All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

The Marshall University Board of Governors approves purchase of airplanes

The Marshall University Board of Governors today approved the purchase of three airplanes for its planned aviation program.
Two Cirrus SR-20 airplanes, valued at $500,000 each, are state-of-the-art, small planes ideal for student training, according to Marshall officials. The Cirrus planes are fully instrumented and have a variety of sophisticated features, including a whole airframe parachute that, when deployed, will safely lower the plane to the ground.

A single-engine used plane with cable controls also was approved for purchase with a price tag of up to $175,000. The used plane is for teaching aviation students spin maneuvers.
The purchases are made possible in part by private grant funding, including a $1.5 million donation from the Maier Foundation. There are also plans in place to purchase additional start-up equipment, including simulators.

“This is an exciting time for Marshall University,” said Dr. Jerome A. Gilbert, Marshall’s president. “Both our aviation programs, the bachelor’s degree program at Yeager Airport and the two-year degree partnership with Mountwest at Tri-State Airport, will provide outstanding opportunities for students and be a catalyst for economic growth in our state and region.”

Following an executive session, the board approved naming the aviation school the Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School in honor of Marshall alumnus and board member Bill Noe. Noe had a successful career in aviation, starting out as a flight instructor and working his way up to serving as chief operating officer of NetJets, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio-based company geared to meeting private air travel needs.

The board also approved a plan to realign academic degrees in the Lewis College of Business, providing for a more streamlined version of current offerings. The effort is intended to present a more clear set of requirements to students and accrediting bodies.

A motion to rename the university’s College of Information Technology and Engineering to the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences also was approved. Officials say the updated name is an important move that will allow the school to take advantage of broader research opportunities. The board approved a new B.S.-to-Ph.D. program between the College of Science and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine that allows promising students the opportunity to complete a doctoral research degree in just seven years.

In his report, Gilbert gave kudos to business dean Dr. Avi Mukherjee and his team for organizing Wednesday’s inaugural CEO Panel that featured a trio of corporate titans, including Marshall alumnus Brad D. Smith, executive chairman of Intuit. Gilbert also thanked the board for its continued support of the university’s aviation programs.

Information items presented to the board today included an update on the new university baseball stadium. Due to additional site development changes, the university is redesigning the project and will rebid the stadium construction this spring.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.