Two well-established and highly respected professionals within the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will retire from their respective positions as of June 30, 2020. Carol Straight and Robin McKinney share the common threads of loyalty, reliability and commitment, as noted by their colleagues. Between the two, they represent more than 65 years of service with CPASS.
“With the retirements of Robin McKinney and Carol Straight, CPASS is losing two long-term employees who have served the college extremely well for nearly 70 years total. Their positive influence and efforts have certainly helped CPASS continually evolve into a better college over the years. They have helped to create and maintain a great culture for students, staff and faculty. We are thankful to them for all they have done for the College and we will miss them greatly. We wish them happiness in the next phases of their lives,” said Jack Watson, dean and professor, CPASS.
Robin McKinney started at WVU in January 1988 as a temporary employee, then moved into permanent positions in various offices around campus before transferring to CPASS (then the School of Physical Education) in November 2000. McKinney serves as facilities supervisor, where she oversees room scheduling and manages print and mail services.
She has two children and three grandchildren. She plans to start a new chapter in her life, with retirement as just one part of that. She is on a fall bowling league and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
“I have had the great privilege of working with Robin since she started with CPASS December 1, 2000. From day one, she has been a go getter. Robin has never resisted an assignment or task; she always takes full ownership of her projects and gets the job done, always giving 100 percent. She is the go-to person for all things, big and small. If she doesn’t know the answer, she finds the answer, but she usually knows the answer,” said Tracy Wheeler, senior business planning officer.
Wheeler says that McKinney keeps the best interest of the college and university at heart. “When she sees something that needs addressed, she takes it upon herself to do so. She is reliable and dependable, almost to a fault. Robin will be impossible to replace and will be sorely missed every single day. I am very honored to call her my friend,” said Wheeler.
Straight started working at WVU in April 1972 at the graduate school in Oglebay Hall. In October 1973, she accepted a position as secretary for CPASS (then the School of Physical Education). She serves as a student advisor in the CPASS Office of Student Success, where she has worked with thousands of students to help them navigate the university, graduate and find jobs.
She and her husband, Glen, have two children and five grandchildren. They are active in various ministries at their church in Morgantown. Her favorite hobbies are reading, going to yard sales and spending time with friends and family. She and her husband support WVU sports teams.
“It is extremely hard to put into words how much Carol Straight means to the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Through more than four decades of service she has truly left a unique mark within the college and we are forever grateful for the level of experience, commitment and loyalty she has provided CPASS. We wish her endless happy days with her friends and family during this exciting new chapter,” said Lindsay Augustine, director, enrollment management.