TEDxMarshallU is a student-led, faculty mentored, independently organized event. This year’s theme was inspired by Marshall’s 2024-2025 Higher Learning Commission’s Quality Initiative, “Building a Stronger and More Inclusive Marshall Community.”
“I’m honored to be working with such an incredible team for this year’s event,” said Evan Green, TEDx speaker turned team curation coordinator. “As we continue our curation process, we’re working diligently to create the most engaging TEDxMarshallU event we possibly can.”
The event promises to be a groundbreaking gathering, bringing together educators, medical professionals and students who come from a variety of backgrounds yet share commonalities in their experiences pushing past the boundaries in their lives.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore what it means to go ‘Beyond Borders’ with:
· Rafael Alfonso, a senior Yeager Scholar at Marshall University from Virginia Beach, Virginia. With majors in computer science and creative writing, he plans to pursue a career in web development or game design.
· Jessica Frey, M.D., a neurologist, assistant professor of neurology and movement disorders specialist working at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. She is the movement disorder fellowship program director and specializes in Deep Brain Stimulation procedures for patients with Parkinson’s disease and tremor.
· Dene Grigar, Ph.D., a professor and the director of creative media and digital culture in the Department of Digital Technology and Culture at Washington State University. Her current projects include exploring the future of reading and writing in Extended Reality spaces and building an open-access, virtual museum-library to house digital art.
· Jim Harris, Ed.D., assistant professor and director of behavioral health in the Department of Social Work at Marshall University. He is also the owner of Opportunities Consulting Services. Harris uses his practice approach to complex topics to help people better understand themselves and the people they support in their lives.
· Rajia Hassib, the author of two novels and several short stories and essays. Her first novel, “In the Language of Miracles,” was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and received an honorable mention from the Arab American Book Award. Her second novel, “A Pure Heart,” was one of Book Mark’s best-reviewed books of the week of its release. She also teaches English and creative writing at Marshall University.
· Glen Midkiff, the chief of staff for academic affairs and executive director of the Rahal Center for Strategic Engagement at Marshall University. He has over 20 years of experience in administration, housing & residential life, judicial affairs, student organization advising, recruitment, marketing and business.
· Hannah Moore, a third-year doctoral student in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) at Marshall University and a supervised psychologist at the Cabell Huntington Hospital Counseling Center. Her work focuses on providing comprehensive psychological services, including diagnostic evaluations and psychotherapy, while emphasizing a holistic approach to mental and physical well-being.
· Jonathon Stanley, J.D., a member of the law firm of Robinson & McElwee PLLC. He graduated from Brigham Young University with degrees in History, Russian and anthropology before graduating cum laude from Washington & Lee University School of Law. He has since found his passion in immersing himself in literature and art from around the world.
“As Marshall University focuses on ‘building a stronger and more inclusive community,’ I’m excited for this year’s speakers to share their unique perspectives about going ‘Beyond Borders’ in service of that endeavor,” Dr. Brian Kinghorn, lead organizer said. “I’m confident our attendees will leave this event thinking about the physical, psychological and social borders in their lives in new and transformative ways.”
General admission tickets will be $20 and admission for university and K-12 students will be $5. Children under 8 years old will not be permitted at the event. Visit www.tedxmarshallu.com to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.
Additional information is also available by contacting Baylee Parsons, TEDxMarshallU Communications Director at 304-962-4484.
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Media representatives are invited to attend and cover the event. Per TED guidelines, no outside photography or videotaping is allowed during the event, including from members of the press. Selections of the official media along with guidelines for their use will be made available to the press soon after the event. Direct queries or requests for press passes to the event can be directed to Dr. Brian Kinghorn by e-mail at kinghorn@marshall.edu or by calling 517-974-4996. Additional information about the event can be found at www.tedxmarshallu.com. TEDxMarshallU is also on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED