Marshall University: Location, Campus, and Academic Life
Marshall University, a public research university steeped in history and tradition, offers a comprehensive educational experience in Huntington, West Virginia. Founded in 1837 and named after John Marshall, the fourth chief justice of the United States, Marshall University has evolved from a private subscription school to a dynamic institution serving students from across the country and around the world.
A Brief History
Marshall University's journey began as Marshall Academy in 1837, established by residents of Guyandotte and the surrounding area. Formally dedicated by the Virginia General Assembly in 1838, it wasn't yet a college-level institution. In 1858, the Virginia General Assembly renamed it Marshall College, but it still didn't reflect its status as a true college. Following the formation of West Virginia in 1863 during the American Civil War, the college became part of the new state.
Throughout its history, Marshall has faced challenges and celebrated milestones. The devastating Ohio River flood in 1937 caused extensive damage to numerous structures. In 1938, the West Virginia Board of Education authorized Marshall College to offer master's degrees in six programs, marking another expansion. The institution was accredited as a "university-level institution" that year, although achieving full university status remained a contentious political issue for years.
In 1969, the university's athletic program faced scandals involving recruiting violations and payments to athletes. The tragic plane crash on November 14, 1970, claimed the lives of 75 people, including most of the Thundering Herd football team, coaches, and fans, leaving a lasting impact on the university and the Huntington community.
Despite these challenges, Marshall University continued to grow and evolve. In 1977, the university founded its School of Medicine, the first professional school and the first doctoral program. Over the next 20 years, the school added doctoral programs in many fields. In 1997, the West Virginia Graduate College became the graduate college of Marshall University, with its campus located in South Charleston, West Virginia. The John Deaver Drinko Library opened on campus in 1998.
Read also: Honoring the Victims of the Marshall Plane Crash
In August 2021, Marshall opened the Bill Noe Flight School at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, offering undergraduate programs in commercial pilot: fixed wing and aviation maintenance. On October 28, 2021, Brad D. Smith was appointed the university's 38th president. In May Marshall broke ground on a new Institute for Cyber Security building.
Campus Environment and Location
Marshall University's main campus is situated in Huntington, West Virginia, a large town with an urban setting. The campus is primarily residential, fostering a strong sense of community among its more than 7,500 degree-seeking undergraduate students. The university also has a campus in South Charleston, conveniently located near Exit 45 of I-64 at Jefferson Road, providing advanced coursework in education, business, information technology, and technology.
Several specialized facilities enhance Marshall's academic offerings:
- Marshall Medical Center: A comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility providing primary and specialty care outpatient services.
- Forensic Science Center: Located on the site of the former Fairfield Stadium, featuring processing, preparation, and PCR laboratories, as well as an analyst workroom and evidence locker room.
- Visual Arts Center: Housed in a historic downtown Huntington building, comprising six floors.
- School of Physical Therapy: Located in the St. Mary’s Education Center.
- Stephen J. Kopp Hall: Located at Stephen J. Marshall’s South Charleston campus, serving pharmacy students.
- Bill Noe Flight School: Based at Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia; the aviation maintenance program is based at Tri-State Airport in Huntington. In 2024, the flight school opened a second location at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and a cooperative program with West Liberty University using the Wheeling Ohio County Airport.
Academics and Programs
Marshall University offers a wide array of academic programs, including nearly 160 undergraduate majors, as well as certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university is committed to providing world-class learning opportunities, with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention.
Marshall has granted master's degrees since 1938 and began granting doctoral degrees in 1994. The university now offers a Ph.D.
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New programs offered by the university include a physician assistant program offered through the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. In 2021, Marshall formed an aviation program which includes the Bill Noe Flight School, awarding a B.S. in commercial aviation as a professional pilot; and an A.A.S. in aviation maintenance technology.
Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is academically affiliated with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC).
Student Life and Activities
Marshall University provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to engage and connect. With more than 222 recognized student organizations, students can find a community that aligns with their interests. The Campus Activities Board organizes free campus-wide events, including movies and carnivals.
The Marshall Artists Series offers students opportunities to see nationally recognized artists and performers, with more than 300 individual performances, concerts, and events on campus each year. Students can also enjoy Broadway, dance, music, comedy, and opera productions, as well as two international film festivals.
The 123,000-square-foot Recreation Center ("The Rec"), which opened in 2009, provides fitness and recreational opportunities. The facility features an aquatic center with a spa, lap lanes, a vortex whirlpool, and a leisure area.
Read also: Marshall University Careers
Athletics
Marshall's athletic teams, known as the Thundering Herd, compete in NCAA Division I (FBS for football) as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The school colors are kelly green and white. The name Thundering Herd came from a Zane Grey novel released in 1925, and a silent movie of the same name two years later.
Marshall began playing football in 1895 and has a long tradition as a football school. There are 15 NCAA Division I teams that compete within the Sun Belt. Students can obtain free tickets to athletics events.
Traditions and Notable Aspects
Several traditions and aspects contribute to Marshall University's unique identity:
- The Memorial Fountain: A fountain and plaza at the center of the school campus is dedicated to the victims of the 1970 plane crash. The water does not flow from November 14 until the first day of spring football practice the following year.
- Society of Yeager Scholars: The highest academic scholarship offered at Marshall University, named in honor of Chuck Yeager. Members are selected through a competitive application and interview process.
- John Marshall Scholars Program: An academic scholarship program that covers a majority of the cost of education for member students at Marshall. The program affords a rigorous academic program and provides a full tuition/fee waiver and stipend to students with a composite ACT score of 30 or higher who have been accepted to the university.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Marshall University has a high acceptance rate. The university does not require submission of standardized test scores, Marshall being a test optional school.
Marshall's faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed, offering a robust student support system that includes tutoring, writing, and counseling centers, a textbook loan program, health and wellness initiatives, and more. More than 80% of faculty members hold the highest degrees in their field. The average per year after aid is $9K.
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