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West Virginia University West Virginia Public Education Collaborative

FOCUS FORWARD: MINDS AND MACHINES

April 1, 2026 | Morgantown Marriott

What happens when technology not only works alongside us, but actively shapes us? Minds and Machines takes a hard look at how emerging technology will continue to redefine the economy, work, education, policy, and even how we develop as humans!

We look forward to sharing more updates soon.

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FOCUS FORWARD: IMPROVING LIFESPAN AND HEALTHSPAN IN WEST VIRGINIA AND BEYOND

By Dr. Clay Marsh
Chancellor and Executive Dean
West Virginia University Health Sciences

More than 550 attendees came together for Focus Forward 2025 to with meet with national, state and local experts and decision makers and explore the intersection of health, wellness and economic mobility while networking and forging meaningful connections. In this follow-up thought piece, Dr. Clay Marsh shares his take on how West Virginia, and the nation, can begin to improve health and longevity for the long-term.

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ABOUT FOCUS FORWARD

Focus Forward’s annual event is uniquely designed to link education, health and economic development in the examination of an important emerging issue that will shape our future. National and statewide leaders address hundreds of public officials, educators, business leaders, community members, philanthropists and non-profit heads who come together to discuss why key issues matter to us all. Past topics have tackled AI and digital opportunities to changes in industry sectors such as energy.

Focus Forward is led by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (representing P-13 and higher education interests across the state), the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and Marshall University.