Huntington Times

The Marshall University Board of Governors has approved a resolution to expand the metro tuition rate eligibility to include additional counties in Ohio and Kentucky. This expansion now encompasses the cities of Lexington, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio. The metro rate is positioned between resident and non-resident tuition rates.

These new rates will be applicable for students enrolling at Marshall University starting in fall 2025, as well as for current students from these areas. This marks the second expansion of metro tuition boundaries within two years; initially set at a 100-mile radius in 2022, it has now been extended to a 150-mile radius.

Matt Tidd, Marshall University's chief financial officer, noted that the metro tuition will remain competitive with other institutions' rates in those regions. According to university officials, only a modest increase in new student enrollment is necessary to achieve financial balance.

Following an executive session, the board released President Brad D. Smith's third-year performance evaluation based on feedback from various constituencies including faculty and alumni.

Board chair Geoff Sheils commented: “We are grateful for his vision, his commitment, and his untiring dedication in leading this great institution,” Sheils said. “In a short time, much has been accomplished. After 13 years of enrollment decline, total student enrollment has now increased in each of the last two years."

Smith assumed the presidency at Marshall University in January 2022 after an accomplished corporate career that included serving as a CEO in Silicon Valley.

Additionally, the board authorized reallocating state funding earmarked for deferred maintenance projects toward other capital needs identified by the university.

While final enrollment figures will be submitted to the Higher Education Policy Commission later this month, preliminary numbers indicate over 12,000 students are attending classes this fall—a total increase of 12% over two years—reversing a long-standing decline trend.