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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.

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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Wing 2 Wing Foundation: Reflecting on 2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023

February 24, 2023

In 2019, Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys Smith, co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation to uplift West Virginia by supporting accessible education, advancing entrepreneurial interest and conserving Appalachia’s natural resources. The past year has been particularly successful as the foundation has seen growth across its own assets as well as contributed to growth […]

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Brad. D. Smith Moderates Fireside Chat With Bill Gates and Senator Joe Manchin

January 31, 2023

On January 9, 2023, Bill Gates, philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, visited Charleston, West Virginia to discuss the future of the energy industry in the state. While in Charleston, Gates joined West Virginia Senator, Joe Manchin, for a fireside chat on energy innovations. The chat was hosted at the Clay Center and was moderated by […]

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Brad D. Smith Shares the Top 6 Activities to Do this Winter in West Virginia

December 21, 2022

As the colder months roll in, many of us retreat indoors for the season. While you may stay warm in your home, there’s a host of adventures to delve into this winter in West Virginia. Bundle up, get outside and explore these activities and destinations below. Wild, Wintery West Virginia West Virginia is home to […]

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Sheryl Sandberg Visits Marshall University

December 21, 2022

“Sheryl Sandberg Family Visit & Fireside Chat” by Austin O’Conner Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta (formerly Facebook), sat down with Marshall University President Brad D. Smith while visiting the university to speak on her story of perseverance and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges. In addition to her time at Marshall, Sheryl also visited […]

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Tips for Finishing the Semester Strong

December 2, 2022

As the fall semester at Marshall University and other institutions come to a close and exams begin, it’s time to make the last few weeks count. Undergrad and graduate students alike can be stressed and face more academic challenges during this last-minute push. Read on for advice from Marshall University President Brad D. Smith on […]

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