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Education Meets Downtown
MEGAN BEVINS
Photo by Marshall University .
Photo by West Virginia State University . Photo by University of Charleston .
In an effort to grow their communities , several universities in the Mountain State have created new centers downtown . Marshall University , University of Charleston ( UC ) and West Virginia State University ( WVSU ) have all recently opened one of these spaces and hope that in doing so , they can generate a wide range of benefits for both the campus and the downtown area .
Toney Stroud , chief legal counsel and vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations at Marshall University , says the creation of the Brad D . Smith Center for Business and Innovation sparked a whole new initiative to invest in West Virginia ’ s future . A $ 45 million investment , the center opened for classes January 8 and currently houses classroom spaces , computer labs and study rooms .
Marshall was then inspired to enlist the help of Fairmount Properties to create a full mixed-use district . The new district , adjacent to the business and innovation center , will be a place where locals can live , work , dine , play and learn .
“ The innovation district will facilitate the sharing of knowledge , creativity and innovative ideas from the academic environment into the broader economic landscape ,” Stroud says .
With the new location connecting Marshall ’ s campus with downtown Huntington , Stroud hopes it will strengthen the connection between those communities and increase accessibility for students .
“ This closer connection will facilitate engagement between students and the local community , fostering a stronger sense of unity and mutual support ,” he says .
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