Hunting for Innovation: Marshall's Good Will Towards Higher Education

In this week's edition of The EdUp WrapUp, we highlight someone that you need to know - President of Marshall University , Brad D. Smith . Brad is the former CEO of Intuit Corporate , and after many years of growing a global technology company, he decided to come home to West Virginia to lead Marshall into the future. If there is one word I could use to describe President Smith, it would be "humble". In the full podcast episode, we covered everything from innovation in higher education to the opioid crisis in Appalachia.

"I see higher education as a prosperity platform. The prosperity platform that accelerates individual success of anyone who has the curiosity and the grit to try."

Marshall University is unlocking hidden potential in higher education. Under the leadership of President Smith, the institution is challenging traditional notions of success and redefining the impact of mentorship and learning. During the conversation, President Smith referenced an article that showed West Virginia last on a list of states ranking college attainment - and this has motivated him to create change for the region. President Smith is like Professor Sean McGuire in Good Will Hunting - the sage mentor helping to unlock the genius of students.

Through a journey similar to the way Will Hunting went from janitor to mathematical prodigy, Marshall University is unlocking hidden potential in higher education. Under President Smith's leadership, the institution is challenging traditional notions of success and redefining the impact of mentorship and learning.

From Tech Genius to Academic Mentor: A Non-Traditional Path

President Smith's journey from Intuit CEO to Marshall University President mirrors Will's unexpected path in "Good Will Hunting." Smith's transition brings Silicon Valley innovation to the heart of Appalachia, where he's nurturing talent in unexpected places. At Marshall, 57% of the freshman class are first-generation college students, and 27% come from families below the poverty line. Yet, these students are following in the footsteps of alumni who've become Fortune 500 CEOs, Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize winners. This aligns with a broader trend in higher education, as a 2022 NASPA report shows that 33% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are first-generation college students.

Solving Complex Problems: Design Thinking Meets Higher Ed

President Smith is introducing design thinking to tackle higher education's challenges - just as Professor Lambeau recognized Will's unique problem-solving abilities, he's unlocking the brain-power amongst staff and faculty on the campus. The entire Marshall campus has been trained in this innovative approach, with first-year students now applying these skills to solve real community problems. This initiative not only enhances learning but also bridges the gap between academia and real-world applications. The emphasis on creative problem-solving is timely, as a 2023 LinkedIn Learning report identified it as one of the top 5 most in-demand soft skills for employers.

Breaking Enrollment Equations: Reversing the Trend

Marshall University has achieved what seemed mathematically improbable - reversing a 13-year enrollment decline. With a 4.5% increase in total enrollment and a remarkable 13.5% boost in first-year freshmen, the university is defying national trends. This success is particularly noteworthy given that the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported a 3.1% decline in overall college enrollment in fall 2022 compared to fall 2021.

It's Not Your Fault: Adapting Education for the Future

Like Sean Maguire helping Will navigate his past and future, Marshall is reshaping its curriculum to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. The university is introducing stackable credits and micro-credentials, focusing on six areas of distinction including cybersecurity and rural health. A recent $45 million grant to build an Institute for Cybersecurity underscores the importance of this approach. These efforts align with the World Economic Forum's 2023 Future of Jobs Report, which predicts that 44% of workers' skills will be disrupted in the next five years.

How Do You Like Them Apples? Higher Ed as a Prosperity Platform

In a bold move reminiscent of Will's confident challenge to his rival, Marshall University is redefining higher education as a prosperity platform. By focusing on individual success, fostering innovative ideas, and driving economic growth, the university is addressing the declining public perception of higher education's value. A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 36% of Americans believe higher education is "very important," down from 57% in 2015. Marshall's response is to set aspirational goals for student outcomes and economic impact, proving that higher education can still be a transformative force in society.

Confronting the Hidden Struggle: Addressing the Opioid Crisis

Much like Will Hunting's journey to confront his past traumas, Marshall University is tackling one of Appalachia's most pressing challenges head-on: the opioid crisis. This issue has cast a long shadow over the region, affecting families, communities, and educational prospects. President Smith acknowledges this reality, recognizing that many of Marshall's students come from communities deeply impacted by this crisis.

In response, Marshall University is leveraging its position as a center for learning and innovation to address the opioid epidemic. The university's focus on rural health as one of its six areas of distinction is particularly relevant here. By combining academic research, community outreach, and hands-on learning experiences, Marshall is preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals, social workers, and policymakers equipped to tackle this complex issue.

Recent data underscores the urgency of this work. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, West Virginia had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation in 2020, with 81.4 deaths per 100,000 population. However, there's hope on the horizon. The state has seen a 3.8% decrease in overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021, suggesting that concerted efforts by institutions like Marshall University are beginning to make an impact.

Through initiatives like the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine's substance use disorder curriculum and the university's partnerships with local healthcare providers, Marshall is turning the tide. As President Smith puts it, "We're not just educating students; we're empowering them to solve real-world problems in their own backyards."

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