SENATE RESOLUTION 22

(By Senators Plymale, Woelfel, Hamilton, Swope, Takubo, Rucker, and Grady)

[Introduced January 31, 2023]

Designating February 1, 2023, as Marshall University Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Marshall University has been an institution of advanced learning and innovation since its founding in 1837: and

Whereas, Marshall University has been educating students and accelerating individual success across the great State of West Virginia and across the globe for 186 years; and

Whereas, Marshall University alumni include admirals and generals, governors, Fortune 500 CEOs, Emmy, Tony, Pulitzer Prize Award winners, doctors, lawyers, scientists, educators, professional athletes and coaches, Heisman Trophy finalists, and Hall of Fame inductees; and

Whereas, Marshall University’s purpose as a prosperity platform that accelerates success and serves as creator of solutions when it comes to building the next generation of Appalachian leaders, turning ideas into reality, retaining our state’s top talent, and helping our small towns and communities grow; and

Whereas, Marshall University’s forward-focused programs in aviation, health care, nursing, cyber forensics and security, energy, advanced manufacturing, and business, offer students the opportunity for in-demand careers; and

Whereas, Marshall University has several centers of excellence focused on health care, education, and economic development; and

Whereas, With nearly 600,000 annual patient encounters, Marshall Health is the 18th largest private employer in the State of West Virginia; specializing in 75 areas of specialty care including addiction and behavioral medicine, gerontology, aging, obesity, diabetes, and rural health; and

Whereas, The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine trains the next generation of physicians, scientists, and physician assistants to advance health care in West Virginia; and

Whereas, Marshall University’s high research activity is designated as a Carnegie R2 research institution, a distinction that less than 6 percent of our nation’s universities can claim. Marshall advances new discoveries and innovations that provide our students and our communities with leading edge skills and capabilities; and

Whereas, Marshall University has broken ground on a newly constructed baseball and softball complex that will serve as the home venue for the Thundering Herd and impact economic development in a wonderful part of the state; and

Whereas, Marshall University won the 2020 NCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship and then returned to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen this fall; and

Whereas, Marshall University beat Notre Dame in South Bend on national television and then won the 2022 Myrtle Beach Bowl; and

Whereas, Brad D. Smith became the 38th President of Marshall University, a son of Marshall and a son of West Virginia; and

Whereas, President Brad D. Smith’s vision for Marshall University is Marshall for All, Marshall Forever, signaling an inclusive prosperity platform that accelerates the success of any individual with the aspiration and determination to try. Marshall for All, Marshall Forever recognizes learning is a lifelong pursuit that demands affordable and accessible options that provide continuous access to in demand knowledge through on demand choices; and

Whereas, Marshall University has a 14-to-1 return on investment and is as an important economic engine to West Virginia specifically by accelerating economic impact through workforce readiness and job creation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate designates February 1, 2023, as Marshall University Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes Marshall University for its tremendous contributions to the State of West Virginia; and be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Mr. Brad D. Smith, President of Marshall University.