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Matthew Gonzalez’s journey into the field of sport psychology began serendipitously with an encouraging push from a mentor at San Jose State University. This initial nudge sparked a passion for applied mental performance work and led him to one of the premiere programs in the country at West Virginia University. While WVU's reputation attracted him to Morgantown, he soon found that it was the supportive community, faculty and staff that made the difference. 

After career stops as an instructor at San Jose State and an Assistant Athletic Director of Sport Psychology and Counseling, Gonzalez now leverages his enthusiasm for the field and his training from WVU in his role as a performance psychology instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he provides comprehensive performance psychology support to cadets.

The physical aspects of competing in an Olympic sport have always been clear, but according to a West Virginia University researcher, balancing mental health as well is now at the forefront for athletes as they prepare for the global competition.

Dana Voelker, associate professor of sport, exercise and performance psychology in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics can be stressful times for athletes and, because of that, many have prioritized their mental well-being.

Officials from Kanawha County Schools and West Virginia University, including WVU President Dr. Gordon Gee, today recognized 50 Kanawha County Schools teachers who applied and were selected to receive a master’s degree in Literacy Education with a Reading Specialist certification. This online degree, including books, will be paid for by Kanawha County Schools. This is part of Kanawha County Schools’ dedication to furthering literacy education and addressing student learning loss post-COVID. The cohort of 50 Kanawha County teachers will begin their degrees in August, with an anticipated program completion in May 2026.

“I am pleased to celebrate the first cohort of the Literacy Education Fellows,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said. “This program is a wonderful reminder that we, not just in Kanawha County but across West Virginia, have a high level of interest from teachers who want to be here and want to serve. As the state’s flagship, land-grant University, we will continue to nurture, support and provide more opportunities for teachers.”

Nolan Harvath had already bet on himself – and won, no less – before getting a call in April 2024 that led him to an opportunity that he had never even dreamed of.

Harvath grew up in Fairmont loving sports and excelling in soccer. His playing career led him to the University of Southern Indiana where he was a two-time team captain and played in over 50 games during his career. The plan at USI was to pursue pre-med and eventually become a physician, but he was not in love with the idea of eight years of med school. However, he couldn’t resist his love of sports and performance. Further, while dealing with his own injuries and recovery, he got a deeper appreciation for coaching while on the sidelines and also found the process and training necessary to get back to action fascinating.

Gary Lhotsky, a teaching associate professor of sport management with professional experience in athletic facility and event management, says organizers should take several lessons from the gate rushing by fans — many without tickets — that delayed the start of Sunday’s (July 14) Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a host site of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On his way to two sport management degrees at WVU, John Terry immersed himself in activities while he was in Morgantown. He quickly got involved with the the WVU athletics department with facility management, and later parlayed that into a graduate assistantship in the same department. To further broaden his scope and talents, he worked at the Daily Athenaeum for all six years.

After graduating, Terry headed west and worked at the University of Washington first as the Assistant Director of Events for athletics and then later as the Director of Stadium Operations. He now works as the Senior Director for Events for U.S. Soccer managing events and competitions across the country.

Jeannette Garcia, a West Virginia University kinesiologist and health psychologist, is a community-based researcher who studies how children with neurodivergences, like autism, can benefit from judo and jujitsu classes, along with their caregivers.

The development of a video collection of literacy leaders across West Virginia is one of three West Virginia University programs that is being supported by funding from Women of WVU, the WVU Foundation announced.

For the upcoming grant cycle, Women of WVU awarded $32,500 to new projects and programs, and an additional $25,000 to four programs on a multi-year funding cycle.