Designating February 3, 2026, as Marshall University Day

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Grady and 2 co-sponsors

The bill designates February 3, 2026 as Marshall University Day at the Capitol to formally recognize the university’s contributions without creating new laws or funding.

Completed legislative action

Summary of SR 25 (West Virginia Senate, 2026)

Purpose and intent

Designates February 3, 2026, as “Marshall University Day at the Capitol.”

Serves to recognize and celebrate Marshall University, its history, programs, and impact on the state of West Virginia.

Key provisions and changes

Official designation: The Senate designates February 3, 2026, as Marshall University Day at the Capitol.

No new statutory requirements or state policy changes are introduced beyond the designation.

Directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Marshall University President Brad D. Smith.

Who or what is affected

Marshall University and its broader community (students, alumni, faculty, and supporters) are the primary beneficiaries by formal recognition.

Marshall University’s leadership and the public at large may view the designation as an acknowledgment of the university’s contributions to education, workforce development, and economic impact in West Virginia.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate on February 2, 2026.

On February 3, 2026, the resolution advanced from committee (reference dispensed) and proceeded to immediate consideration.

Passed by the Senate on February 3, 2026, by voice vote and completed on that date.

The Clerk is instructed to forward the resolution to Marshall University President Brad D. Smith.

Notable supporting context (from the bill text)

The resolution highlights Marshall University’s long history (founded in 1837) and its role in economic development, including:

Nationally recognized programs in cybersecurity, aviation, health care, advanced manufacturing, energy, and entrepreneurship.
Carnegie R2 designation (indicating a high level of research activity).
Investments in West Virginia, such as the $250 million IDEA district in downtown Huntington.
Marshall Health Network and Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine leadership in academic medicine and rural health, with multiple residency programs.
Strong athletic and academic achievements by student-athletes, including high Graduation Success Rate (92%), and notable success in men’s soccer and basketball.
The vision statement “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever” as a framework for accessible, affordable education.

Bottom-line impact

This is a ceremonial resolution acknowledging Marshall University’s contributions and requesting formal recognition within the state Capitol. It does not enact new laws, funding, or policy changes beyond the designation and communication to university leadership.