Brad D. Smith

Brad D. Smith is a proud West Virginian and a passionate advocate for leadership and philanthropy. As the 38th President of Marshall University, he has made significant strides in transforming the university’s educational approach and supporting the local community. A native of Kenova, West Virginia, Brad remains deeply devoted to giving back to his home state. Beyond his role at Marshall, Brad is also the co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation — a nonprofit organization he established with his wife, Alys, to advance education, entrepreneurship, and environmental initiatives across Appalachia.

Recent Accomplishments

Marshall For All, Marshall Forever: Brad spearheaded the "Marshall For All, Marshall Forever" initiative, a 10-year strategic plan aimed at providing debt-free education through scholarships, grants, and work opportunities. The program focuses on making education more accessible and flexible for students by offering an in-demand curriculum tailored to individual needs.

Expanding Access: A loyal Marshall alum, Brad has contributed to the establishment of the Marshall Business and Innovation District and the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator. These initiatives support the entrepreneurial aspirations of Huntington locals and Marshall students by providing resources to help startups grow, refine, and launch their ideas. His leadership has also extended Marshall’s Metro tuition rate to students within 100 miles of the campus, underscoring his commitment to making higher education more accessible to the region's youth.

New Ventures and Programs: Through the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Brad has introduced programs like the Ascend West Virginia remote worker initiative and its spinoff, First Ascent, which encourages recent graduates to stay and build their careers in the state. In 2023, the foundation supported the launch of Rhetoric, a legal tech startup that uses AI to aid litigators, sponsored the Almost Heaven Classic, and hosted the inaugural Women Warriors Summit, a one-day event centered around women’s empowerment and building meaningful connections.

Vision and Goals

Brad is committed to transforming Marshall University into a leader in innovation and education. His goals include expanding digital resources, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure student success and economic growth in the region.

Notable Projects

Under Brad's leadership, the university has launched the Business and Innovation District, designed to support local startups and create new job opportunities, and First Ascent, which offers mentorship and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Media and Press

Featured in Forbes and Business Insider, Brad has shared insights on leadership, innovation, and education. His media presence highlights his influence in driving positive change at Marshall University.

Philanthropy

Brad’s dedication to providing educational opportunities and resources to underserved communities is further underscored by his work with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. His philanthropic efforts reflect a deep commitment to making a difference in West Virginia and beyond.

Professional Background

After earning his degree in Business Administration from Marshall University in 1986, Brad’s path led him to a career in senior management and executive leadership. He is well-known for his tenure as CEO and Executive Chairman of Intuit, where he transformed the company into a global leader in financial software. Today, in addition to his role at Marshall and his work with Wing 2 Wing, Brad also serves on the Board of Directors for Humana and Amazon.