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Keep up with the news, inspiring words and business insights that make Brad tick! From leadership lessons, news related to Brad’s work in academia and the latest updates from the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, think of this blog as a resource for learning and connection.

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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Spring Into Gear with Mountain Biking in West Virginia

March 28, 2024

West Virginia and the Appalachian Region are home to some of the most beautiful vistas across the United States. With spring and summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to take to the mountains and try mountain biking. Brad D. Smith is a passionate advocate of the sport, and through his organization, the […]

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Why Leading with a Purpose is So Important

February 29, 2024

Over the years, I have come to realize a few things about leadership: failure can teach just as much as success, the impact of servant leadership, and perhaps most importantly, leading with purpose. These principles have driven my own means of leadership in both my executive career and as Marshall University’s President. I am grateful […]

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Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s 2023 Year in Review

January 25, 2024

Since its 2019 inception, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation has worked to level the playing field of opportunity in Appalachia. Acting on its three guiding pillars (education, entrepreneurship and environment), Wing 2 Wing has worked to support West Virginia’s dreamers and doers by prioritizing access to education, advancing entrepreneurial interests, and conserving and championing the […]

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Brad D. Smith: A Look Back on 2023

December 20, 2023

Continuously dedicated to creating a better future for all, Brad D. Smith kept a packed and fulfilling schedule in 2023. Over the course of the year, Brad leveraged his leadership roles and experience to both further his commitment to the development of his home state, West Virginia, and support his alma mater as Marshall University’s […]

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Marshall University’s 2023 Homecoming: A “Super” Time for Celebrating the Herd

October 18, 2023

Homecoming at Marshall University is a week full of exciting events and activities. Beyond the celebrations, Homecoming is also an opportunity for members of the Marshall community to reconnect and come together as one herd and reflect on how the university has changed throughout the years. This year’s 2023 Homecoming celebrations built off the sentiment […]

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Celebrating Two Years of Ascend West Virginia

September 29, 2023

In 2021, Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys launched the Ascend West Virginia remote worker incentive program through their Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC). As a West Virginia native with a lifelong passion for giving back to his home state, Brad was inspired to create an initiative that would share the wonder of West […]

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Celebrating the Wild Wonders of West Virginia on National Public Lands Day

September 19, 2023

Public lands are portions of land owned by the general population and managed by the federal government. According to the Congressional Research Service, approximately 640 million acres of U.S. land is federally owned across the country. In West Virginia —  a place famously nicknamed “Almost Heaven” for its natural splendor —  about one fifth of […]

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The Value of Young Mentors: What Today’s Leaders Can Learn from the Next Generation

August 29, 2023

The next generation of employees entering the workforce brings enthusiasm, drive and agility born out of global disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and rapidly changing technological environment. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, young people today are continuously noted as maintaining a positive outlook on the world and striving to make a positive impact in hopes of […]

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Increasing Opportunity in West Virginia by Advancing Access to Education

August 11, 2023

When it comes to leveling the playing field of opportunity among people, education is a critical component. Studies from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that people who receive higher education are more likely to earn a higher income than those who do not. Data from the Bureau also indicates that the unemployment rate […]

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Outdoor Recreation in West Virginia: Things To Do and Its Role in Supporting the Local Economy

July 28, 2023

West Virginia’s Appalachian mountains make the state a “must-see” destination for adventurers. And beyond the mountain range, the sprawling hills and valleys also pose as the perfect backdrop for a number of outdoor activities. According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), 67% of West Virginia residents engage in outdoor recreational activities each […]

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