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Marshall University Partners With Cabell County to Create Unprecedented Opportunities for Students
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 2.5 or higher—with no application required.
A Landmark Development for West Virginia’s Educational Landscape
A first for the state, this initiative stands as a testament to the power of education and support and is set to uplift countless students, helping to turn their dreams into tangible realities. By creating a straightforward pathway to higher learning, the Cabell Commitment plan addresses the all-too-familiar obstacles that prevent students from pursuing higher education. The plan aims to alleviate the many financial and procedural challenges faced by graduates, bypassing the often confusing and disappointing nuances that can come with the college application process.
Brad headed out to four schools–Huntington High School, Spring Valley High School, South Point Academic, and Wayne High School—to celebrate their commitment to pursuing higher education and share his excitement for the future of Marshall University and all that these new students will achieve once they get there. The high school tour highlighted the importance of education, emphasizing his vision to make West Virginia a place where students can achieve their full potential and contribute to the state they know and love.
Students were eager to learn more about the university’s programs and the support available to help them succeed. Many students throughout the tour signed a pledge to solidify their decision to join the Herd, marking a significant step toward their future academic careers.
Redefining Student Success
The Cabell Commitment stands as a beacon for other colleges and universities to follow–a new standard making higher education accessible to all. This program not only redefines educational opportunities within the region but also has the potential to inspire transformative changes in the way our communities view education on a broader scale. It is an incredible example that proves it is possible to create a more inclusive and supportive educational system for future generations by simply fostering a more seamless transition for students as they graduate. It also stands as a promise, ensuring higher education is within reach for all who aspire to it. As Marshall University and Cabell County Schools continue to partner on innovative solutions to pursuing higher learning, the region’s future–one to which Brad is tremendously dedicated–will be promising for any in the community who wish to pursue it.
Shaping the Future Leaders of West Virginia and Beyond
Each year, over 500 students are expected to benefit from this straightforward and accessible path to higher education. All eligible students will receive official acceptance letters, ensuring clear and unmistakable communication about their admission to Marshall University. By doing this, the stress associated with the many nuances that come with college applications decreases, making the transition to pursuing a degree smoother and more transparent.
Not only does the plan eliminate barriers to access, but in combination with the “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever” plan, which helps to alleviate student loan debt. Now, students will be able to pursue their dreams freely, explore the subjects of their choosing with fervor, and learn without the anxiety of financial burden.
Brad’s Commitment to Transforming Education
The Cabell Commitment is just one of the many initiatives championed by Brad to transform education throughout West Virginia. In combination with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Brad’s steadfast mission to expand educational opportunities for West Virginians and the nation as a whole continues to drive his work. His philanthropic efforts consistently focus on his commitment to creating innovative opportunities for his community that will inspire people to reach their full potential, and the “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever” plan is yet another groundbreaking testament to that.
In addition, programs founded by Brad, like Ascend WV and the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, further highlight his dedication to fostering innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit among students and West Virginians alike. While Ascend WV aims to attract remote workers to the state–boosting the local economy and providing more opportunities for graduates–the Student Incubator at Marshall University encourages students to develop their business ideas, offering resources and mentorship to turn their concepts into viable enterprises.
As these initiatives continue to evolve and inevitably expand, they collectively illustrate Brad’s comprehensive approach to education–one that not only supports students academically but also prepares them for success beyond the classroom. By integrating the Cabell Commitment plan with other forward-thinking programs, Brad and Marshall University are setting a new standard for educational excellence and accessibility that has the potential to redefine the way the nation looks at education. In addition to Brad’s many other educational endeavors, the future of West Virginia looks bright–and with this momentum–it’s only going to get brighter.