Topic: Marshall?s Smith optimistic about future enrollment at the school...

[svherd]

Brad isn't going to go to another university, his love for Marshall/Huntington is beyond comprehension. What is likely though is a possible run in politics, specifically Governor. What I can see happening is Brad doing 2, possibly 3 total contracts with MU - spanning about 10 years. Transforming Marshall and Huntington and then running on that. "Hey, look what I did to turn around Huntington - I'll do that for the state."

We can only hope!

[miltonherdfan]

WVU pays its president just shy of $900k.  Marshall pays north of $400k.  Do you really think Brad Smith is going to make a change over 1/2 million dollars?  He's worth 1500 times that amount.

N, i don't.  that's the very point i was making.

[herdman22]

Yeah, it was weeks after the tour before she heard anything from Marshall. She got something from WVU every other day.

But, that's in the past. So glad Brad Smith came home.


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[Garbanjo]

Smith will transform Marshall and Huntington over the next decade

We are so lucky he loves both and came home

Go Herd and Htown baby!

[bighat]

Huntington and surrounding area going to benefit from growth in Mason County!

[miltonherdfan]

Brad isn't going to go to another university, his love for Marshall/Huntington is beyond comprehension. What is likely though is a possible run in politics, specifically Governor. What I can see happening is Brad doing 2, possibly 3 total contracts with MU - spanning about 10 years. Transforming Marshall and Huntington and then running on that. "Hey, look what I did to turn around Huntington - I'll do that for the state."

i agree with what you're saying as far as his career might indeed play out like that, but his run of success would come to an end at RUNNING for Gov.  Steve Williams is getting ready to run on the same message of what he did to "turn around" Huntington, too.  I don't think Steve's & Brad's politics are the kind of answers most west virginians are looking for.  he could probably have a lotta success running for legislature to represent that downtown section that keeps voting for Woelfel & Hornbuckle.  otherwise, he'd be better off staying & flourishing where he's at.

[Jbabbington]

i agree with what you're saying as far as his career might indeed play out like that, but his run of success would come to an end at RUNNING for Gov.  Steve Williams is getting ready to run on the same message of what he did to "turn around" Huntington, too.  I don't think Steve's & Brad's politics are the kind of answers most west virginians are looking for.  he could probably have a lotta success running for legislature to represent that downtown section that keeps voting for Woelfel & Hornbuckle.  otherwise, he'd be better off staying & flourishing where he's at.

I'm inclined to agree with you, I think his best bet for continued success is to stay and just doing what he's doing. I guess at the end of the day no one knows. The guy absolutely has a good bit of leverage in the state already, definitely enough to get stuff done. Selfishly I'd prefer him to stay at Marshall/in Huntington lol.

[MicDrass1]

He loves Marshall U.  That?s what matters.

[herdfan129]

Brad isn't going to go to another university, his love for Marshall/Huntington is beyond comprehension. What is likely though is a possible run in politics, specifically Governor. What I can see happening is Brad doing 2, possibly 3 total contracts with MU - spanning about 10 years. Transforming Marshall and Huntington and then running on that. "Hey, look what I did to turn around Huntington - I'll do that for the state."

I know he is most likely a left wing liberal, but I would consider voting for him for Governor (provided he continues to make these positive changes to Huntington/Marshall).
The legislature would keep the far left part of the platform from infiltrating our state.

I think his business experience would be invaluable to the position of Governor.

[coalherd]

My wife is doing her part.  She's getting ready to start her 2nd Semester of the Masters in Counseling program at MU.  It's all on-line and she's still working full-time.

My "condolences" regarding your offspring!! But at least it sounds as if your wife "got it right"!!!  (Just kidding!!)

[coalherd]

Brad already donated $25 million to WVU.  What if he is happy after a couple of years what he accomplished at MU and wants to leave his mark also in WVU.  Not a money play at all.

WVU has extended Gee's contract through June 2025, IIRC.  Now I believe that President Smith is a Kenova native, so he is essentially "home".  Just have to think that he still has family in the immediate Huntington area.

As for that $25 mil he gave to WVU, that was for a State backed program/initiative to help draw people to WV from all over who mainly are bright, young and educated.  It is to lure people here who hopefully will stay, start or expanded businesses, start families and put down roots.  Part of the efforts, by State Government and some business leaders, to help reverse the State's population decline and grow both the State's economy AND population.  The program is run/managed by WVU, but I believe MU has at least some peripheral involvement or role.  If anything, Smith's donation at least gives him the "ears" of WVU's top leadership, including President Gee and no doubt some significant "clout" as to this program in the halls of State government!  Hopefully, going forward, whether WVU is led by Gee or someone else, we will see that school more willing to enter into other joint ventures, programs, etc., with Marshall for the betterment of the WHOLE STATE!!