Ascend Heroes: Helping Veterans Call West Virginia Home

U.S. Army veteran hiking in the mountains of West Virginia in a camo hat and army t-shirt

Incentives for Ascend Heroes Participants Enjoying the natural beauty and charming communities of the Mountain State is just one of the benefits of Ascend Heroes. Veterans participating in the program will also benefit from a $12,000 cash incentive to move, payable in equal monthly installments over 24 months. If the participant chooses to purchase a […]

Life After Fortune 500 CEO: From CEO to Citizen

Brad D. Smith in a black suit, holding a microphone

Once that decision was made, the follow-up question came quickly. Well-intentioned friends and colleagues asked what my next career move would be, and I appreciated the interest. However, asking a leader who is still in the final stretch of an “always on” role what they want to do next is a little like asking a […]

Life After Fortune 500 CEO: When It’s Time to Chart a New Course

Brad D. Smith in a black suit, holding a microphone, addressing an audience

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 […]

Brad D. Smith Moderates a Fireside Chat with Operation HOPE’s John Hope Bryant

Brad D. Smith in a gray suit and yellow tie, sitting across the stage from John Hope Bryant in a navy suit

In honor of the centennial milestone, Marshall University hosted several events, including a fireside chat with John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, moderated by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. The event was made possible by the support of Operation HOPE, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, […]

How Marshall University Prepares Future Leaders Through Programs and Service Opportunities

Aerial shot of Marshall’s Week of Welcome 2025 showing students facing a podium where President Brad D. Smith is speaking to them

Let’s dive into some of the many Marshall programs and service opportunities initiated by Brad that prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow. Marshall For All Marshall for All provides students with a pathway to graduate without debt. By combining scholarships, financial aid, and meaningful work opportunities, the program removes one of the most […]

First Ascent: Remote Work in the Wild and an Action-Packed Summer Ahead

First Ascent members gather together on a hiking trail, smiling together.

First Ascent was launched with a clear goal: to help West Virginia keep its brightest minds rooted in the place they call home. Created through a partnership between Marshall University and West Virginia University (WVU) and the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) – an initiative powered in part by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation – […]

Reflections Following Commencement: Imparting Thoughts for the Class of 2025

Marshall University president Brad D. Smith congratulates a graduating student at the 2025 spring commencement ceremony.

From the early check-ins at the arena’s corridors to the final notes of our “Alma Mater,” the day was steeped in both tradition and momentum. The ceremony celebrated students from the College of Health Professions, the School of Pharmacy, the College of Arts and Media, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Regents Bachelor of […]

Leadership the West Virginia Way: Resilience, Purpose, and Service

Brad D. Smith laughs with the Marshall University mascot, Marco the Bison.

This spirit is embodied in leaders like Brad D. Smith, who was born and raised in Kenova, a small town near the western border of the state. Brad’s journey from Appalachia to the helm of some of the world’s most influential organizations is more than a personal success story—it’s proof that leadership shaped by purpose […]

Marshall University Announces Fourth Annual Community Cares Week

Brad D. Smith volunteers during Marshall University’s 2024 Community Cares Week.

Organized through the Office of the President, Community Cares Week 2025 will welcome students, faculty, staff, alumni, local businesses, and supporters from near and far. From beautification projects to sustainability initiatives, Community Cares Week is Marshall’s way of investing time, energy, and pride into the spaces that matter most. A Tradition Built on Impact — […]