Brad D. Smith

President of Marshall University, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and former executive leader. Powering possibility and leveling the playing field through education, entrepreneurship and equal opportunity.

About


While most people know of Brad D. Smith from his time spent as Intuit’s CEO and later executive chairman, his most recent work is rooted in academia and philanthropy. A proud West Virginia native with a passion for leadership and driving positive change, Brad is serving his home state as the President of Marshall University and the Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. In both roles he is working to create and provide entrepreneurial support and guidance for young and aspiring business leaders from lesser-known zip codes.

Marshall University


Brad graduated from Marshall University in 1986 and has since remained an active member of the Marshall community. In 2021, Brad was unanimously selected to be the institution’s 38th president during a Board of Governors meeting. Brad’s ultimate goal as the university’s leader is to leverage the school as a great equalizer, transforming obstacles into potential and possibility.

Prior to his current appointment, Brad proactively sought out ways to support the school over the years. In 2015, Brad and his wife, Alys, established the Brad D. and Alys Smith Family Scholarship, and in 2018 the couple made a transformational gift to the university’s college of business.

Philanthropy


Brad and his wife Alys are both passionate about uplifting the place that Brad has always known as home: the state of West Virginia. It is what drove Brad to pursue his role at Marshall University and what inspired the couple to found their own nonprofit organization. In 2019 the Wing 2 Wing Foundation was created to advance the great equalizers of education and entrepreneurship in regions where individuals and communities have been overlooked and underserved. In doing so, they strive to champion human dignity and unleash human potential.

“Talent is dispersed equally, but opportunity is not,” Brad often says. 

Through the same compassionate leadership and passion for giving back, Brad and Alys seek to live by their favorite quote: “We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.”

Explore The Wing 2 Wing Foundation here.

Executive Leadership


Much of Brad’s leadership career was defined by his time at Intuit. While he held several leadership positions at Intuit during his 19-year tenure, the majority of his time was spent as the company’s CEO and, finally, Executive Chairman. Brad is credited with having transformed the company from a North American desktop company to a global cloud product and platform company that offers household name services like QuickBooks, TurboTax and Mint. Through his decade plus of transformative service, Brad retained and fostered the company’s core values and character that placed it on “Best Places to Work” lists year after year. Learn more about his leadership lessons and tenure as an executive leader.

Recent Articles and News

Leading the Change: How Marshall University is Navigating the Future of Education

November 5, 2024

In a rapidly changing world, higher education is faced with unprecedented challenges. The way we learn and prepare for the future is being reshaped by technological advances and shifting societal needs in what can sometimes feel like an unpredictable global landscape. Marshall University recognizes these challenges and is embracing this transformation with a steadfast commitment […]

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First Ascent is Taking West Virginia to New Heights

September 9, 2024

West Virginia has always been a state known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and resilient people. However, the state faces a pressing challenge: retaining its young talent. Many graduates leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere, contributing to the state’s population decline. In response to this, West Virginia University (WVU) President Gordan Gee and Marshall University […]

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Navigating Your First Semester: A Guide to Success

August 16, 2024

As a native West Virginian and someone who has witnessed the transformative power of education, I’ve had the privilege of guiding students through their academic journeys. I view education as the great equalizer. It levels the playing field of opportunity, transforms problems into possibilities, and turns dreams into reality.  Your college experience will offer countless […]

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Marshall University Partners With Cabell County to Create Unprecedented Opportunities for Students

July 2, 2024

Through an impactful initiative designed to remove the barriers to higher education for local high school graduates, Cabell County School Superintendent Dr. Ryan Saxe and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith have announced the “Cabell Commitment” plan. This powerful directive guarantees automatic acceptance to Marshall University for any graduating senior who maintains a GPA of […]

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Continuing the Country Roads Legacy: How Appalachian Music Impacts Local Culture

May 24, 2024

Nestled deep within the intricate landscapes, winding rivers, and majestic mountains that define the region, Appalachia has long been celebrated for its rich musical heritage. So much so it carved out its very own musical genre. A tradition deeply rooted in the enduring spirit of generations of settlers who have shaped the nation’s history and […]

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Future Leaders: How Gen Z Employees Are Shaping Today and Tomorrow’s Workplace

April 23, 2024

New generations bring change across all aspects of life. The characteristics of each generation have been influenced by the societal, economic, and technological factors prevalent during their youth. Currently, the workforce consists of four main generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Gen Z, the newest to enter the workforce, comes with a […]

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