Senate 25

SENATE RESOLUTION 25

(By Senators Woelfel, Hamilton, Grady, and M. Maynard)

[Introduced February 2, 2026]

Designating February 3, 2026, as Marshall University Day at the Capitol.

Whereas, Marshall University has been an institution of advanced learning and innovation since its founding in 1837; and 

Whereas, The Marshall University Alumni Association and its impassioned alumni chapters across the nation represent more than 120,000 graduates who include admirals and generals, governors, Fortune 500 CEOs, Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize Award winners, doctors, lawyers, scientists, educators, professional athletes and coaches, Heisman Trophy finalists, and Hall of Fame inductees; and

Whereas, Marshall University advances workforce and economic development through nationally recognized programs in cybersecurity, aviation, health care, advanced manufacturing, energy, and entrepreneurship, and through a strong research enterprise earning the university a Carnegie R2 designation; and 

Whereas, The university is making significant investments in West Virginia’s future, including the $250 million IDEA district in downtown Huntington, where Impossible Doesn’t Exist Anymore; and 

Whereas, Marshall Health Network and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine serve as leaders in academic medicine, rural health, and specialty care while training the next generation of health professionals through 30 residency and fellowship programs, including three rural residencies that are among the first in the nation; and 

Whereas, Marshall University student-athletes continue to raise the bar academically with the highest Graduation Success Rate in the Sun Belt Conference at 92 percent while also setting a departmental GPA record with a 3.42 Overall GPA in the Fall 2025 semester and also excelling in competition with a nationally ranked Men’s Soccer program and basketball programs that each are considered among the elite in the Sun Belt Conference for the 2025-26 season; and

 Whereas, The 38th President of Marshall University President Brad D. Smith’s vision for Marshall University is Marshall for All, Marshall Forever, signaling a prosperity platform that accelerates the success of any individual with the aspiration and determination to try. Marshall for All, Marshall Forever recognizes learning is a lifelong pursuit that demands affordable and accessible options that provide continuous access to in demand knowledge through on demand choices; and

 Whereas, Marshall University has a 18-to-1 return on investment and is an important economic engine to West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 3, 2026, as Marshall University Day at the Capitol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Marhsall University President, Brad D. Smith.