HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Following a national search, Marshall University Board of Governors Vice Chairman H. Toney Stroud has been selected to serve as the university’s next general council, per a statement from Marshall.
Having served on the university Board of Governors since 2018, Stroud will step down to fill his new position, which will see him replacing Layton Cottrill who will retire from the position after 33 years with the university.
Stroud will begin his new duties on June 20, 2022, and will partake in his final board meeting in the days prior on June 16, 2022. Stroud will report directly to President Brad D. Smith in his new role, and will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
“As a first-generation college student himself, he also has a sincere passion for higher education and the impact it can have on a person’s life,” said Smith. “I look forward to him joining our team.”
Stroud has expressed enthusiasm at the idea of coming to work for his alma mater, stating,
“I want to thank President Smith for his trust in me and look forward to being a part of his leadership team as we work toward implementing his vision for Marshall. I have some big shoes to fill with the retirement of Layton Cottrill and thank him for his leadership and service to Marshall University for the past 33 years.”
“Marshall University holds a special place in my heart and the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this capacity and work with President Smith is a dream come true.”
Chairman of Marshall University’s Board of Governors, Patrick Farrell, praised Stroud’s contributions to the board.
“The Board of Governors has been extremely fortunate to have Toney’s service for the past four years,” said Farrell. “While his leadership on the board will be hard to replace, I’m thrilled the university will now get the full-time benefit of his counsel. He understands the opportunities that lie ahead for Marshall and is the perfect choice for this important role.”
Currently an Assistant Vice President at Encova Insurance, Stroud has previously been employed with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Charleston and Columbus, Ohio. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member in Marshall’s College of Engineering and Computer Sciences for nearly a decade, teaching an upper-division course in workers’ compensation.
Stroud earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall University and his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. He is a graduate of Leadership Charleston, Leadership Columbus, and Leadership West Virginia. In 2016, he received Marshall’s Alumni Award of Distinction.
For more information, visit the Marshall University website here.