— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Gerald Harrison is closing in on a full calendar year as Marshall University Director of Athletics/Vice President and has shown across the last 11 months he likes to maintain contact with the Herd fanbase.
Harrison roamed through tailgate lots during the 2025 football season and talked with fans, something he also did inside the Cam Henderson Center during basketball season.
Most recently, Harrison sent an open letter to Marshall faithful expressing appreciation to all Big Green members, season ticket holders, former student-athletes, alumni and others who’ve been supportive as he’s learned the inner workings of the university.
“Marshall is different,” Harrison said. “There is an uncommon pride here. A resilience. A loyalty. A belief that no matter the challenge, Herd Nation stands together.”
Harrison said he’s joined by Marshall President Brad Smith in pushing the “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever” concept in how student-athletes are treated and encouraged to serve the community.
Much of Harrison’s letter discussed athletic department accomplishments, such as the women’s basketball team winning the 2026 WNIT, NCAA Tournament appearances by men’s soccer and softball and the addition of a women’s STUNT program. He also noted his pleasure regarding a department-wide 3.43 GPA for student-athletes while they gave back more than 5,400 hours of community service.
Harrison discussed physical improvements for Marshall athletics such as privately-financed new lighting at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, a new surface in the Chris Cline Athletic Center and expanded capacity at Hoops Family Soccer Field.
Harrison ended by challenging Herd fans to keep up or even increase their support in the way of attendance and financial contributions.
“That journey requires all of us,” Harrison said. “It requires exceptional student-athletes, dedicated coaches and staff, visionary university leadership, generous corporate partners, loyal alumni, committed Big Green members and passionate fans who continue to believe in the future of Marshall Athletics.”
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Speaking of financial contributions, Marshall announced a major financial commitment late last week.
Charleston Attorney Stephen New and his wife, Amy, gave $1 million to the athletic department to be used in the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art LED lights at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The new lights replace a system in place since the stadium opened in 1991.
New, a Marshall alumnus, had many reasons for the donation.
“Amy and I are happy to be able to support the university that means so much to each of us,” New said. “Our mothers went back to school as non-traditional students and we’ve had many family members who are Sons and Daughters of Marshall. We will continue to support — and encourage others to, as well — Marshall’s mission to help Huntington, the state and our region. Go Herd!”
Two Huntington firms, State Electric and Dixon Electric, have partnered with Marshall on the lighting project, with State Electric procuring the lighting and physical parts of the project and Dixon Electric handling the installation.
To commemorate the New’s donation, the press level at Joan C. Edwards Stadium will now be known as “New Family Level.”
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Three Marshall men’s basketball alumni have found spots on NBA Summer League teams.
Wyatt Fricks, a Sun Belt Conference first-team selection last season, will be part of the Charlotte Hornets summer league squad, while Marshall’s all-time scoring leader, Taevion Kinsey, will play for the Indiana Pacers.
The program’s second-leading all-time scorer, Jon Elmore, is part of the Los Angeles Lakers summer league squad.
Summer League play begins this week in Las Vegas.