US EditionMarshall president and wife make $50M gift to university to promote eliminating student debt
The $50 million donation aims to expand Marshall For All, helping nearly 400 students graduate debt-free with higher GPAs and retention rates, supporting first-generation college students.
- Brad Smith, president of Marshall University, and his wife, Alys Smith, contributed $50 million on Tuesday to support the Marshall For All initiative, which seeks to eliminate student debt.
- Smith, installed as the 38th president in September 2022, announced Marshall For All to level the playing field for West Virginia and Appalachian students, reflecting his personal commitment.
- The program, launched in 2023, offers two tracks including full tuition coverage for West Virginia families earning below $65,000 and allows combining scholarships, grants, work, and family aid.
- The Smiths’ lifetime gifts exceed $90 million, making them the university's largest donors, with Nico Karagosian describing their impact as 'transformative' and honoring their vision.
- Marshall intends to broaden Marshall For All to help every student complete their degree without incurring debt by the university’s 2037 bicentennial, achieving a goal long championed by President Smith.
24 Articles
24 Articles
MU's Brad Smith and wife, Alys, donate $50M to university to eliminate student debt
Marshall University President Brad Smith and his wife, Alys Smith, have donated $50 million to the Marshall For All program, they announced Sept. 16, 2025. The initiative allows students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn a bachelor’s degree without needing student loans, therefore graduating with little or no student debt.
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall President Brad Smith and wife, Alys, donate $50M to university to eliminate student debt
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys Smith, have donated $50 million to a university program designed to eliminate student debt.
Associated Press News
Marshall president and wife make $50M gift to university to promote eliminating student debt
Marshall University says its president, Brad Smith, and his wife, Alys Smith, have made a $50 million gift to the university to promote a program aimed at eliminating student debt.
Marshall president makes historic $50M donation to university
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WOWK) - Marshall University's president and first lady have broken a university record through a huge contribution they made to the school. According to Marshall University, President Brad D. Smith and First Lady Alys Smith bestowed a historic $50 million gift to the university for the Marshall For All program, which is designed to eliminate student debt. Marshall University expands ‘Marshall For All’ tuition program “We…
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