Hurricane High School juniors and seniors took an important step toward their future last week as Marshall University hosted a Direct Admissions event on campus on Friday, October 31, 2025. The visit was part of Marshall’s Direct Admissions Program partnership, Marshall Direct, the university’s growing initiative to remove barriers and create new pathways to higher education for West Virginia students.
During the event, representatives from Marshall’s Office of Admissions and President Brad D. Smith met with students to discuss the partnership between Putnam County Schools and Marshall’s Direct Admissions Program.
“This program is about opening doors,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “Students who qualify now have a guaranteed place at our university, along with the support they need to pursue their goals.”
Through the Marshall Direct initiative, any student graduating from Putnam County Schools with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will receive automatic admission to Marshall.
Unlike the traditional college application process, students who qualify do not have to complete a separate admission application or pay an application fee, and test scores are not required for admission.
Marshall Direct is now active in multiple county school systems across the state and continues to grow each year. For Hurricane seniors, the message was clear: if they work hard and maintain their grades, a spot at Marshall University is already waiting for them.
Students and families interested in learning more about the program can contact the Marshall University Office of Admissions at 304-696-3160 or visit Marshall Direct.