HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito joined leaders from Marshall University and Marshall Health Network today to announce $31.8 million in federal funding to support strategic initiatives 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 facility for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, which currently does not have a dedicated, freestanding building.

“Senator 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,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “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,”

The Congressionally Directed Spending allocations secured by Capito will support a coordinated set of strategic investments within the new facility, including a clinical simulation center to expand advanced training for students and regional providers, a Community Health Institute and enhanced informatics and population analytics capabilities. Together, these initiatives will create a cohesive hub for education, discovery and community engagement while advancing Marshall’s Centers of Wellness framework to address the region’s most pressing health challenges.

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 will 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.

“Senator Capito’s support accelerates a vision that has been years in the making,” said David Gozal, M.D., MBA, Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “A modern, purpose-built environment will allow us to elevate how we teach, collaborate and discover — ensuring our students and trainees are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve across Appalachia and beyond.”

Since its founding in 1977, 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.

Marshall University continues to secure additional private support and evaluate potential sites for the future School of Medicine facility. To support the new School of Medicine education building fund, please visit bit.ly/4clk7Vp.

View event photos HERE. 

Date Posted: Thursday, February 19, 2026