William Francis Marshall was the fifth president of Seton Hall College (now Seton Hall University). He was born on January 29, 1849 in Millville, New Jersey to John and Elizabeth Marshall. He attended Chritenden's Law and Business College in Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1866. Following this he worked at a real estate and law firm, then went on to run a business of his own until 1872. At this time he enrolled at Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD to study for the priesthood, graduating in 1877. Afterwards he attended the seminary at Seton Hall College and was ordained February 24, 1881.

After his ordination, Father Marshall was assigned to Seton Hall faculty where he taught Latin, Greek, and elocution. He was appointed treasurer of Seton Hall in September 1881, and also served as Vice-President. After being appointed President by the Board of Trustees in 1888, he retained all three roles for a time and continued to serve as treasurer throughout his tenure as president. During his tenure he introduced a military department including instruction and drilling to the college; however, this department was discontinued with the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898. By 1895, he had overseen the elimination of the College's main debt. He resigned from the roles of both treasurer and president in June, 1897.

From "A Historical Study of Seton Hall College" by Edward F. Kennelly and "A Sketch of Seton Hall College, South Orange, New Jersey" by William Francis Marshall.