Athletics Director Christian Spears reported that progress on the baseball field is on target and the field is expected to be ready by the 2024 baseball season. He also noted the near completion of other updates like the Gullickson/Pathway Project and Gullickson Hall. Following executive session, the board approved a resolution naming the Gullickson Hall Gymnasium as the “The Scaggs Family Practice Facility” and the court as the “Neal and Jo Ann Scaggs Court” in honor of the Scaggs family from Logan, West Virginia, for their charitable commitment to assist with the updates to Gullickson Hall.
In his report to the board, President Brad Smith discussed his first 13 months in office noting five areas that have seen terrific momentum including strategic enrollment initiatives, legislative and economic development, and athletics, as well as efforts to break down silos and operate as one Marshall.
“If your first name is Marshall … then we are all on the same team,” Smith said.
Smith also mentioned “no-regret decisions” as a high-performance area. He referenced a 2022 gender and pay equity study that showed no systemic deficits, although about 80 employees were identified as outliers and had their salaries adjusted. The gender and pay equity study is expected to be repeated every two years.
The president also noted that the university must continue to improve its student enrollment, fiscal performance, transparency, Title IX program and its ability as an institution to proceed with speed and agility.
The next regularly scheduled board of governors meeting is scheduled for April 26. The board agenda and other pertinent information is available at www.marshall.edu/board.