HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University has a plan to develop their economic and workforce development efforts for the school and the entire state of West Virginia.
University President Brad D. Smith announced that Brandon Dennison is joining Marshall as Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development.
“Marshall has many expert departments with dedicated staff working to make a positive impact in our communities, so we are excited to have someone with Brandon’s vision and leadership to help us further grow our collective impact,” Smith said. “I cannot think of a better person to lead this team than Brandon. As a nationally renowned social enterprise expert and a son of southern West Virginia, he brings his unparalleled passion, intense energy and knowledge of Appalachia to this post.”
Dennison, a Marshall graduate, is the Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development. He will remain with the company as an Executive President and will help train a selected person to be the new CEO this upcoming fall.
The university said Dennison will be part of the schools external engagement team. His role with the university is effective July 1. Dennison spoke to his excitement to the new role on MetroNews Talkline Monday.
“I’m really excited about this new opportunity,” Dennison said. “President Smith speaks very eloquently about Marshall becoming a prosperity platform for the people of West Virginia.”
Two key goals come to mind to Dennison for the university to be that platform.
“We will make sure that graduates have in-demand knowledge that’s truly relevant to the markets and sectors in this state, and provide on-demand access for relevant training support and research development,” Dennison said.
Dennison’s team will include Marshall’s Advanced Manufacturing Center and Sustainability Department, the Southern WV Brownfields Center, the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical, and Applied Sciences, and the Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia.
“My job is not to devalue a well-rounded, higher education.” he said. “My job is to build better bridges from the university out into the economy and with our private sector partners.”
With more companies choosing to locate themselves in West Virginia lately, Dennison sees this as a historic opportunity to create a well-trained workforce of graduates for these new companies.
“We’ve got to increase our labor force participation rate,” Dennison said. “There are so many jobs available now.”
Dennison is no stranger to Marshall. He and his brothers are Marshall graduates. His wife also went graduate work at Marshall and his parents taught there.
“This university holds a special place in my heart, and this is much more than a job,” said Dennison. “It is truly humbling to have this opportunity.”
Dennison is a winner of multiple social entrepreneurs awards including the J.M.K. Social Innovation Prize, a DRK Entrepreneur, and an Ashoka Fellow. In 2019, he was awarded the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy, and Employment.