Greetings, Marshall Family!
January was a whirlwind month for me, with a cross-country move, dozens of appointments and meeting many, many new friends. I imagine the beginning of a new semester for you has been very busy as well. Together, we are moving Marshall University forward.
As I reflect on my first 30 days in office, I particularly want to thank you for participating in the Listening Sessions we’ve had this semester. I have met with hundreds of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and others who have generously and honestly shared their thoughts about Marshall’s opportunities, and challenges, and even things people otherwise might be afraid to tell me!
I have held 16 sessions, with another 18 scheduled over the next few weeks. While several themes are beginning to emerge from those conversations, I will wait to share them with you in a special communique this spring. I can tell you it is an exciting point in time for our university!
I also want to thank you for attending the welcome receptions for me on the Huntington and South Charleston campuses. I am looking forward to meeting our Mid-Ohio Valley Center team in Point Pleasant on Thursday, Feb. 10.
In other news, our searches for a provost and athletic director are well underway.
The provost search is proceeding on schedule, with a Feb. 15 deadline to receive applications. The search committee will review the applicants and develop a short list by late February, with off-site interviews scheduled for March 6-8. The on-campus interviews of finalists will occur following Spring Break.
For the athletic director position, we are conducting on-campus interviews with four finalists this week and next. While they are here, the candidates are meeting with various constituencies, including student-athletes, coaches, Athletic Department administrators, faculty members and donors. I anticipate we will name a new athletic director in mid-February. I am encouraged by the strong pool of finalists from institutions around the country and look forward to great things ahead for Marshall University Athletics.
As I have quoted before, Michelangelo famously warned that, “the greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.”
We are certainly in the midst of significant change and our aspirational goals are high. Marshall has proven itself over the decades to be an adaptable and flexible institution. These characteristics are essential for the ever-changing higher education landscape. Together, we will successfully navigate this time of transition and emerge an even better institution.
Thank you again and GO HERD!
Sincerely,
Brad D. Smith
President