A leader known for his innovation, energy and creativity will bring those essential skills to bear in his new role at West Virginia University.
Damien Clement is now serving as acting dean of the Honors College effective Aug. 1, 2019.
Clement replaces Acting Dean Ryan Claycomb who was also the director of the Humanities Center. Honors College Dean Ken Blemings continues to serve as interim dean of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
“Our Honors College has seen extraordinary growth and achievement over the past few years, thanks to the vision and leadership of both Dean Blemings and Acting Dean Claycomb,” said Maryanne Reed, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
“We are excited that Dr. Clement is ready and willing to step into this role. He approaches leadership with energy and innovative thinking, which is exactly what our Honors College needs.”
Clement plans to expand the Honors Faculty Fellows program, organize a professional development series for upper-class Honors students and implement various diversity initiatives to attract more underrepresented students to the College.
“The Honors College is a special place and this role allows me to continue my collaboration with colleagues across campus to create educational experiences both inside and outside of the classroom for our high-achieving students,” Clement said.
As associate professor with the CPASS sport, exercise and performance psychology program, Clement holds numerous certifications, including National Certified Counselor, Certified Mental Performance Consultant and Certified Athletic Trainer. He is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and is listed on the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sport Psychology Registry.
Among his many awards, Clement is the recipient of the WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching and the Dorothy V. Harris Award by the Association for Applied Sport Pyschology for distinguished contributions in the field of sport and exercise psychology. Clement was honored for faculty excellence by the WVU Center for Service and Learning and received the Professor of the Year award from the WVU NAACP Image Award.