Marshall University

Marshall University, a vibrant public research institution boasting 12,318 students, stands as a testament to enduring spirit and academic excellence. Founded in 1837 as a private subscription school and officially named for John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S., its historic Old Main building has anchored its campus since its earliest days. Over nearly two centuries, Marshall evolved from an academy to a college, weathered the Civil War, and eventually became a State Normal School before achieving full university status in 1961.

The university's history is notably marked by profound resilience. In 1970, Marshall faced an unimaginable tragedy when a plane crash claimed the lives of 75 people, including 37 members of its Thundering Herd football team. This event, and the community's extraordinary effort to rebuild the team and spirit, became a defining moment of strength and determination. The Memorial Fountain on campus, which ceases its flow annually from November 14th until spring football practice, serves as a poignant reminder of this legacy.

Today, under the leadership of President Brad D. Smith, Marshall University continues to innovate and expand its academic offerings. The university is a hub for cutting-edge programs, including the recently opened Bill Noe Flight School with commercial pilot and aviation maintenance tracks, a physician assistant program through the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and a forthcoming 80,000 sq ft Institute for Cyber Security. These additions, alongside its established master's degree programs, ensure Marshall remains a forward-thinking institution dedicated to preparing students for the future, all while embodying the powerful spirit forged by its rich, often challenging, history.