Marshall Med School Working Toward Building Of Its Own

The Marshall University Medical School was first accredited in 1977 and the first class of students came on campus in January 1978. In the nearly 50 years since then, the school has used classrooms and facilities at local hospitals and on campus. 

Now called the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, it still does not have a building of its own. But that may be about to change. The school was specifically created to train doctors to live and work in rural areas. 

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., joined leaders from Marshall University and Marshall Health Network Thursday to announce $31.8 million in federal funding that will strengthen medical education, research and health care delivery across West Virginia and Appalachia.

The funding builds on multiple awards secured by Capito over the past three years through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help advance plans for a new medical school facility.

“Sen. Capito’s leadership and steadfast support through the appropriations process continue to make a meaningful difference for Marshall University and the people of West Virginia,” Brad Smith, president of Marshall University, said. “Her investment in our strategic growth areas — research, workforce development and innovation — amplifies our ability to serve both our state and the nation. We are deeply grateful for her partnership. Through her leadership, Senator Capito continues to open doors and expand opportunities for future generations of West Virginians.”

Federal funding will be complemented by private support as the School of Medicine enters the public phase of its campaign to build a new, freestanding facility. 

The project is expected to expand capacity, modernize learning environments and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support continued growth as the school approaches its 50th anniversary and next accreditation site visit in 2027.

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and health professionals, many of whom practice in rural and underserved communities. The school has expanded in recent years with an increased class size and the addition of a physician assistant program, joint master’s/M.D. degrees and 29 residency and fellowship programs.