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In partnership with the Ascend WV program, Ascend Heroes is an initiative that invites veterans to relocate to West Virginia with financial support and other benefits. Participants in the program are connected with a growing community of professionals who have chosen to call West Virginia home. This initiative is a way for West Virginia to […]

In my last post, I shared some of the signs that helped me recognize it was time for a transition after 11 years as President and CEO of Intuit. Being a CEO can be the job of a lifetime, but it is not the job for a lifetime. It took real reflection to know when

One of the harder truths in leadership is recognizing when your role is shifting. Earlier this year, I shared something on LinkedIn that I had been thinking about for quite a while. I wrote briefly about life after Intuit, and about realizing that after 11 years as President and CEO, it was time for a

In February 2026, Marshall University celebrated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. This annual observance began as a weeklong celebration in 1926, launched by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom were born in February. In honor of

At Marshall University, preparing students for leadership roles goes beyond just academics. Under President Brad D. Smith’s guidance, the university has created opportunities that blend innovation, affordability, entrepreneurship, and service. Students grow their skills in emerging fields like AI, test new ideas in the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, and give back through initiatives that

In an age shaped by innovation, integrity, and rapid change, civic leadership matters more than ever.  So, what does it mean to serve in today’s world? That question anchored Brad D. Smith’s recent conversation with West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner. As part of Warner’s “Just Three Questions” series — which centers on resources

On May 10, 2025, Marshall University hosted its 188th Commencement Exercises at the Marshall Health Network Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. As I stood on stage watching our nearly 1,500 newest graduates cross with pride, I was struck once again by the power of education, not just to inform, but to transform. From the early

West Virginia has long been defined by its rugged landscapes, deep-rooted communities, and hardworking people. But beyond the coalfields and country roads lies something more enduring: a legacy of leadership shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a powerful sense of purpose. This spirit is embodied in leaders like Brad D. Smith, who was born and raised

For the fourth year in a row, Marshall University and its president, Brad D. Smith, are excited to bring back Community Cares Week — an annual giving back initiative that mobilizes volunteers to enhance and tend to the campus as well as surrounding communities. From May 20-23, 2025, the Marshall community will come together yet