 "Photo: photo by Rick Haye")
Interim President Mike Farrell unveiled Marshall University's newest campus, Marshall University ONLINE, at Higher Education Day at the state capitol yesterday.
The day's events also included Senator Robert Plymale's announcement of a bill designed to specifically benefit Marshall.
"We started with a welcome by Governor Manchin where he continued to proclaim the need for higher education in the state and the need for it to succeed," Farrell said.
In the rotunda, all 16 private and public colleges and universities from West Virginia set up booths with information for legislators.
The university participated in a special ceremony after 1 p.m. with First Lady Manchin to reveal Marshall's renovated online learning system.
"By expanding access and resources to our most rural populations, Mars-hall University is meeting educational needs in a cost effective, scalable and quality centric model," Farrell said, according to a news release. "The online program features real interaction with outstanding faculty members in a collaborative, high-touch environment."
The ONLINE program will include options to achieve a board of regent's degree, bachelor's degrees in safety and elementary education and a master's degree in secondary education.
"Marshall University ONLINE is in line with Governor Manchin and First Lady Gayle Manchin's initiatives to create greater access for students and potential students to higher education," Keith Spears, vice president for communication and development, said.
"We are the technical leader in the state," Spears said. "Chancellor Mullen recognized Marshall as the leader in higher education technology in this state."
Marshall will also play host to online learning resources for Glenville State College and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Spears said.
The online courses are set to open in the 2005-2006 academic year.
"Marshall University ONLINE expands lifelong learning educational opportunities for all students, from high school to senior citizens," Farrell said in a press release.
During the afternoon, Farrell also taped part of an upcoming "Headliners" show with Gayle Manchin discussing her role in higher education.
As part of the action-packed day, Senator Robert Plymale, chair of the senate education committee, announced the Higher Education Flexibility Bill to be filed with legislature today.
"The bill (if passed) will add power to Marshall and West Virginia University specifically that is different from other colleges and universities around the state," said Farrell.
"As soon as we get it tomorrow we will read it and study what it will do for Marshall," Farrell said.
The bill would alleviate the two universities of some bureaucratic obligations and help administrative processes run faster, he said. Upcoming interaction includes Marshall Day at the state capitol April 6.
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