Marshall University

05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 14:34

Marshall University announces partnership with Cabell County SchoolsAcademicsNews Release

In a press conference today at Huntington High School, Marshall University and Cabell County Schools announced a distinctive partnership, a groundbreaking initiative to simplify the path to higher education for local high school graduates.

Under this program, Marshall University will automatically accept any graduating student from Huntington High School, Cabell Midland High School and the Cabell County Career and Technology Center with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. The new program eliminates the traditional application process, providing a seamless and stress-free transition for students pursuing a four-year degree.

President Brad D. Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the transformative collaboration, emphasizing its role in breaking down barriers to education.

"This new commitment ensures that deserving students in Cabell County have a direct pathway to a four-year degree without the usual complexities of the application process. Our goal is to make higher education more accessible and to empower local talent," Smith said. "Ensuring guaranteed college admission is not just an investment in individuals but a commitment to investing in our local community, state, and nation. I commend both teams for their efforts to create this important program."

On what's being dubbed the Cabell Commitment, Cabell County Superintendent Dr. Ryan Saxe expressed his excitement about the new collaboration.

"This partnership signifies an amazing opportunity for our students, highlighting our combined commitment to educational advancement for our students," Saxe said. "Offering automatic admission to Marshall University for our seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher does more than open doors to higher education; it broadens their academic horizons and nurtures their aspirations to become a son our daughter of Marshall University. This initiative extends beyond merely accessing university education; it fosters a sense of belonging to Marshall University and our community for our students. The collaborative leadership of President Smith and our Cabell Schools team is a testament to our joint commitment to creating opportunities and forging paths for success, projecting well into the 21st Century for our community and our state. I am incredibly excited for our students to take advantage of this unique opportunity."

The university will notify eligible students through official letters, simplifying communication and keeping students informed about their acceptance into Marshall University. This initiative streamlines the enrollment process and reinforces Marshall University's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the local community.

It's anticipated that approximately 515 Cabell County high school students will be eligible for acceptance through this initiative.

The Cabell Commitment marks a significant milestone in Marshall University's dedication to providing quality education and supporting the aspirations of students in Cabell County. The university looks forward to welcoming a diverse and talented group of students into its academic community.

Photo Caption: Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and Marshall First Lady Alys Smith react during an announcement on Tuesday, May 7 that Marshall and Cabell County Schools have formed a distinctive partnership, a groundbreaking initiative to simplify the path to higher education for local high school graduates.

Media Contact

Leah Payne
Director, University Communications
Marketing & Communications
Phone: 304-696-7153

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