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

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

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

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

How Marshall University Prepares Future Leaders Through Programs and Service Opportunities

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

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President Brad D. Smith shakes hands with Secretary of State Kris Warner, concluding his “Just Three Questions” interview.

Public Trust, Civic Engagement, and the Future of West Virginia: A Discussion With Secretary of State Kris Warner

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

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

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

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

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Aerial photograph of Cooper’s Rock Overlook in West Virginia.

Appalachian Resurgence: How Startups and Education Are Revitalizing the Region

Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is a state shaped by grit, elevated by nature, and renewed by opportunity. Once fueled by coal, the Mountain State is now undergoing a powerful transformation—one that honors its roots while investing in a future built on education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This resurgence isn’t merely an economic shift—it’s

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