live, work, dine, play and recreate, anchored by and adjacent to the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation. In addition to sophisticated urban residential units geared toward Marshall faculty, staff and medical and other professionals in Huntington, the district is expected to include new restaurant and retail options curated to help recruit and retain Marshall graduates. This “Marshall Business and Innovation District” will be strategically located where downtown meets Marshall University’s Huntington campus, presenting opportunities for strategic connections, idea sharing and catalytic growth and leading to broad and sustained economic effects.

Jack Houvouras is publisher of Marshall Magazine.

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a c c r e d i t a t i o n

STRONGER and MORE INCLUSIVE Marshall begins a three-year quality initiative to make both the university and the community more inclusive.

By James E. Casto

“

We have chosen to focus on building a stronger and more inclusive community because we feel that when people from diverse backgrounds study and work together, we enrich our learning.”

— Associate Provost and Associate Vice President Mary Beth Reynolds Assessment and Quality Initiative

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Y

ION AT

“We have chosen to focus on building a stronger and more inclusive community because we feel that when people from diverse backgrounds study and work together, we enrich our own learning,” said Dr. Mary Beth Reynolds, associate provost and associate vice president for assessment and quality initiatives.

“Together we make our communities better places to live and work.”

Reynolds was quick to point out that there were a large number of faculty involved in planning the three-year initiative. Just some of those individuals include Dr. Feon SmithBranch, associate professor and program coordinator of Adult and Continuing Education in the College of Education and Professional Development; Bruce Felder, chief talent and diversity, equity and inclusion officer; Dr. April Fugett, interim executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning; Dr. Andy Hermansdorfer, director of student involvement and leadership; Brandi Jacobs-Jones, senior vice president of operations; Dr. Montserrat Miller, executive director of the John Deaver Drinko Academy; and Dr. Kateryna Schray, English professor and the Charles E. Hedrick Outstanding Faculty Award recipient for 2012-2013.

Reynolds said Marshall’s Quality Initiative has three goals: “To increase students’ readiness to work and live in a global and/or otherwise diverse community by providing them opportunities to grow and learn through contact with others who come from cultures, races, or backgrounds different from their

Q U A LIT

M

arshall University has launched a sweeping threeyear effort aimed at making it a stronger and more inclusive community. As part of the accreditation requirements set by the Higher Learning Commission, each institution is required to select and implement a large-scale Quality Initiative.

CREDIT C A

I N I T I AT V

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“

When we work and socialize with people who come from backgrounds different from our own, all our lives are enriched by the new experiences we share and the new things we learn.”

— Associate Provost and Associate Vice President Mary Beth Reynolds Assessment and Quality Initiative

own. To increase access to the university by reducing barriers that disproportionately disadvantage people from underserved populations and provide support needed for success. And to promote student learning through outreach to the community.”

During its implementation, Marshall’s Quality Initiative will focus on three themes: Year 1: Complexities of Identity Year 2: Building Bridges Year 3: Embracing and Celebrating Differences Projects supporting the first goal include themealigned readings. For example, one book will be selected each semester for campus-wide reading, with suggested scholarly readings for classroom use. In addition, there will be theme-aligned lectures, discussions and activities; diversity dinner groups that bring together new freshmen from different backgrounds several times each fall; and an inaugural diversity learning community.

“Members of student organizations are being challenged to select another organization with whom, under normal circumstances, they might not be likely to collaborate.,” Reynolds explained. “There can be many reasons for possible lack of natural collaboration, and students will be asked to consider these reasons.

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Is it because the members of the other organization differ from them in background, political or religious ideologies, general outlook on life? Our hope is that, through working with and getting to know people who are different from ourselves, we expand our appreciation for differences and realize we have many similarities.”

The book selected for campus-wide reading for this year’s first semester is Dr. Cicero Fain’s Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story. A Huntington native, Fain is a visiting diversity scholar in Marshall’s History Department.

“There is no greater pleasure and point of pride than knowing that your work matters,” Fain said.

“My book illuminates, acknowledges and celebrates the sacrifices, labors and successes of Black pioneers who contributed mightily to the rise of Huntington as a regional industrial, commercial and sociocultural center. This unique history continues to animate the efforts of area residents dedicated to elevating it to a place of prominence and relevance. In truth, one cannot truly appreciate the story of Huntington and the Tri-State region without knowing the story of its Black heroes and heroines. I am delighted that my book contributes to this goal.”

The book selected for campus-wide reading for the Spring 2023 semester is Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in Mountain Places, by Neema Avashia.

A large number of faculty and staff have been and continue to be involved in planning the three-year Quality Initiative that aims at making a stronger and more inclusive community.

Reynolds said projects supporting the Quality Initiative’s second goal include the enhanced recruiting and retention of students, faculty and staff from chronically underserved populations, and an outside evaluation of university policies to ensure they adhere to the principles of equity.

Projects supporting the initiative’s third goal include engaging Marshall students as near-peer mentors for Health Science & Technology Academy (HSTA) clubs at area high schools and providing an opportunity for a Marshall student to work as an intern with the Fairfield Community Development Corporation.

“We will measure outcomes of the Quality Initiative through annual surveys, pre/post evaluations, input from project participants and institutional data trends,” Reynolds said.

Four to 12 incoming freshmen will be selected to participate in a Diversity Learning Community each year. They will receive scholarships and, with the

support of their faculty mentor, engage in diversity programming and leadership opportunities throughout the year.

Reynolds said the initiative, which is focused on diversity, is not just important for students and staff, but also for people in the surrounding community.

“When we work and socialize with people who come from backgrounds different from our own, all our lives are enriched by the new experiences we share and the new things we learn,” Reynolds said. “When we can talk with people who have different ideas or viewpoints than we do, we learn to critically examine our own ideas. In a diverse society, we quickly learn that no person can be defined by only one characteristic.”

James E. Casto is the retired associate editor of The Herald-Dispatch and the author of a number of books on local and regional history.

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everGreen YOUR ALUMNI CONNECTION

LA SHREMSHOCK

A A MESSAGE FROM MIK MUAA National President

ily.

Hello, Marshall alumni fam

rs of virtual meetings and urous summer. After two yea ent adv and ble oya enj an I hope you had ctions IRL. new appreciation for intera staycations, it’s taught me a r elected board members. Ou lcomed the new cohort of we s tor rec es Di ativ of ent ard res Bo rep on y Spears and other universit In July, the Alumni Associati Athletic Director Christian , ith Sm D. the Chris Cline d Bra ent sid Pre meetings with ence Hall, the Rec Center and sid Re rs we To r tou to y nit with so much the opportu se meetings was that, even were inspiring. We also had tho m fro ay aw k too I me connection ility. One the mitted to maintaining that com Indoor Athletic Training Fac is m tea p shi der lea ing at Marshall, the change and growth happen to the histor y of Marshall. i Relations has Executive Director of Alumn new a t tha d nce ou ann n nities for er, it has bee son to provide new opportu per t As I’m composing this lett tha h wit y sel clo ng rki g for ward to wo been selected. We are lookin all community. engagement with the Marsh learning. Whether look to Marshall for lifelong to i mn alu all e rag ou enc to offer alumni ith, we want your side-hustle, Marshall can rt Aligning with President Sm po sup to rk wo rse cou or tificate course it’s an advanced degree, a cer on-campus or virtually. opportunities in many fields are a great way to stay Marshall’s alumni chapters nt, me age eng ial soc and y munit the best way to ased chapters, they remain If you’re looking for more com e-b leg col new and r, eve n fun watching al chapters tha teering or just having some un involved. With more region vol y nit mu com ng, rki alums for netwo connect with other Marshall a game. cial Fun in the Sunfor Homecoming for a spe s pu cam to k bac all you season we have ally invite lt Conference. Already this Lastly, I would like to person Be n Su the to ft shi s all’ morating Marsh themed celebration comme ns in the weeks to come. expect many more celebratio we and ent item exc of nty seen ple al alumni chapter to sure to reach out to your loc be le, edu sch r you for rk doesn’t wo If attending Homecoming nts that support Marshall. g party and other social eve hin atc engage with a game-w e listings of events. Thank HerdAlum.com for up-to-dat and nts ou acc dia me ial soc i mn ntington soon! Go Herd!

Stay connected with the alu rsity. Hope to see you in Hu ive Un all rsh Ma of rt po sup you for your Mikala Shremshock y Alumni Association President, Marshall Universit

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spotlight

Lasting Legacy SCHOLARSHIP SECURES THREE GENERATIONS

C

ollege is a momentous experience for every student. It is often the beginning of the rest of their lives. What unfolds among the stately buildings, late night study sessions, and lifelong friendships that shape their futures, can many times spur inspiration for the generations that follow.

Three Marshall University graduates have such stories. Susan Popp, Kim Wellman and Sydney Wellman all received their degrees from Marshall. They are also grandmother, mother and daughter.

“Three generations is kind of a long time, so we all experienced something different,” Sydney said. “We definitely bond over that. And it's also a matter of respect in a way, we all recognize that we've put in the work to receive our degrees from the same college and we have this level of respect for each other.”

Sydney is the most recent Marshall graduate in their family, earning her bachelor's degree in biomechanics in May 2022. She is now a graduate student in Marshall’s School of Physical Therapy.

Their legacy is made possible thanks to Marshall’s Alumni Legacy Scholarship. The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is awarded to a non-resident, first-time freshman whose parent or grandparent graduated from Marshall. The student’s parent or grandparent must also be donors of the university.

Susan has donated to Marshall consistently for more than 30 years, and it is because of Susan’s generous contributions to the university that Sydney, who lives across the river in Chesapeake, Ohio, was able to attend Marshall

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at an affordable rate. However, none were aware of the scholarship beforehand.

“I was completely surprised by the scholarship opportunity,” Kim said. “That was a real blessing. It has made me realize how important donations are to the university.

That’s something I’m going to start doing is donating to the Marshall Foundation for that reason. It was so helpful for Sydney to get her bachelor’s degree. I’m grateful my mom donated, and that she could have that opportunity.”

But for Susan, college was not a part of her original plan.

“My future husband was already at Marshall,” she explained. “My father asked me if I wanted to go, and he gave me some money. He wanted me to go to school.”

Susan married her late husband, Larry, who graduated from Marshall in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. The two then moved to Virginia, thus putting Susan’s college career on hold.

“We moved to a southern part of Virginia and there were no colleges there, so there was no opportunity to go back,” she said.

Nearly a decade later, the family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, as Larry graduated with his master’s degree from Radford University. This allowed Susan to return to the classroom before the family moved back to Huntington a year later.

With another move across state lines, Susan knew she would have to wait a year before she could enroll again to pay the in-state tuition rates. Or so she thought.

“My mother saw an article in the newspaper that they had a program for women returning to college,” Susan

everGreen said. “So, she dragged me to Marshall and before I left “Marshall gave him the opportunity to have a career for there that night, I was enrolled again.”

24 years in what he loved to do, which was teach music Susan’s educational journey crafted some of Kim’s on a high school and middle school level.” earliest memories and began her love for their shared “He was a wonderful man who loved Marshall,” Kim alma mater. echoed. “Sydney knows he’s a powerful influence in my “I can remember going to Marshall with my mom when life, even still. I think that influence carries on to her she was signing up for classes and and my other daughter, as well.” standing there in those long lines What began as a way to honor with her while she was paying her a beloved husband and father, tuition when I was a little girl,” became a significant source of Kim said. financial reprieve for Sydney. As In 1983, Susan earned her someone who grew up around the bachelor's degree in library sciuniversity and watching Marshall ence and social studies. After sports, Sydney was always intergraduation, Susan went into ested in attending college close to teaching, first as a long-term home as part of the Herd. substitute teacher before taking “That’s where my mom and a full-time position at St. Joseph nana went, and they always spoke Central Catholic High School so highly of it,” Sydney said.

From left, Sydney Wellman (daughter), Kim Wellman in Huntington as the librarian.

“It also worked out that what I (mother) and Susan Poppall (grandmother) all Susan worked there for 29 years wanted to do was at Marshall, received their degrees from Marshall. and retired in 2018. too.”

For Kim, she always knew she would attend Marshall.

Sydney began her Marshall journey as a nursing stuBoth of her parents were Marshall graduates, and it was dent, like her mother, but soon felt her academic career never a question as to where she would complete her was leading her down a different path. degree. She also knew from a young age what her major “I found the biomechanics program in the School of would be.

Kinesiology and started that my junior year,” Sydney said.

Larry Popp passed away in January 1990 during Kim’s Sydney said she has always loved studying math and freshman year. He battled with heart disease for many the human body. Biomechanics, which is the study of years, which included an open-heart surgery when Kim human movement, encapsulated everything she was inwas around 9 years old. It was her father’s health struggles terested in. Her graduate program in physical therapy will that led Kim to become a nurse. help her reach her dream, which is to work as a pediatric “I remember sitting in the lobby of the old St. Mary’s neurology physical therapist.

Hospital for hours waiting for him to have heart surgery “I want to work with kids and young adults who have and I was just inspired by the nurses there,” Kim said. gone through a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord “If I could have the opportunity to provide that care to injury and work with them to rehab them to get better,” someone else’s family, I just wanted to be able to do that.”

Sydney said.

Kim earned an Associate of Applied Science degree Three Marshall alumnae. Three vastly different main 1991 from Marshall. She then took all her prerequisite jors. Three stories, bound by a deep appreciation for the classes at Marshall before attending St. Mary’s School of university they love.

Nursing, from which she graduated in 1996. In 2005, she On the day of Sydney’s graduation, the three stood received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marshall. proudly outside of the Mountain Health Arena and comLarry’s passing had a profound impact on the entire memorated the occasion with a photo as they each held family. With Kim just beginning her time at Marshall and a Marshall Alumni T-shirt that Susan had gifted Kim Susan only mere months into her job at St. Joseph, Susan and Sydney. wanted to find a way to honor his memory.

“I hope to be able to pass my desire and my gratitude “Every year after my husband died, I’d send a little for Marshall to my future children,” Sydney said. “And money to the Foundation in his name,” Susan said. hopefully, there will be a fourth generation.”

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financial aid

Scholarship Portal MORE MONEY IN STUDENTS’ HANDS

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u r i n g h i s te n an application. Students ure as president could search most of the of Marshall scholarships online at the University, Dr. Jerome financial aid site and college Gilbert made it a priority to and department staff would increase scholarship aid for work to pair students with the student body in the face appropriate scholarships, of rising education costs, but awarding all available and thanks to the Marshall funding was still too big a Rises campaign, scholarship task for the financial aid aid has increased 44% over office. the last five years with 500 “There were hundreds more students receiving aid. of applicants and appliPart of the increase has cations that would come Staff members of the Student Financial Aid Office are using a new been thanks to the hard through,” said Cody Call, portal that matches students with scholarship opportunities. work of the university’s associate director of operaOffice of Financial Aid, which launched a brand-new tions. “The paper was so much. We would open them all way for students to apply for private scholarships through and there were some that were 20 per student. That would an online portal. Launched in January of 2020, the portal all get scanned in and filed away. It was a big pain. Then reduces the amount of time it takes both students and you’d have to review those, try to match up the scholarstaff to find and apply for applicable scholarships. ship and look at all the information manually. Now, the “What we were doing was trying to find scholarships portal does all of that automatically for us. One word for students by looking at the individual guidelines for to describe the portal was just efficiency for our office.” each scholarship,” said Tara Hensley, senior financial aid Students now fill out one application and are automaticounselor. “And then we didn’t really have something cally matched with the scholarships for which they qualify. set up to where we could view a GPA or ACT score or “I think there are about 20 different departments, colthe major they’re in or anything like that. We just had to leges and financial aid that utilize the scholarship portal search. And really, it was like countless hours.” now,” said Nathan Miller, administrative associate for Financial aid staff said before the portal, there were financial aid and builder of the portal. upwards of 400 private scholarships that each required The portal is a great resource for incoming students,

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everGreen who are able to see all the potential funding they can receive, and it’s great for retaining students by potentially providing them with funding all four years. It also helps the university catch students who may have fallen through the cracks before, like first-generation students.

“It’s an efficient way to spend the donors’ money,” said Jean Ann Bevans, associate director of customer service.

The portal has led to an increase in the number of students applying for scholarships, with over 1,100 students applying last year.

“That’s not even the supplemental applications, which was also a big increase from previous years where we may have been hurting to find students to award these things to,” Miller said. “Now we’re having to be more selective of whom we award to because of the criteria, which is great. We’re using the donors’ money as they intended it to be used.”

Miller said the portal is helping colleges utilize their scholarship funding to the best of their ability.

“The portal has created ease of access for our future and current business students to apply for scholarships,” said Dr. Jeffrey Archambault, interim dean of the Lewis College of Business. “Keeping students the focus of all

! e t a D e Save th

that we do is our first priority. We cannot reach the ambitious goals we have set as the Lewis College of Business, and our students from the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business cannot achieve the ambitious goals they set, without a robust and competitive scholarship portfolio.

Scholarships are a great equalizer — they help business students realize their potential and help Marshall recruit and retain them.”

The Office of Student Financial Assistance takes every opportunity to teach students about the portal, as does the Marshall University Foundation. From incoming student tours to orientation and beyond, financial aid counselors love to connect students with funding.

“That’s why I’m so passionate,” Miller said. “I did not have any idea until my last semester of college that I could come to the financial aid office and ask for a scholarship.

So, I went through school with student loans because I didn’t know. I’m not going to have that in the future for other students. I can fix that. So, I’ve fixed that for other students so that they know that they can get scholarship money. They may not be awarded it, but they’re going to know about it. They’re going to know there are opportunities out there.”

HOMECOMING Marshall vs Coastal Carolina

Learn more and register for events at HerdAlum.com

OCTOBER

29

FEATURING Alumni Tailgate • Stampede 5K Picnic on the Plaza Homecoming Parade and Bonfire and much more!

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maier foundation scholarship

Scholarship Opens Myriad Opportunities for Four Future Teachers

By Taylor Stuck

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cotland doesn’t look too different from West Virginia.

There are the rolling green hills. There are lush trees and forests. But there are also the lochs and the 18th-century castles, and instead of Marco, there are highland cows.

Four future educators from Cabell and Putnam counties spent their summer transplanted in Stirling, Scotland, an opportunity they likely would not have had if not for the Maier Foundation.

Kirsten Hill, Dylan Collier, Caroline Kinder and Bailey Arkell are the recipients of the inaugural Maier Foundation STEM Educators’ Scholarship. The scholarship includes roughly $15,000 annually for tuition, housing and other costs; a stipend of $1,500 for a laptop; and funding for a study abroad or student exchange experience and was renewable for three additional years The goal of the scholarship is to increase the number of highly qualified science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) middle and high school teachers in West Virginia.

Arkell and Kinder are studying math education while Hill and Colliers are in chemistry education.

The group spent a month attending Stirling University, roaming the Scottish Highlands and mingling with local and other international students. It’s an experience they all say they likely would not have had if not for the Maier scholarship.

“I don’t always like to go out of my comfort zone, and if you can’t tell by me staying home for college, I don’t always like to go very far from home,” said Barboursville native and current Miss Marshall, Caroline Kinder. “So, it may have been something that crossed my mind, but probably not something I would have fully pursued just based on finances and confidence. I had a great support system from all the people helping me go.”

The students had support back home before the trip from the College of Education and Professional

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Development and support in Scotland from their professor. They took one course while on their trip, which included a tour of an elementary school and a high school.

“Our professor was fantastic,” St. Albans resident Hill said. “She was so nice. And she was so helpful. Anything we needed, anyone there would help us. The people who worked at the high school that we visited … were all super welcoming and were just ready to give us any information that we needed.”

Even the residents of Stirling were welcoming. In searching for a piece of home, Kinder and Arkell found a Baptist church and attended one Sunday. A family at the church invited them for dinner at their home.

While there are similarities between West Virginia and Scotland, there are many things that are different.

In the schools they toured, they learned the importance of physical and mental health in Scottish schools.

“Learning about how they incorporate mental health standards and physical health standards into their curriculum was really a breath of fresh air and made me want to rearrange how I would teach here to kind of prioritize those things in my own classroom if they aren’t prioritized on a large scale,” Kinder said.

For Hill, she misses the ease of public transportation.

“I loved being able to hop on a bus and go,” she said.

“I hated when I got back and remembered I had to drive my car everywhere.”

Arkell’s favorite memories of the trip were when they were able to relax and enjoy their experiences. They traveled to North Berwick, a seaside town with golden beaches and unique rock formations.

“It was really nice and peaceful,” she said. “There were little shops down this little street and lots of bakeries and coffee shops, things like that. Oh, man, it was just one of the nicest travel experiences where you could enjoy being there and not have to worry about the crowds or having to do something. We were just able to explore.”

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From left, Marshall students Kimberly Hill, Caroline Kinder, Bailey Arkell and Dustin Collier traveled and studied in Scotland with funding from the Maier Foundation STEM Educator’s Scholarship.

Collier, a self-proclaimed introvert, explored a lot during his trip. Always looking to save money, Collier would walk nearly everywhere while the women rode the bus.

His favorite memories include hiking Stirling’s campus.

“My favorite place was this wood out by the National Wallace Monument,” he said. “I decided to go on some obscure trails. I was discovering things and eventually came up to this pavilion opening on top of the hill. You can see almost all of Stirling’s castle and the town on the river. I was like, whoa. That was a big, nice way to wrap up my little exploration. The next day I went out to the monument tower and on top of it I was able to see the college.”

Now back at Marshall, the four are wrapping up their undergraduate education. While they all have dreams of continuing their education, they are all excited to enter their own classrooms. They all plan to stay and teach in the area and, thanks to the Maier scholarship, they are confident they will find a position quickly.

“I’ve had a lot more things the scholarship has given me that a lot of students don’t have, and it’s honestly set me up in a lot of ways upon graduation,” Hill said. “I feel it’s given me more connections throughout education in general. Even our freshman year here, we cut the ribbon with the previous president when the renovations to the College of Education were finished, and the superintendent

of Cabell County Schools showed up. We were college babies, had just gotten here, but he already was like the second you graduate, you call us, and you put in an application for a job. We will get you placed somewhere with a job. So, it’s even offered more job security.”

As they near the end of this undergraduate journey, they all said they appreciate the large impact this opportunity has made on them and their futures.

College of Education and Professional Development Dean Dr. Teresa Eagle said this first group to receive the Maier STEM scholarship has set the bar high.

“They have persisted through difficult courses, through a pandemic that provided a college experience like no other, and yet here they are, ready to take on classrooms and take the final steps to being teachers,” Eagle said.

“Our scholars have represented Marshall well, getting involved in activities, volunteering to help with recruitment events, and taking their energies and enthusiasm to a study abroad experience in Scotland. I don’t believe we could have put together a better group who will be successful in the classroom and will have an influence on middle and high school students who are considering a career in teaching. I am anxious to see all the great things that are in their futures!”

To learn more about all the scholarships offered to Marshall students, visit marshall.edu/sfa.

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homecoming Marshall announces Sun Belt-themed Homecoming!

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arshall University proudly extends a warm invitation toward its alumni, family and friends back to the Huntington campus for its 2022 Homecoming celebration Saturday, Oct. 29.

The theme, Fun in the Sun, is a nod to the Sun Belt Conference and plays up the name of our Homecoming opponent, Coastal Carolina University. Join Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association for Homecoming the week of Oct. 24-29 for a full week of fun events.

This year’s activities will begin early in the week with the Unity Walk and end with our highly anticipated Homecoming football game against Coastal Carolina Oct. 29. Among the week’s many activities include the annual parade and bonfire (Oct. 27), Picnic on the Plaza (Oct. 28), Homecoming Stamfeed (Oct. 28) presented by Jenkins Fenstermaker, Homecoming 5K (Oct. 29), Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate (Oct. 29) presented

by Woodlands Retirement Community and more.

Campus events are sponsored by the Marshall University Alumni Association, Student Government Association, Office of Student Activities, Office of Intercultural Affairs and others.

This is your opportunity to showcase your Thundering Herd pride, reunite with friends, check out the new things happening on campus and celebrate with your fellow Herd alums. So grab your green-and-white gear and join us in October for a little “Fun in the Sun!”

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everGreen

ALUMNI MAJOR ACTIVITY SCHEDULE Monday, Oct. 24

Friday, Oct. 28

OFFICE DECORATION WHEN: All Week WHERE: Marshall University Huntington Campus INFO: Campus offices are asked to decorate using the Homecoming theme. The offices are judged on Thursday of Homecoming Week and prizes awarded at the Friday, Oct. 28, Picnic on the Plaza. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories for large and small offices. Registration at HerdAlum.com.

PICNIC ON THE PLAZA WHEN: 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Memorial Student Center Plaza INFO: Marshall’s largest and most exciting on-campus Homecoming party! The Marshall University Alumni Association throw a party with free food, drinks, music, games, plus special appearances by the Marching Thunder, cheerleaders, coaches, players and more! Lots of fun for students, faculty and alumni!

UNITY WALK / HOMECOMING COURT ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Late Afternoon WHERE: Memorial Student Center Plaza INFO: All students, teams, organizations, residence halls, faculty, staff and community members were invited to walk the campus perimeter and show their Marshall pride ending with the naming of the 2022 Homecoming Court.

MARSHALL STAMFEED WHEN: TBD WHERE: Downtown Huntington INFO: A new event on the Homecoming schedule! Join the Marshall University Alumni Association on a tour of popular Huntington eateries and pubs for a fun evening of food and drinks! More information is available at HerdAlum.com/ HerdHomecoming.

Thursday, Oct. 27

HOMECOMING PARADE WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Huntington INFO: Floats, marching bands and everything you love about parades fill the Thursday night air! And if you can’t make it, join us @MarshallUAlumni and @MarshallU for a broadcast of the parade!

PEP RALLY & BONFIRE WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Harless Field INFO: A new tradition! Alumni and students enjoy a bonfire with plenty of entertainment and activities featuring university coaches, cheerleaders and team members, the Marshall University Marching Thunder, float awards and much more!

Saturday, Oct. 29

HOMECOMING STAMPEDE 5K WHEN: 8 a.m.

WHERE: Meet at John Marshall Statue INFO: Students, faculty, alumni and Marshall University supporters are invited to come together for a fun run around campus featuring a brand new route weaving throughout campus with multiple age groups and prizes.

MARSHALL ALUMNI & FAMILY TAILGATE WHEN: 3 hours before kickoff WHERE: Joan C. Edwards Stadium East Lot (Beside Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Facility) INFO: ALL are invited to this wonderful tailgating experience in a brand new location! Enjoy great food, hang with friends, play tailgating games and enjoy performances by the Marching Thunder, Marshall University Cheerleaders and greetings from special guests. Don’t miss the famous Marshall Alumni & Family Tailgate prior to the game! Tickets and information are available at HerdAlum.com/ HerdHomecoming.

HOMECOMING GAME VS. COASTAL CAROLINA WHEN: TBD WHERE: Joan C. Edwards Stadium INFO: Marshall battles new Sun Belt Conference foe, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, in the annual Homecoming Game!

Game time will be announced a few weeks before the game.

For a complete schedule of events visit HerdAlum.com/ HerdHomecoming.

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class notes CLASS NOTES 1960s Sara Motz Elmore (’68) and her husband, Tom Elmore, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 22, 2022.

1970s Tom Keith (’76), the longtime president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina retired in July of 2022. Keith was the founding president of the foundation, which began in May 1996, and he has served in that role for nearly 26 years. Keith previously led the Providence Hospital Foundation from 1993-96. Under Keith’s leadership, more than $81 million in grants has been disbursed to over 3,100 organizations across South Carolina. He also helped found the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, the South Carolina Grantmakers Network and the Collaboration for Ministry Initiative for women religious workers across the state. Keith’s career in the nonprofit sector spans more than 45 years. He began his nonprofit journey three months out of college in August of 1976. His community work includes serving on the boards of Columbia College, the Columbia Free Medical Clinic, Healthy Learners and the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families.

David Roach (’72, ’79) has been appointed West Virginia superintendent of schools. Roach has served at

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the county level as the superintendent of Cabell, Lincoln, Mingo and Wayne counties. He is also a former assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal and biology teacher.

Dianna Whitt Carrico (’79) and her husband, Robert Carrico, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 5, 2022.

1980s Lisa A. Mazzei (’83) was appointed Alumni Faculty Professor of Education at the University of Oregon. Mazzei will be celebrating her 10th year as a member of the faculty in the College of Education at the University of Oregon in 2022.

Dr. Amy Slifko-Hilbelink (’83) was promoted to president of South College’s Pittsburgh location. She previously served as the college’s vice chancellor of online operations, which is also located in Pittsburgh.

South College, a multi-campus institution founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882, offers more than 80 programs and concentrations taught at eight physical campuses and online.

Dr. Randall Hawkins (’87) was elected to the position of medical staff president at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Hawkins earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Hawkins has provided medical care at Pleasant Valley Hospital since 1990.

1990s Jennifer Day (’95) has worked for Huntington High School for 24 years, spending the first eight years as an English teacher before becoming the school’s librarian. The Huntington High and Marshall University graduate has lived in the city her entire life and continues to share the history of where her family was raised.

Shannon Lewis (’91) has been announced as the women’s basketball coach at Lakeway Christian Academy.

Lewis previously served at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in Huntington for 18 years.

Brian M. Morgan (’97, ’00) has been named the interim dean of the College of Science at Marshall University, effective as of July. Brian has served as the associate dean in the college for the past two years after being in the classroom in the Computer and Information Technology Department at Marshall for 20 years.

Robin Ryson Chapman (’98) recently published a book titled Ordinary Walk with an Extraordinary God: Fifty-Two Devotions to Keep You In Step. Chapman co-owns Pro Writers for Hire LLC and previously worked for The Herald-Dispatch.

everGreen 2000s Sara Payne Scarbro (’03) has been named associate vice president of government relations at Marshall University. Before taking the new position, Scarbro served as the associate vice president for external engagement for the Marshall University Research Corp. Scarbro will serve in the Office of Legal and External Affairs, from where she will advocate and educate on behalf of the Marshall community.

Matt Lockhart (’04) was recently promoted to deputy general counsel, complex litigation at Norfolk Southern in Atlanta, Georgia. As part of the promotion, Lockhart supervises the company’s litigation across the country.

Jordan H. Oxley (’09) and Hilary Humphrey were united in marriage at the Sandals Resort on the island of Grenada on May 29, 2022. Jordan is an active member of the Big Green. He is the owner of Padgett Business Services in Barboursville and Teays Valley. Hilary is a graduate of Ohio University. She is employed with Cabell-Huntington Hospital. The couple reside in Milton, West Virginia.

NOVO skin, which specializes in providing dermatologic essentials, such as sunscreen. Williams is currently in his first year of a dermatology residency at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.

Tessa White (’07, ’08) has been named a co-executive director alongside Christopher Bly. They are the new executive directors of the Future of Nursing West Virginia Action Coalition.

Wade Martin (’20) was named CEO of OVP HEALTH CARE, a nonprofit organization committed to making quality health care services accessible to all people. Martin graduated from Marshall with a Master of Science degree in health care administration and was hired shortly after as an operations manager for OVP HEALTH, a separate for-profit health care company.

2010s

2020s

Dr. Ben Williams (’16, ’20) recently launched his own skincare company,

For more Class Notes, go to www.herdalum.com.

P lease share your news with us!

Preference will be given to active alumni.

Other news will be printed as space allows and should be received within six months of the event.

Send details to

Marshall University Alumni Association One John Marshall Drive • Huntington, WV 25755

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class notes

In Memoriam Norma C. Carroll (’51) passed away on Dec. 20, 2021. She was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and graduated from Charleston High School with honors. She moved to Huntington, West Virginia, with her family in 1947 and attended Marshall, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with focus in accounting and a minor in French. When asked, she liked to tell people she intended to be a French accountant.

She and her husband, Charlie Carroll, met at a church camp in August 1949. They were immediately in love and dated for 14 months before marrying in October 1950. After graduating from Marshall, Norma chose to be a homemaker. She was very active in her church at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as president of the United Methodist Women for two terms and treasurer for 10 years. She was very active in many nonprofit and volunteer organizations, serving as president and/or treasurer in most. She was a substantial supporter of Marshall University in both academics and athletics, having served students through multiple scholarships and endowments. Norma was a talented interior decorator, flower gardener and landscape designer. She was named Alumni of the Year in Liberal Arts at Marshall University in 2013 and was a member of Marshall’s Pathway to Prominence.

Shirley Bender (’99) passed away on May 13, 2022, at the age of 75 in Mesa, Arizona, after an extended illness.

Nicholas Kontos passed away on Oct. 15, 2021. He was born in Karytaina, Greece. He had an idyllic early childhood. Then, he survived years of Nazi occupation, ending with the vivid memory of NATO forces handing out Crisco, which he promptly opened and ate from the can with a spoon. Despite years with no formal education during the war, he had extremely high test scores.

At age 20, knowing no English, he immigrated to the United States to attend Indiana University. He painstakingly translated and hand rewrote each

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of his textbooks into Greek using a dictionary so that he could continue to make excellent grades.

After completing his undergraduate degree in Economics, he finished a master’s degree at the University of Michigan and did Ph.D. work at West Virginia University. Nick moved to Huntington, West Virginia, in 1965 to teach economics at Marshall University. He happily taught there for 48 years before retiring at age 81. While teaching at Marshall, he met and married Sharon (Stone) Kontos. They were married for just shy of 50 years. Together they traveled to more than 25 countries, returning often to Greece, which was their second home.

When Nick was about to turn 50, he and Sharon welcomed their only daughter, Eleni Christina, and she became their new adventure. He was the best “baba” and he adored every second with his family. Nick had many friends. He had a running card game for decades and he had golfing buddies at every course in the TriState. He often played multiple rounds per week and managed to get 5 holes-in-one over the years. But his happiest day was playing the old course at St. Andrews.

Though he always missed his family in Greece, he was blessed to find a church family at St. George Greek Orthodox Church where he could often be found outside with other men having a “breath of fresh air” (smoking) after services. Sitting beside Sharon, Eleni and her husband, Christopher Miller, and his grandchildren, Evyenia Krina, Stavros Christoforos and Athena Kontopoulou, at church were his happiest moments. He will be remembered as a loving man whose quiet presence was always accompanied by kindness and a smile.

Lucille Juett passed away Feb. 14, 2022.

Lucille, originally from Jacksboro, Tennessee, resided in Ashland, Kentucky, since 1973.

She received her undergraduate degree from Berea College and her master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, where she met her husband, Tilman. Lucille taught at schools in Kentucky, Ohio and Oregon, and later at the University of Cincinnati and Marshall University.

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Update Your Contact Information … it’s so easy!

Want to keep in touch with the latest news and events at Marshall University? Then update your contact information today! The Marshall University Alumni Association is calling on all alumni to join us and update your information today so that we can better serve you and keep you informed of the latest news, happenings, offerings and much, much more from your alma mater!

Updating your information is simple — visit www.herdalum.com and click on the update contact information button at the bottom of the page and you are all set! For more information or questions, email us at alumni@marshall.edu.

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everGreen

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS A NEW ERA FOR MARSHALL! Greetings, Fellow Alumni and Friends of Marshall University: d ways, thanks to the support of its loyal and It all began with a dream. A dream to impact Marshall University in profoun seven years to support five key areas across the dedicated alumni base. A dream to raise $150 million over the course of is a reality. university. A dream to help Marshall rise to new heights. Today, that dream ty Alumni Association announced it had In late September, the Marshall University Foundation and Marshall Universi the Marshall Rises campaign generated more than exceeded that initial goal and did so in less time than projected. In total, s and facilities. $176 million in support of Marshall University and its students, program Since 2016, more than 50,000 gifts were made From the Marshall Rises campaign, some fascinating statistics came to light. one-third were first-time donors to the university. across 1,300 different designations at the university. And of that number, e in affecting real change at Marshall and in differenc a The numbers showed a dedicated base of supporters ready to make the Tri-State.

students.

So how has Marshall Rises impacted the university? Well, it starts with the y, with more than 500 additional students receiving Over the past six years, scholarship aid has increased 44% at the universit s to pursue their passions and finish their degrees awards annually. That is 500 additional students that have more resource every year. awarded thanks to you. In total, more than $5 million in scholarship aid is

the university. The Brad D. Smith Center for You can also see the impact of the Marshall Rises campaign on and around year, the university has opened the Bill Noe past Business and Innovation is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024. In the s — a commercial pilot program and an program aviation new two Flight School at Yeager Airport in Charleston and added . aviation maintenance technology program ; increased funding for faculty, undergraduate The impact of the campaign can also be seen in renovations to current facilities the impact of Marshall Rises can be felt short, In play. and study learn, to research and the arts; and new spaces for students everywhere and by everyone. of fireworks and public fanfare at the 2019 When Marshall publicly announced the Marshall Rises campaign to the backdrop A dream that has since become a reality dream. a d remaine n campaig the of l potentia Homecoming game, even then the true at Marshall.

So what comes next?

l to the next level. And with that comes the need Next up is another dream. Another goal to do big things and take Marshal energy, your resources – to assure that future your time, your give for you, our devoted alumni, to step up and give back — distinguished and dynamic universities. most nation’s the of one from graduate generations of students at Marshall will future generations of Thundering Herd alumni.

Join us in dreaming big and envisioning how we can continue to impact together, we can accomplish anything. that is it , anything us Because, if the Marshall Rises campaign has shown Until next time, Godspeed and GO HERD! Best Regards, The Office of Alumni Relations

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