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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.

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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Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in West Virginia

July 25, 2023

Supporting local businesses is crucial to the U.S. economy. Not only do these entities account for 99% of all businesses in America, but they also support numerous families and communities across the country. Born and raised in small-city Kenova, West Virginia, Brad D. Smith has long been witness to the importance of small businesses and […]

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West Virginia Day 2023: Commemorating 160 Years of the Mountain State

June 16, 2023

West Virginia Day, held on June 20 every year, celebrates the anniversary of the Mountain State being admitted to the Union and officially becoming America’s 35th state in 1863. While West Virginia is renowned for its mountainous landscape and coal mining history, the state is now making a name for itself as a land of […]

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Brad D. Smith Leads Marshall University’s Spring 2023 Commencement

May 17, 2023

On Saturday, April 29, Marshall University celebrated its 2023 spring commencement, honoring and awarding the institution’s latest graduating class through two ceremonies held at Mountain Health Arena. Students walked the stage in recognition of their various achievements — from  undergraduate to doctoral degrees — and celebrated the milestone that is degree completion while also reflecting […]

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Four Organizations That Support the Environment While Boosting the Economy

April 25, 2023

For decades, the West Virginia economy depended on the coal industry. But as the world’s approach to energy has shifted, so has West Virginia’s story and role. Recent years have seen the state’s energy market moving in the direction of a low-carbon future. As part of this change, new businesses and organizations across the state […]

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Brad D. Smith and Christian Spears Deliver Keynote Address at PACnet ‘23 Conference

April 7, 2023

President of Marshall University, Brad D. Smith, and Marshall Athletic Director, Christian Spears, delivered a keynote address at PACnet ‘23 on “Lessons in Leadership.” The four-day conference was hosted by software company Paciolan, in Huntington Beach, California. The event’s theme was “Simplifying Success,” and aimed to inspire and empower attendees. Brad and Christian’s keynote address […]

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Reflecting on Brad D. Smith’s First Year as Marshall University’s President

March 13, 2023

Brad D. Smith was elected as President of Marshall University in October 2021 and stepped into the role in January 2022. After nine months in office, Brad was officially installed as the 38th president during a ceremony on September 16, 2022. In the year since Brad D. Smith has come into his presidential role at […]

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Brad D. Smith Featured on Daily304

February 24, 2023

Brad D. Smith was recently featured on a segment of the daily304’s YouTube channel called Innovators and Entrepreneurs, a bi-weekly series that shares news and opportunities pertaining to West Virginia. Brad sat down with host Andy Malinoski to discuss the recent progress and success of Ascend West Virginia and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. Throughout […]

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