A Future for the Physics Program at Marshall University

We address the many challenges faced by the physics faculty and students at Marshall University, the steps taken to build and sustain a viable undergraduate physics population, and the plans for a thriving physics program. For over a decade, the department has undergone a major transformation, changing from teaching-focused to a department more balanced between teaching and research. The department actively seeks more students and works to improve their graduation rate. In supporting these goals, the department hires faculty members with strong research records, promotes faculty and undergraduate research, and conducts many recruitment and outreach activities for students. Outreach activities are done at high schools and community colleges in the region, with faculty traveling to conduct hands-on physics demonstrations, and at Marshall University, with high schoolers coming to campus. Recruitment activities include open houses days, high school physics week, research orientation for college students, lab demos for high school students, building an active SPS group, hosting high school workshops, and maintaining a Facebook page.We are looking for more ways to make our department to develop, and to have a better program for physics students.