The new degree programs include a bachelor’s degree in specialty agriculture, which is expected to appeal to students in a 100-mile radius of Huntington who may have an interest in the field but are unlikely to travel to larger agriculture schools. The program will cover traditional and sustainable agricultural sciences and emphasize new and emerging technologies for high-yield and specialty agriculture that will improve agribusiness outcomes for smaller farms in the region.
In addition to approving the specialty agriculture degree, board members also approved a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, augmenting the existing Bachelor of Arts degree. The proposed program combines traditional political science studies with a strong emphasis on statistical analysis, data-driven decision-making, and empirical research methods.
The board approved student conduct policy updates including addressing tuition and fees refunds, student research and revising the weapons policy. The updates will be up for community review at www.marshall.edu/policies/
Board members also received an update on next month’s implementation of new West Virginia legislation commonly known as campus carry. The university continues to make modifications to grounds and facilities to accommodate the new law including expanding the concourse at Joan C. Edwards Stadium to better assist with security procedures.
The board also approved the president to move forward with two coaches’ contract extensions. Men’s soccer coach Chris Grassie’s new contract is a seven-year deal that takes effect July 1 and runs through the end of the 2030-31 school year. Marshall baseball coach Greg Beals’ contract is a two-year extension that keeps him on through 2029.
The board will meet again in regular session Aug. 7 and 8.