Student Spotlights
Skyler Ashbaugh
Major: Sport Management (M.S.)
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU for a few reasons. Firstly, the program was set up well for me to manage
my personal and professional life. I work full-time, have 2 young kids, and live
across the country. The time required to be successful in the program matched
what I was able to give. Secondly, from the moment I requested information about
the program, I felt a real sense of community and there was an excitement from
WVU that I wanted to join. Zoom calls with faculty really helped build the connection
with the program even from across the country. Lastly, I had a friend who had
recently completed the program and gave it rave reviews and was able to give
me a great idea of what I was getting into. I wanted to work on my degree that
was relevant to the sports industry and this program offers exactly that!
What is your current position and role, and how does this degree from WVU help
you in your career trajectory?
I currently work as the product line manager for Promo Footwear within the Jordan
brand at Nike. Our team creates all of the player-exclusive footwear for our
Jordan brand-sponsored athletes and universities. I have been with the Jordan
brand for 3.5 years and with Nike for 12.5 years and have worked in different
positions and products in my career. This degree has helped me build my business
acumen as I look to move into higher roles within Nike and Jordan. I have managed
products for about 10 years now, but this program has helped me understand how
to grow both personally and professionally at a management level.
What do you think sets WVU apart from the rest when it comes to your learning experience?
I think the program is set up for people to be successful who can’t be full-time,
in-person students. The course content is very relevant to current topics and
there are a lot of interviews and discussions with people within the sports industry.
I also believe the semester setup that focuses on one class at a time really
allowed me to into each course and give it my full attention.
What were some of the hardest challenges you had to face during your time at WVU,
and how did you get through them?
The biggest challenge was that I hadn't been in school for over 15 years. I finished
my undergraduate work in 2007 at Oregon State and always wanted to get my master’s
degree but it just never seemed like the right time. COVID changed all of that
and gave me an opportunity to fill some of my free time in quarantine with the
pursuit of an advanced degree. I had to re-learn how to read for quizzes, write
papers, and engage with classmates, but I enjoyed that challenge.
I also had my second child born in the middle of my first semester. It was more
than I had anticipated to juggle my personal, professional, and school life,
so I decided to take my second semester off. That break gave me a chance to re-group
and prioritize my time to balance everything with family, work, and school. I'm
thankful the program was very understanding and helped me stay on track and had
no issues with taking a break.
Taylor Bleigh
Major: Elementary Education (B.A.)
Minor: Special Education
Hometown: Martinsburg, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I choose WVU because it’s something my family had always talked about. It’s close
to home and close to my grandparents, so it was a no-brainer for me! When I toured
WVU I fell in love with the campus and decided that WVU was the best fit for
me. I knew it was a great choice when I got to meet my program coordinator at
new student orientation -- she made me feel so welcome to the elementary education
program and the College of Applied Human Sciences.
How does being a first-generation college student affected your college journey
and how you view the commencement ceremony?
As a first-generation student, I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about the odds
and ends of college, but I was really excited and determined to get as much out
of it as I could. I navigated these years here alongside some of my best friends
and that has made my journey easier because we were able to lean on each other
and get through it together.
Graduation day is something I have been looking forward to for a long time. It
is a really big deal for my family. Alongside my parents, one of the biggest
supporters of my college education is my grandfather – I’m so excited for them
to get to watch me walk across the stage. We’ve been talking about it since I
started at WVU.
How did WVU and the practical experience you gained through the elementary education
program prepare you for your career?
WVU provided me with the academic knowledge and classroom experience for me to
be prepared for my first year as a teacher. Throughout my time at WVU, I have
had the privilege of working with some of the best professors on campus. They
went the extra mile to create relationships with me and my classmates – they
honestly made it feel like a little family. The elementary education program
has a built-in student teaching experience that has helped me take knowledge
from my courses and put it into practice in the classroom.
At the end of the semester last fall as a Teacher-In-Residence in second grade,
I was given the option to move to a fifth-grade class within the school to become
a long-term substitute for a teacher going on maternity leave. Even though I
was nervous about leaving my second-grade family, I thought it would be a great
opportunity. I worked on getting a Clinical Teacher of Record certification to
allow me to be a substitute and joined the new class in January until their teacher
left in February. This experience has been the best I could’ve asked for because
I have a really good picture of all of the responsibilities that a teacher has
and what my life will be like in my future classroom.
What are your plans following graduation?
I will begin work towards earning a master’s degree in literacy education through
WVU Online. In the fall I will begin as a full-time classroom teacher at Fairfax
County Public Schools.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman here at WVU?
One piece of advice I would give to an incoming freshman is to try to get everything
you can out of college. There is so much knowledge, so many resources, and so
many people at WVU that are here to help you. You should take advantage of that
because college really is what you make it.
Valerie Brunner
Major: Health and Well-Being (B.S.)
Hometown: Morgantown, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU because it was home to me. Growing up, I knew that I would be going
to WVU – I didn’t even look or apply to other colleges. WVU is close to my family,
which is something that means the most to me and it’s somewhere I want to be
near for the rest of my life.
I changed majors halfway through my junior year and choosing the health and well-being
program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I met with Colton Metzger,
an advisor in the health and well-being program, and Emily Murphy, a faculty
member in the program, and they both talked me through the transition and classes
I would need to take during winter break to stay on track with graduation.
The program appreciates its students and pushes them to be the best they can be.
Through this program, I was able to intern for the WVU football team, which had
been a dream of mine since childhood.
What are your plans upon graduation?
I plan to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at WVU and plan on being a sports
physical therapist.
How has the program prepared you for the next step in your career?
The program has prepared me greatly for my next step, which is physical therapy
school. The internship program through the WVU Sports Medicine program that allowed
me to work with the football program was a huge benefit for me. During my time
in the internship (January 2022-April 2023), I learned how to network professionally,
how to treat patients in a sports setting, how to act during games and practices
as a team’s physical therapist, and much more. This opportunity helped me get
the most out of my education.
What were some of the challenges you faced during your time at WVU and how did
you get through those?
Some of the hardest challenges came when classes were moved online due to the COVID
pandemic. I am someone who learns best in person but being online made that difficult.
When I changed to health and well-being, I knew that the program was smaller
and that I would be getting the help and support from faculty and staff that
I needed to reach my goals.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
Follow your dreams, say yes to opportunities, and do everything you can to reach
your goals.
Melissa Dhyne
Major: Sport Management (M.S.)
Hometown: Breckenridge, Colo.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences because the program really
appealed to me and my future career goals. The opportunity to learn from a diverse
lineup of professors and faculty stood out amongst other programs.
How did this program and degree enhance your career?
By completing the athletic administration portion of the program during my first
year, I was able to secure a position in the athletic department at a local high
school. The courses prepared me to work in an athletic department, and I came
into my position confident and knowledgeable. This degree has prepared me for
multiple positions in the sports industry and has provided me with the knowledge
and skills necessary to be successful.
What were some of the challenges you faced during your time at WVU and how did
you get through those?
The most difficult thing for me was managing my time. I worked a full-time job
in the school district, along with a part-time job, an internship on the side,
and graduate school took up a lot of my time. The flexibility of an online graduate
program helped as I was able to watch lectures or listen to podcasts on my own
schedule after work. Planning my weeks out in advance and scheduling assignments
I would work on each day helped me manage my time better.
How was your journey to and through the program unique from others?
I was not accepted into the program the first time I applied. Due to some challenges
with mental and physical health, my undergraduate grades did not accurately reflect
my potential as a student. After not being accepted, I scheduled a time to meet
with Sean Bulger to discuss my circumstances, as well as my academic and career
goals. I then focused on telling my story through my application and showed that
if given the chance I would take the opportunity to prove myself in the program.
I am so thankful to have been given the chance to prove that I belonged and am
proud to be graduating from WVU and joining other Mountaineer alumni who will
make a difference in the sports industry.
Zorin Istvan
Major: Sport Management (B.S.)
Hometown: Johnstown, Pa.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU because it is a big school with a small-town feel that is similar to
my hometown. WVU was far enough away from home, but still close enough. CAHS
is filled with faculty and administrators who want you to succeed. I was in a
unique situation bringing 62 credits in as a freshman, and WVU and CAHS made
it easy to transfer my credits over to allow me to graduate as early as possible.
How did WVU and CAHS prepare you for the next step in your career?
I fully utilized every staff member possible to gain the most out of my experience.
My sport management professors have been an enormous piece in my success giving
me lots of guidance and allowing me to avoid little mistakes early on. As for
internships and practical experiences, I believe I did as much as I possibly
could. I did an internship with a WVU alum who is an NFL agent, and then I worked
with the WVU football program in recruiting. I also served as the Sport Management
Club as president, and I had an internship with the WVU marketing department.
One of the coolest experiences I had was being able to work directly with the
Dean Cyprès and be a student ambassador for YOU at WVU, a web-based app that
provides resources for students. WVU has provided me with endless opportunities
to be involved with our sports teams, outside sports organizations, and other
groups and organizations on campus.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduating, I plan to attend LSU and work as a graduate assistant in their
student-athlete development department. This position will allow me to continue
my passion for working in sports and directly with student-athletes. I will be
pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in
sport business.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman here at WVU?
It is never too early to get started on your career journey. Many students always
have the mindset of having time with no need to rush. I believe that the earlier
you try experiences and figure out what you like and do not like, the better.
In the sports industry, it is important to fill your resumé with experiences
and show employers that you are eager to get involved and learn new areas. In
the midst of all the chaos you will come across, ups and downs, never forget
your why and why you chose to come to college in the first place.
Erin Kenney
Major: Sport Management (B.S.)
Minor: Communication Studies, Marketing
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I chose WVU because it was the place where I felt the most at home. I toured here
while in high school and immediately fell in love with the campus, the sights,
the school spirit, and the great things I heard about CAHS. I had many friends
go here that recommended it and talked highly of the sports management program
and faculty.
How did WVU staff and faculty support you during your time here?
My success would not have been possible without a few members of the WVU staff.
Besty Robbins, my advisor, was a great mentor and someone I could talk with during
my time here at WVU. She also suggested my internship location and helped me
get the ball rolling in the right direction. Patrick Hairston’s classes that
involved long study hours and challenging tests kept me on my feet, but his presentations,
debates, real-world connections, and experiences taught me so much more about
the real world and things you cannot learn in a textbook.
What are your plans following graduation?
I will be an account executive job with Aramark Refreshments starting in June.
This job was a product of connections and networking – I was all over LinkedIn
and talking and meeting with professionals in all fields, all over the place.
Even though I loved all of my classes and my internship with the WV Black Bears
minor league baseball team, I was not locked into working only in sports. I am
hoping that my connections with Aramark will lead me into the sports industry
at some point.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman here at WVU?
I would tell an incoming freshman to be engaged as much as possible, whether it
is through clubs, Greek life, buddy groups, part-time employment, or anything
else. Participating in these groups keeps you active and fulfilled. WVU has so
much to offer, and you can only experience it if you make the effort. You should
attend every tailgate, athletic event, and philanthropic event for Greek life
because these are the quickest four years of your life, and there is no other
time like being a student at West Virginia University.
What’s one thing you’ll miss about WVU?
The tailgates. I think that every Saturday in the Blue Lot is the happiest I have
been here. There is nothing like them.
Jon Cullen
Major: Sport Coaching (M.S.)
Hometown: Meriden, Conn.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I came to WVU largely because of a recommendation from a close friend who had a
good experience in the program.
How did this degree fit within your life and career?
The degree aligns seamlessly with where I am in my professional career. I am a
high school health and physical education teacher and have been coaching both
high school baseball and football.
The program was challenging but extremely rewarding. I loved the fact that I was
able to diversify my professional network and I have made connections in both
my personal and professional life. There were some unforgettable faculty members
that I’ve had throughout this program that helped me effectively complete this
program.
What do you think sets WVU apart from the rest when it comes to your learning experience?
WVU employs an ‘A+’ faculty who have had highly decorated coaching careers and
thorough amounts of knowledge and experience when it comes to various sports
and levels.
What were some of the hardest challenges you had to face during your time at WVU,
and how did you get through them?
Among the hardest challenge was prioritizing time crucial for my coursework. Effectively
and efficiently managing my time management habits helped me overcome the persistent
challenge.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other students starting their degrees
online at WVU?
Give it a chance and be patient. The format/platform is beneficial and works with
people who have busy personal and professional lives and schedules.
Joshua Wingard
Major: Health and Well-Being (B.S.)
Hometown: Petersburg, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU and the College of Applied Human Sciences?
I had played several sports and been around weightlifting throughout my life, so
having the opportunity to pursue a career in the field has been a dream of mine.
I like to help people and teach them how to treat an injury the proper way. I
want to make a difference in helping people so that they can live in a happier
and healthier environment.
What were some of the hardest challenges you had to face during your time at WVU,
and how did you get through them?
I had a rough semester, and I was so upset I almost quit school. I had lost interest
in my first career choice, physical therapy. However, my family and friends supported
me and encouraged me to keep going no matter how hard things got. I was able
to finish strong that semester and decided to pursue another career that interested
me: chiropractic medicine.
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to further my education in chiropractic medicine at Parker University in
Dallas.
How did WVU prepare you for this next step in your life?
I had a great opportunity with an internship at Advantage Health and Wellness where
I was able to learn from great chiropractors and see the impact they have on
their patients. The faculty and staff helped with my preparation for graduate
school interviews to help me get into the program I wanted.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming freshman here at WVU?
Manage your time wisely.
What’s one thing you’ll miss about WVU?
One thing I will miss about Morgantown is going to the football games every Saturday
and being able to spend it with friends and family.