WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

HUNTINGTON -– Two professors in the Marshall University Lewis College of Business were awarded Kermit McGinnis Professorships during a reception at the home of Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp.

Dr. Deanna Mader, professor of marketing, and Dr. Harlan Smith, professor of economics, were recognized Nov. 12 for their contributions to both the university and community. Both have taught at Marshall for 16 years. Mader is best known for her work with student groups consulting in the area of hands-on marketing.

"Her students have worked with local businesses, car dealerships in particular, to hone their marketing skills," said Dr. Paul Uselding, dean of the Lewis College of Business. "She has brought quite a bit of favorable notice to the college and the university."

Smith is best known for his service work, most notably in the area of assurance of learning, which was critical in the business school's accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

"His hard work was vital in our accreditation process," Uselding said. "We couldn't have done it without his commitment to the university and our college."

The professorships are named in honor of Kermit McGinnis, past CEO of Huntington Federal Savings Bank, the successor to Huntington Federal Savings and Loan Association. McGinnis is a Marshall alumnus known for being one of the youngest presidents of any financial institution in the United States. He currently is chairman of the board of Huntington Federal Savings Bank, and has been with the bank for 59 years.

McGinnis, who has been a member of several civic and social boards, was inducted into Marshall's Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame in 2000.

The professorships were made possible by a gift to the Marshall University Foundation by Huntington Federal Savings Bank in honor of McGinnis. Both Mader and Smith will receive stipends to supplement their salaries during the next several academic years.