Inspiring innovation across Marshall University’s campus
To inspire learning and creativity that ignites the mind, nurtures the spirit, and fulfills the promise of a better future
In March 2017, teams from seven of Marshall’s colleges were taught D4D, Intuit’s customer-driven innovation approach by the company’s top Innovation Catalysts. Teams were challenged with applying these innovation techniques to three specific challenges facing West Virginia: education for youth, substance use disorder, and technology.
In April, the seven teams went on to present their ideas to a panel of celebrity coaches in the style of the popular reality TV show “Shark Tank.” The celebrity coaches were Marshall alumnus Brad D. Smith, former Intuit CEO and current President of Marshall University, Marshall and NFL football legend Chad Pennington, and actress, producer, and philanthropist Jennifer Garner.
The result of the Innovating for Impact Challenge was clear – design thinking had arrived at Marshall University. As the organizing team from Intuit and the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business reflected upon the 2017 competition, a key insight was made: the true purpose of the competition wasn’t to hold an annual competition, but instead, to be the spark that spread design thinking and the secrets of Silicon Valley throughout all of West Virginia and Appalachia. With that mission of reframing the economic future of the state and region in mind, the iCenter was created.
Since graduating from Marshall University in 1986, Brad D. Smith has remained a steadfast supporter of the university and the West Virginia community as a whole. With a prominent career in business —most notably as President and CEO of Intuit—Brad has always had a vision of giving back to the place that built him.
In 2019, he co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation with his wife, Alys, to focus on uplifting the people of Appalachia. Through Wing 2 Wing, they also launched the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), a foundational program that funds talent attraction and retention through both Ascend West Virginia and First Ascent. The OEDC continues to draw national attention for its innovative approach to economic development in the Mountain State and is just one of many initiatives headed by Brad aimed at opening doors and broadening horizons for Appalachians and their communities. In 2021, Brad’s commitment to West Virginia was further solidified when he was selected as Marshall University’s 38th President—the first alumnus to ever hold the position.
Brad is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities, promoting community engagement, and supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders. Learn more about how he’s transforming the educational landscape for West Virginians through through Marshall For All, Marshall Forever, the Cabell Commitment plan, and the OEDC.
Keep up with Brad on social or visit his website for news, philanthropic updates, and leadership learnings:
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