Program Overview
As a leading educational institution, Marshall University has a responsibility to advocate diversity and remain a leader in promoting a culture of inclusiveness. Our vision is to provide world-class learning opportunities for students from across the country and around the world. Marshall continues to lead by example in preparing its students and future leaders to function in a culturally diverse society, therefore, committing to a Small and Diverse (minority, women, veteran, and disabled businesses) Business Program remains one of its top priorities.
The University’s Small and Diverse Business Program promotes and provides small and diverse suppliers access to the university’s purchasing opportunities. Our program was created to address the disparity in utilizing small and diverse suppliers when purchasing goods and services as well as support to close this economic gap for small and diverse businesses within the state. The goal is to increase bid opportunities for small and diverse businesses as defined in federal and state regulations.
Commitment Statement
Marshall University is committed to making the Small and Diverse Business Program an integral part of the way we do business, consistent with our commitment to foster a diverse and inclusive university community. Our program was established to ensure that small and diverse are given maximum opportunity to compete in the procurement process. We recognize that by fostering an environment that promotes inclusion and encourages the participation of diverse suppliers. As a leading university, our commitment is to mirror the trend occurring across the county in higher education across the country by advancing supplier diversity throughout the university, supply chain, community, state and globally.
Strategic Approach
Marshall University’s strategic approach to supplier diversity is to actively engage in the university’s initiative to support economic development and collaborate with suppliers doing business with the university. The University’s strategies include:
- Promoting top-down leadership engagement to drive program success.
- Establishing a university-wide program to foster a culture that promotes inclusion. Maximizing opportunities for diverse suppliers’ growth and economic development.
- Working with departments, partners, corporations, and government entities to create a diverse supplier pool.
Policy Statement
Marshall University’s Board of Governors adopted Policy No. FA-13 Small and Diverse Business Program (https://www.marshall.edu/board/files/MUBOG-FA-13-Small-and-Diverse-Business-Program-2021-04.pdf) to maximize procurement opportunities with small and diverse suppliers in obtaining goods and services that can provide best value to the university. All departments working with suppliers are expected to adhere to this policy and include small and diverse businesses in sourcing opportunities, where applicable. We are committed to accomplishing this policy by establishing and supporting partnerships with the small and diverse business community, developing such businesses for growth, and engaging with organizations that share our commitment.
Marshall University Vendor Registration
The Office of Purchasing invites all vendors to register with Marshall University. Please click the link below to complete our Vendor Registration Form.
Complete Registration FormQuestions?
If you need assistance with our vendor registration form, please email the Office of Purchasing at purchasing@marshall.edu.