HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — As Marshall University kicks off its academic year this week, Interim President Gary White says it brings to mind late former President Stephen Kopp.
“Certainly Dr. Kopp is on everyone’s mind in particular with the beginning of the semester because he did so much enjoy this portion of the academic year,” White said.
White was excited about the new Weisburg Applied Engineering and Technology Building, which was dedicated last week. He said he loved to most to see new freshmen on campus.
“Watching both the excitement and the apprehension that you see as we spend time with them this week,” White said. “Helping them to get ready to take that major step from graduating high school to beginning college.”
White wanted welcome back week to be filled with activities for both parents and students to create a sense of welcome, sending a message to parents that students “are in good hands.”
Did the president have any advice for incoming freshmen?
“I encourage them to seriously consider each decision. Because at this stage in their life, they’re making decisions. Parents are no longer making them for them.”
Classes begin at Marshall on Monday.