Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Athletics’ Staff Additions Help Enhance Student-Athlete Experience
9/26/2025 11:41:00 AM | Buck Harless Student Athlete Program
Buck Harless Student-Athlete Program adds Koett, Kennedy; Hudson joins as Dir. of Student-Athlete Development
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics has made several additions to its staff in recent weeks that are geared toward maximizing the student-athlete experience for those who proudly represent the Thundering Herd.
The Buck Harless Student-Athlete Program (BHSAP) is now at full staffing following the additions of Jak Koett and Taylor Kennedy, who will both serve Marshall Athletics in the role of Assistant Director of Academics.
"I am really excited about our new additions to the Buck staff," said Kaylyn Torain, Assistant Athletic Director for Academics. "Jak and Taylor both have experience in higher education and are well-versed in leading students to success in their academic endeavors, which is what we were looking for in our search. These two are going to be great additions to our staff for our student-athletes."
Koett comes to Marshall after serving as a student success advisor for biological sciences and pre-Health at Ohio University. The Western Carolina University graduate has had several roles focused on student development and community engagement at various places.
Kennedy earned her Master's degree at Marshall and later worked at University of Charleston and Fairmont State University in student services where she supported academic advising and student-success initiatives.
Koett and Kennedy join Torain and Assistant Director of Academics Tasha Robinson, along with several graduate and student assistants, to help galvanize the academic experience for Marshall student-athletes.
The Buck Harless Student-Athlete Program was created to prioritize the educational growth of Marshall student-athletes while helping them balance their academic and athletic demands by providing daily services, individual guidance and curriculum information that produces the necessary training and skills for life after athletics.
The BHSAP has seen great success in its mission with some of the BHSAP's recent achievements including having three sport programs – Women's Golf (3.94 Team GPA), Women's Swimming (3.74) and Men's Basketball (3.22) – lead the Sun Belt Conference in Team GPA.
Other achievements include Marshall tying for first in the Sun Belt with 19 1A FAR Academic Awards, which are given to graduates from 2024-25 who maintained a 3.8 grade point average or better upon completion of their degree, and Ethan Bowens from Marshall Track & Field receiving the SBC's Postgraduate Scholarship Award.
As Marshall Athletics moves forward, Marshall Vice President/Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison said the goal is to continue to raise the bar for the BHSAP and for Marshall's student-athletes.
"Despite the many changes in intercollegiate athletics at Marshall, our primary focus remains the same: to educate, prepare, and graduate our Herd student-athletes," Harrison said. "Providing a first-class student-athlete experience is paramount."
To help with this, Jadan Hudson has been hired as the Director of Student-Athlete Development to lead Marshall's comprehensive, multi-pillar program geared toward holistic growth for student-athletes.
His responsibilities include serving as the administrative liaison for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, coordinating NIL education, facilitating and tracking all community service initiatives and hosting student-athlete signature events, such as The Marcos awards and the Herd Welcome Back.
Hudson has a Master's degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from the University of South Florida where he also earned an MBA in Sport Business.
Harrison also said that this is just the start of enhancements aimed at bolstering the Marshall University experience for its student-athletes.
"The additions to our support team and the upcoming renovations to the Buck are real-time demonstrations of our commitment," Harrison said. "With the support of President Smith, the Big Green, and our outstanding staff, we are intentional in our efforts to ensure student-athlete success in all aspects of their collegiate journey – academically, athletically and personally."
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