Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Athletics Unveils Buck Harless Center For Student-Athlete Success
1/13/2026 10:00:00 AM | General
Re-imagined student-athlete space features amenities to enhance all areas that promote the Herd Mentality
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics is excited to unveil the re-imagined Buck Harless Center for Student-Athlete Success, which brings together all aspects of mental health and wellness for student-athletes in one shared space.
This newly-improved area provides an inviting experience for student-athletes with lounge and relaxation areas while also housing offices for necessary student-athlete services, including academic and tutorial services, nutrition, compliance, Be HERD mental health and wellness offices and study rooms.
"Today marks an exciting new chapter with the relaunch of the Buck Harless Center for Student-Athlete Success," said Gerald J. Harrison, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Marshall University. "This space is a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to The Herd Mentality and to empowering Marshall student-athletes to thrive academically, mentally and personally. Designed as a true hub for growth and renewal, the center reflects the incredible collaboration across our campus under the leadership of President Smith. It is a great day to run with The Herd, and thanks to the tremendous support of Joe and Pam Gillette, Jack and Karen Kessick and Donna Underwood, this vision has proudly become a reality."
This re-imagined space brings a months-long collaboration between Marshall Athletics officials and university leaders to fruition to promote the Herd Mentality, which serves as the pillars of Marshall Athletics:
-Â Â Â Â Â Honor The Journey: Commitment to personal growth and the pursuit of your fullest potential
-     Engage With Purpose: Show up fully in every space – competition, the classroom and the community
-Â Â Â Â Â Rise Through Innovation: Embrace creativity, challenge the norm and shape what's next
-Â Â Â Â Â Dedicate To Others: Invest in your teammates, campus and community through service and support
One of the most unique features of the re-imagined Buck Harless Center for Student-Athlete Success is Herd R&R (Recovery & Relaxation).Â
It is the second sensory space on campus and provides a welcoming area to promote relaxation in stress-inducing situations for all Marshall student-athletes through the utilization of many sensory tools, including aromatherapy diffusers, soft lighting, bean bag seating, a massage chair, a sensory wall and information on guided breathing techniques.
"The wellness and sensory space reflects our Herd Mentality and our commitment to holistic student-athlete development," said Niesha Campbell, Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator for Marshall University. "In partnership with the Marshall University Autism Center, we were intentional about every feature – from calming lighting and sensory tools to grounding and recovery resources – so this space supports regulation, recovery and well-being for every student-athlete at Marshall University."
This space features calming sensory reset tools, fidget resources, massage chairs, soft lighting, bean bag seating, aromatherapy diffusers and guided breathing techniques to promote recovery, focus and overall well-being for Marshall's student-athletes.
With 1 in 6 people in the country having sensory processing needs, this space helps to stimulate brain activity while at the same time providing a sensory reset from stress, which many student-athletes face on a daily basis – a vital tool to promote mental wellness and student-athlete success.
"A designated sensory space on campus is more than just a room – it's a refuge," said Jackie Clark, Ed.D., who is the Associate Director of the WV Autism Training Center. "It provides a safe, calming environment for individuals experiencing heightened anxiety or stress, offering tools and sensory items designed to help decompress and restore balance. The creation of this space affirms that physical, mental and emotional well-being matters and that everyone deserves a place to pause, breathe and feel supported."
In addition to Herd R&R, the Buck Harless Center for Student-Athlete Success features offices for academics, compliance, nutrition and tutors, as well as a revamped lounge area close to the academic work stations, providing student-athletes with all necessary student-services in one building while offering them a place to relax, as well.
Be HERD Mental Wellness and Performance will also house their offices inside the Buck Harless Center For Student-Athlete Success, providing counseling, wellness and outreach to aid in the growth of healthy minds and bodies for Marshall student-athletes.
These improvements continue to build on a solid framework that has already been laid over the last few months with the vision of the Herd Mentality.
In the first months of these principles, Marshall Athletics set a record for departmental GPA with a 3.42 in Fall 2025. During that semester, nine Marshall Athletics programs broke or tied their Team GPA records.
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.
This project was fully funded through generous funds donated to the Big Green Scholarship Foundation. To support Marshall Athletics in its quest for the best student-athlete experience in the nation, please support the Big Green Scholarship Foundation by clicking HERE.
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