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Marshall University and Fairmont State presidents Brad D. Smith and Mike Davis affirm that collaboration — not competition — is key to higher education’s future in West Virginia. By sharing resources, expanding access, and aligning programs with workforce needs, the two institutions aim to reduce costs and increase opportunity. Their joint vision: a stronger, more affordable, and more inclusive higher ed system that uplifts all West Virginians.

The Marshall University Board of Governors has voted to extend President Brad D. Smith’s role through December 2029, amending his employment agreement by three years. The move reflects the board’s confidence in his continued leadership and impact. In a Marshall press release, Board of Governors Chairman Geoff Sheils praised Brad and his wife, Alys, for reigniting enrollment and community pride. “To say we are thrilled that Brad has agreed to lead Marshall University through 2029 would be an understatement.”

A group of West Virginia University grads is changing how colleges support their students — and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation is proud to support them. Backed by mentorship and funding from the foundation, Brite is a student engagement platform using gamified daily check-ins and AI to surface challenges students face in real time. From mental health struggles to financial stress, Brite empowers universities to respond early and make data-driven changes that improve retention. Already seeing success across West Virginia campuses, the startup is expanding nationwide in Fall 2025.

Marshall University is launching a new Intuit Prosperity Hub, set to create 250 full and part-time jobs starting at $18/hour in areas like AI, taxes, and bookkeeping. As announced by President Brad D. Smith—former Intuit CEO—the hub will open at the Center for Innovation and Business before moving to its permanent home on Fourth Avenue between the business college and cybersecurity center. The initiative expands local job access while helping students and grads connect with real-world opportunities.

Marshall University announced its expansion of “Marshall For All” with “Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV,” offering eligible West Virginia freshmen full tuition coverage–no loans required. The program supports families earning $65,000 or less, removing financial barriers to higher education. President Brad D. Smith stated, “We believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their financial background,” reinforcing his mission of empowering the next generation to succeed.

Emily Calandrelli, a trailblazer from Morgantown, West Virginia, recently returned from a groundbreaking flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard. As the 100th woman—and the second West Virginian woman to travel to space—Emily described the experience as a “surreal” culmination of years of determination and bold dreams. Supported in part by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, her voyage embodies the spirit of West Virginians: boundless ambition paired with a commitment to giving back, highlighting the power of accessible education and the impact of programs like “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever.”

The nation’s premier remote worker program, Ascend WV, has just announced a new Homeownership Incentive that will provide $12,000 to current Ascend WV members to purchase a primary residence in the Mountain State. More than 40% of Ascend WV members have already purchased homes in West Virginia, with another 7% purchasing homes within their first two years of moving to the state after renting. With this latest announcement, the program aims to attract even more participants who will lay down roots in the Mountain State.

Emily Calandrelli, a proud West Virginian, is preparing for a remarkable expedition to space. Becoming one of the first 100 women to accomplish this achievement—Emily’s flight symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of many—and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation was grateful to play a part in her story. As she prepares to take flight on the Blue Origin alongside five other crew members, she stresses the importance of programs like Marshall for All, Marshall Forever, emphasizing that initiatives like these have made her own journey to this moment possible.

Brad D. Smith, visionary leader and co-founder of Ascend West Virginia is dedicated to transforming rural communities throughout West Virginia. Through Ascend WV, remote workers are invited to relocate to West Virginia with a $12,000 bonus package which provides financial relief and an enhanced quality of life to all those who take advantage. Recently featured on the Today Show, the successful relocation of the Eisenberg family from Baltimore to Lewisburg illustrates the program’s positive impact on families and singles alike, underscoring Brad’s commitment to creating a brighter future for West Virginia and its residents.

Brad D. Smith recently sat down with Forbes to discuss his journey from West Virginia native to Silicon Valley executive, and how his experiences ultimately led him back to the Mountain State to serve as the president of Marshall University. In both of his career tracks — from business executive to academic leader — Brad has focused on servant leadership as a means of uplifting the communities he serves. As CEO of Intuit, this meant transforming the company into one that was employee-centric. Now back in West Virginia, he continues to utilize servant leadership to develop programs that support the state’s people and bolster Appalachia’s future.