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When Alexander Neukam arrived at West Virginia University, he wasn’t entirely sure what path he would take. Like many students, he came in undecided, exploring his options and finding his footing. It wasn’t until a summer conversation after his freshman year with his grandparents, both nurses, that he realized his calling lay in health and well-being.

The Center for ActiveWV was recently recognized for its commitment to healthier communities across the state at the 2024 Celebrating Healthy West Virginia Awards. The Center for ActiveWV, housed in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was one of 42 organizations acknowledged for its positive health initiatives during a ceremony at Glade Springs Resort.

The award highlights the Center’s ongoing efforts to increase physical activity levels among West Virginians, in alignment with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. By fostering statewide collaboration, supporting research, and guiding policy, the Center for ActiveWV aims to improve the health and quality of life for all residents.

Stephanie Martin, a West Virginia University alumna and seasoned development professional, has been named the Director of Development for the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences. In addition to her knowledge and experience in fundraising, alumni relations, and donor stewardship, Martin brings familiarity and passion to the mission of CAHS.

Martin began her career at WVU in 2013 as a Mountaineer Temp in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. She took on increasing responsibilities over the next five years and became the Dean’s Office Administrator in 2018, where she played a key role in annual giving, fundraising, and coordinating major events like the Hall of Fame and Visiting Committee meetings. Additionally, she earned her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in May 2020, with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Infant and Toddler Studies.

Following a wave of threats made at nearly 50 West Virginia school sites and many others in states including Pennsylvania and Kentucky, WVU Professor Jeff Daniels says every threat must be taken seriously and outlined a course of action for threat assessment teams to take.

A researcher at West Virginia University is working to prevent risky behaviors like sexting and self-harm in rural youth. With $343,719 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, assistant professor Kristine Ramsay-Seaner, a counseling expert at the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, will oversee the development of trainings and other resources to support professionals who work with youth in rural communities across the United States, in collaboration with the University of Georgia, South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University.