Additionally, students will see nominal increases in housing and dining costs, 2.6% and 4% respectively, as well as small increases in capital and auxiliary fees.
The board also approved the university’s overall FY 26 budget, which includes adjustments for an evolving economic landscape. In his report, Marshall University President Brad D. Smith told board members that the university is prepared for belt-tightening measures.
“As I’ve shared in recent updates, the external environment – including federal and state policy shifts, budget uncertainties, and operational headwinds – continues to evolve,” Smith said. “President John F. Kennedy once said, ‘The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.‘ The sun is still shining on Marshall. That’s why, following extensive preparation and scenario planning, we’ve made the decision to enact the 4% reduction scenario in our budget for FY26. This is a scenario we foreshadowed in December and asked our campus to be ready for, and now we will move forward with it.”
Planning for the future also includes the adaption of new academic programs. Four new degree programs were approved by the board including a master’s in library science, the first of its kind in West Virginia. Academic officials say the external demand study for the degree indicates there is a strong combination of student interest, demand from employers and industry demand for the degree program.
In other action, Marshall University Police Officer Chase Poore was publicly recognized with a standing ovation for his efforts to alert residents to a late-night massive apartment fire a few weeks ago in the Huntington area. The off-duty officer was walking his dog when he noticed the fire and sprinted into action to assist. Officials say Poore is credited with saving lives that night.
Other recognitions during the meeting included a thank you to former Board of Governors chair and member Patrick Farrell who resigned from the board after being elected Mayor of Huntington. Also, Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, senior vice president and provost, was acknowledged for his service to Marshall. Mukherjee is leaving the university in June to take a similar position at Georgia Southern University.