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Keep Up With Brad D. Smith

These 5 U.S. States Will Pay You to Move There—and One Even Has a $23,000 Relocation Package

March 1, 2026

In March 2026, Travel and Leisure magazine highlighted the Ascend West Virginia program in an article about U.S. states willing to pay people to relocate. The article highlights the financial incentives the program offers remote workers to relocate to West Virginia, valued at over $23,000. It is ranked among the top five states willing to pay workers to relocate.

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Ascend families continue to make roots in the Mountain State

February 28, 2026

Since the launch of the Ascend WV program in 2021, the state has welcomed 618 members, according to its fourth-quarter 2025 report. Launched by Brad and Alys Smith, Ascend WV was born with the mission of sharing West Virginia’s quality of life with remote workers from around the country. The program includes free outdoor recreation, incentives for remote workers to relocate to the state, and social programming and business development opportunities.

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Marshall University announces 2026 Business Hall of Fame inductees

February 11, 2026

In February of 2026, Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business announced that it would honor three distinguished leaders as members of its Class of 2026 Business Hall of Fame. Honorees include Commodore Tony Martin, a retired U.S. Naval officer, Alys Smith, First Lady of Marshall University and Louis Weisberg, former president of Service Wire Company.

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Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce to focus on reaching younger generation in 2026

January 13, 2026

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that its 135th year will be focused on reaching West Virginia’s youth. At a meeting with local leaders, the chamber discussed fresh ideas for keeping homegrown talent in the area to support the local economy. Marshall University President Brad D. Smith shared his vision for future growth with the chamber. He emphasized how people want to be a part of something greater than themselves.

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Brad D. Smith and Alys Smith Help Fund Food and Clothing Pantries in WV Schools

November 21, 2025

On Oct. 27, 2025, Marshall University and the West Virginia Department of Education hosted events in Huntington and Charleston to support food and clothing pantries in schools across West Virginia. Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys Smith, contributed through their Wing 2 Wing Foundation. They were among three donors who contributed more than $1 million to the cause. At each event, county principals and counselors received a donation to help fund school food pantries for the rest of the year. “When we think about a child that shows up to school cold or hungry, they’re not just missing the opportunity to have clothing and food, they’re missing the opportunity to learn, to dream and to thrive,” Brad D. Smith said.

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Marshall For All Receives Record $50 Million Donation

September 16, 2025

President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith committed a historic $50 million donation to Marshall University – the largest ever from a sitting university president to their own institution. The contribution advances Marshall For All, a program spearheaded by President Smith to eliminate student debt, leveling the playing field for West Virginia and Appalachian students while setting a new national standard in higher education.

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President Brad D. Smith Kicks Off the Fall 2025 Semester With a Message of Encouragement

August 11, 2025

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith welcomed incoming fall 2025 students to campus with a message of encouragement and connection. He urged students to embrace academics and campus life, highlighting the importance of mentorship, involvement, and community building. Smith also celebrated the arrival of new athletic leadership and encouraged students to seize opportunities that will shape their future. “Welcome home—let’s make this year unforgettable,” noted Brad.

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Marshall University Board of Directors 2025-26 Meeting: Growth, Education, and Innovation

August 5, 2025

At its August 2025 meeting, the Marshall University Board of Governors reviewed preparations for the new academic year and received encouraging enrollment news from President Brad D. Smith. Preliminary figures suggest a third consecutive year of growth, with overall enrollment rising 15% since 2022. Leaders also discussed housing availability, campus improvements, and new academic initiatives. Updates included the athletic momentum under new director Gerald Harrison and the swearing-in of student and staff representatives.

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Leadership and Legacy Shine at 2025 NFF Campbell Trophy® Summit

July 28, 2025

The Seventh Annual NFF Campbell Trophy® Summit united athletes, coaches, and business leaders to share lessons in leadership and service inspired by Bill Campbell’s legacy. Brad D. Smith joined speakers Pat Gelsinger, Ronnie Lott, Andrew Luck, and others to discuss how sports foster resilience, teamwork, and purpose beyond the field. The three-day event featured workshops, panels, and mentorship for 300 student-athletes from 143 colleges.

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Gerald J. Harrison Named Marshall University’s 23rd Director of Athletics

July 8, 2025

In late July 2025, Gerald J. Harrison was announced as the 23rd Director of Athletics at Marshall University. Harrison brings a wealth of leadership experience in collegiate sports and a vision for advancing Marshall athletics on and off the field. His appointment reflects the university’s continued focus on fostering excellence, supporting student-athletes, and strengthening its role in the community. Harrison previously worked at Austin Peay, serving as Vice President and Director of Athletics.

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Marshall University and Fairmont State Unite to Strengthen West Virginia’s Higher Ed System

June 27, 2025

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.

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Marshall Board Extends Brad D. Smith’s Presidency Through 2029

June 27, 2025

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.”

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