— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison recently celebrated the first anniversary of his arrival at Marshall.
Harrison reflected on what has been accomplished across the athletic department over the past year and what ways that the department can improve.
“Our first year together has created tremendous momentum, but we are just getting started,” Harrison said. “Our goal is clear: to become the most complete athletics department in the country. We will pursue championships, develop our Sons and Daughters of Marshall, serve our community and win the right way. We have great people, a University committed to athletics and a Herd Nation that believes in where we are going. If we continue to work together, hold ourselves to a high standard and remember that details matter, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”
Harrison noted he’s proud of work in the classroom from Marshall student-athletes, which achieved a cumulative 3.43 grade point average in the 2025-26 academic year. He was also pleased with the more than 5,400 hours of community service accumulated by athletes and staff, as well as the addition of STUNT as a 19th varsity sport, and capital improvements, such as new Joan C. Edwards Stadium lighting and a new turf in the Chris Cline Center.
Marshall also recorded success on the field and court. The men’s soccer and women’s softball teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament, while the women’s basketball team was WNIT champs.
As for the future, Harrison made mention of multiple goals, and says attention to Marshall athletes’ academic, personal, and nutritional needs will increase through the “Herd Cares” program — one designed to prepare student-athletes not only to compete at Marshall in the present, but to succeed throughout their lives while carrying the Herd legacy.
Remaining competitive is another priority, especially while using Name, Image and Likeness, along with revenue sharing resources to attract student-athletes and remaining true to commitments to community service, compliance to NCAA rules and service to the needs of Marshall athletes.
Harrison continues challenging fan attendance and financial support for Herd athletics while the department plans major improvements at athletic venues and efforts to improve game day experiences for fans while improving the department’s financial foundation.
As for future goals, Harrison has an immediate plan to implement “Herd Cares”, advance financial and facility plans, launch the Ring of Honor program in January, strengthen game days in Huntington and improve organizational execution.
Starting in the fall of 2027, Harrison says the athletic department will advance priority capital projects, develop a Student-Athlete Success Center, identify and create new premium experiences tightening the community’s bond with Marshall Athletics as well as generate revenue and continue a quest to achieve championship and postseason success.
From 2030 and beyond, Harrison says will be a time to position Marshall athletics to remain nationally relevant, financially sustainable and still student-centered while successfully navigating changes to the intercollegiate athletics landscape.
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Marshall has announced plans for an October 1 fundraising dinner on the floor of the Cam Henderson Center called “Thunder On The Hardwood.”
The dinner will begin at 6 pm. The inaugural joint fundraising event benefits both basketball programs financially while celebrating the start of a new season.
Thunder On The Hardwood will feature a tipoff dinner and silent auction for attendees, who will also get to hear from Marshall men’s basketball coach Corny Jackson and Marshall women’s coach Juli Fulks in advance of the 2026-27 season.
“This event is a great idea by Athletic Director Gerald Harrison and his team,” Jackson said. “Thunder On The Hardwood is more than a basketball event; it is a celebration of a start to a new season and a chance to connect with the people who help fuel our program every day. The energy, commitment, and support of the Marshall family are what make our program strong. We’re hoping for a packed house and can’t wait to share this special event with everyone.”
An extra benefit for attendees will involve getting a first look at new premium spaces inside the Cam Henderson Center while also having the first on-site opportunity to sign up for the newly-renovated spaces, such as the new Hartley Room, the Dough Daddy’s Sky Deck and the Miller Lite Lounge.