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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.

Brad D. Smith’s Perspective on Economic Developments in West Virginia

June 1, 2022

This year has already been an exciting one for economic development in West Virginia. In early January 2022, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced three pieces of significant economic news, marking what could be a turning point for the state’s economy and narrative. During this time, it was announced that Nucor Corporation, an industry leader […]

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Marshall University Honors Alys and Brad D. Smith and Others at Awards Banquet

May 10, 2022

Marshall University and the Marshall University Alumni Association (MUAA) honored many notable alumni at the 83rd Alumni Awards Banquet on April 9. Brad D. Smith was honored with the university’s Distinguished Alumnus award while, Alys Smith, was selected as the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Marshall University award. The Distinguished Alumnus award and the […]

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Brad D. Smith Speaks to His New Role as President of Marshall University

December 2, 2021

“I am being called to follow my purpose,” Brad wrote in an inspired LinkedIn post on November 16, 2021. The purpose to which Brad is referring? Two and a half weeks prior to the post, on the morning of October 28, 2021, it was announced during a Marshall University Board of Governors meeting that Brad […]

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Brad D. Smith Shares His Favorite Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso

October 7, 2021

When you think about career development, personal growth or leadership, your mind might automatically jump to thoughts of college courses, training seminars or management books. But the truth is, inspiring leadership lessons don’t have to come from an online course complete with a downloadable certificate, or from pages that are catalogued under 303.34 (“leadership”) in […]

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Engaging Youth Outdoors with the Science Adventure School

August 19, 2021

One of the driving goals behind the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) is to expand outdoor educational opportunities. This means helping kids step away from screens and inspiring them to get outdoors, instead. At the OEDC, we know just how much West Virginia’s great outdoors has to offer and we want […]

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Brad D. Smith Discusses Ascend West Virginia on NPR’s “All Things Considered” Program

August 5, 2021

On May 11, 2021, on an NPR “All Things Considered” segment titled “Pennies From (Almost) Heaven: Get Paid To Move To West Virginia,” hosts Alisa Chang and Mary Louise Kelly discussed Brad D. Smith’s Ascend West Virginia program. The episode included some recorded quotes from Brad, as well as quotes from Danny Twilley from West […]

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Discussing the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative with Positively West Virginia Podcast

July 29, 2021

On April 9, 2021, Danny Twilley and Paris Winfrey appeared on the Positively West Virginia podcast to discuss the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) with co-hosts Jim Matuga and Frank Vitale. Danny is the Associate Dean for the OEDC and Paris is the Program Coordinator. Both individuals were excited to share […]

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Recent Wing 2 Wing Foundation Activities

July 22, 2021

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation focuses on supporting accessible education to instill capabilities and skills needed to participate and compete in the digital world. Wing 2 Wing primarily operates in the Appalachian Region, where technological changes have created upheavals in the social and work lives of residents and youth.  Here are some of the most […]

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Brad Shares His West Virginia Roots

June 24, 2021

On June 3rd, 2021, Brad D. Smith appeared on the the Mountaineer Media Podcast, a podcast that connects West Virginians by sharing stories and interviewing leaders.  Smith, a native of West Virginia, discussed his roots and Ascend West Virginia, a remote worker initiative he is spearheading. Brad also explained how West Virginia’s unique culture guided […]

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Brad D. Smith Talks About Agility, The Most In-Demand Skill

May 27, 2021

I’m often asked what skill, experience or attribute I find most important in today’s fast-changing environment. Admittedly, my answers have evolved over the past 35 years of my professional career. Looking back, it has become clear that one skill stands the test of time, and I believe will be increasingly in-demand as we push ahead […]

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Brad D. Smith Delivers Special Commencement Speech for UVA Wise

May 21, 2021

The graduating class of 2020 experienced a variety of challenges as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. From stay-at-home orders and having classes interrupted, to cancelled spring break plans and virtual graduation, this group of students had to overcome various hurdles as they graduated and pursued future endeavors. To honor them, the University of […]

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Brad D. Smith Participates in Beyond The Cloud Discussion

May 7, 2021

On March 17, 2021, Brad D. Smith participated in the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative’s Focus Forward event. The event focused on the National Weather Service’s available data that could benefit innovators and businesses. Focus Forward aims to bring together business, education and government leaders to discuss forward-thinking ideas and how to implement them in […]

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