40 Facts About Marshall College

Founding and Early History

Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Let's explore its origins and early years.

1. Founding and Name: Established in 1837 as Marshall Academy, it was named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States.
2. Initial Status: Initially, it was a private subscription school, not a college-level institution.
3. Name Change: In 1858, the Virginia General Assembly renamed it Marshall College, although it still wasn't a true college.
4. Civil War Impact: The Civil War caused significant disruptions, leading to its closure for much of the 1860s due to financial challenges.
5. State Normal School: In 1867, the West Virginia Legislature revived it as a teacher training facility, renaming it State Normal School of Marshall College.

Academic Excellence and Rankings

Marshall University has grown into a reputable institution known for its academic programs and research initiatives.

6. Academic Rankings: It is ranked 496 nationally by Forbes, 288 by U.S. News & World Report, and 285 by Washington Monthly.
7. Colleges and Schools: Organized into 12 degree-granting colleges or schools, including the Bill Noe Flight School and the Elizabeth McDowell Lewis College of Business.
8. Degree Programs: Offers 3 associate degree programs, 59 baccalaureate degrees, 51 master’s degrees, 2 education specialist degrees, 28 graduate certificates, and 6 professional doctoral degrees.
9. Research Funding: Receives over $65 million annually in research funding, placing it in the Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.
10. Faculty Qualifications: 86% of faculty have a PhD or a terminal degree in their fields, including the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Student Life and Diversity

Marshall University prides itself on a diverse and vibrant student community, offering numerous opportunities for engagement and growth.

11. Student Body Diversity: 85% identify as White, 6% as Black, 4% as Other, 3% as Hispanic, 1% as Asian, and 1% as Foreign national.
12. Economic Diversity: 47% of students come from low-income backgrounds, while 53% come from affluent backgrounds.
13. Student Organizations: Home to over 200 student organizations, providing a wide range of extracurricular activities.
14. Campus Activities Board: The student-run board organizes free campus-wide events, including the Marshall Artists Series, which brings Broadway, dance, music, comedy, and opera to the university.
15. Recreation Center: The 123,000 sq ft recreation center, nicknamed "The Rec," features an aquatic center with a spa, 3 lap lanes, a vortex whirlpool, and a leisure area.

Athletics and Spirit

Marshall University has a strong athletic tradition, with numerous sports teams and spirit groups that foster school pride.

16. Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with teams in sports such as baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track and field, and more.
17. Spirit Groups: Includes the Dance Team, Marching Thunder, and Pep Band.
18. Mascot: The university's mascot is Marco the Bison.
19. Student-Athletes: There are 515 student-athletes at Marshall University.
20. Intramural Sports: Offers 11 intramural sports through The Rec, including soccer, basketball, flag football, dodgeball, pickleball, and wiffle ball.

Campus Facilities and Housing

Marshall University provides a range of facilities and housing options to support student life and academic success.

21. Residence Halls: There are ten residence halls on the main campus, with additional housing on the Health Science campus.
22. Student Media: Includes an on-campus radio station, WMUL-FM 88.1, and The Parthenon, the student newspaper.
23. Fraternities and Sororities: There are 15 chapters of fraternities and sororities on campus, although they were temporarily closed in 2021 due to COVID-19 violations.
24. Academic Support: Offers various academic support services, including the Center for African American Students, West Virginia Autism Training Center, Office of Career Education, Counseling Center, Student Health Services, H.E.L.P. Program, Security/Escort Service, Tutoring, Women’s and Gender Center, LGBTQ+ Office, Student Resource Center, Writing Center, and Veteran & Military Support.
25. Study Abroad Programs: Students can participate in study abroad programs at over 300 sites in 42 countries.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Marshall University aims to make higher education accessible to a wide range of students through its admissions policies and financial aid offerings.

26. Admissions: Has a rolling admissions policy with an acceptance rate of 97%. The SAT range is 930-1150, and the ACT range is 19-25. There is no application fee.
27. Cost and Financial Aid: The average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid is $8,756 per year. The average total aid awarded is $11,221 per year. 98% of students receive financial aid.
28. Popular Majors: The most popular majors include nursing, liberal arts and humanities, business, psychology, biology, health service preparatory studies, English, high school education, criminal justice and safety studies, and accounting.
29. Online Programs: Offers online programs entirely, providing flexibility for students.
30. Student Reviews: Students generally have positive reviews about the university, with 76% agreeing that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes and 65% agreeing that the workload is easy to manage.

Legacy and Community Engagement

Marshall University has a significant legacy and actively engages with the local community through various programs and initiatives.

31. History of Challenges: In 1946, faced significant challenges, including inadequate faculty, physical plant, and curricula. However, a group of alumni and friends helped address these issues by providing time, talents, and resources.
32. Foundation Establishment: On January 3, 1947, five men signed the articles of incorporation that established The Marshall Foundation, Inc. Frank E. Hanshaw Sr. was the first Foundation president and served until 1954.
33. Foundation Leadership: The first Foundation Board of Directors included two Marshall administrators, three Alumni Association representatives, three faculty members, and three at-large members. This leadership laid the groundwork for today’s Foundation.
34. Research and Innovation: Committed to research and innovation, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.
35. Community Engagement: Actively engages with the local community through various programs and initiatives, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among students.
36. Legacy and Impact: Has a significant legacy and impact on the state of West Virginia and beyond. Its history, academic programs, and community engagement make it a vital institution in higher education.

Additional Facts

Here are some more interesting tidbits about Marshall University that highlight its unique aspects.

37. Class Size: The average undergraduate class size is 20, while the average graduate class size is 10.
38. Student-Faculty Ratio: The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1.
39. Diverse Faculty: 22% of full-time instructional faculty identify as a minority.
40. Spirit of Innovation: Marshall University continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring it remains a dynamic and forward-thinking institution.

Marshall College: A Legacy of Excellence

Marshall University, with its roots as Marshall Academy in 1837, has grown into a respected public research university. From its humble beginnings to its current status, it has faced challenges like the Civil War and periods of financial difficulty. Yet, it has always bounced back stronger. Today, it boasts a diverse student body, a wide array of degree programs, and impressive research funding. With over 200 student organizations, a vibrant athletics program, and extensive academic support services, students have countless opportunities to thrive. The university's commitment to community engagement and innovation ensures it remains a vital institution in higher education. Whether you're interested in nursing, business, or psychology, Marshall offers a supportive environment for all. Its legacy of excellence continues to impact West Virginia and beyond, making it a cornerstone of education and community.