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Redman finds authentic self at WVU on path to leading others

Darius Redman stands in a white shirt outside with trees in the background.

Darius Redman came to WVU unsure of his path, but found his purpose through mentorship, field experience, and meaningful community connections. From student placements to coaching at Suncrest Middle School, he discovered the power of presence and positivity in education. A first-generation college graduate, Redman plans to take his Mountaineer skills and pride south to teach and coach cross country and track and field.

Apel embraces whole-health approach at WVU

A WVU swimmer smiles while walking through a tunnel of teammates holding gold and blue pom-poms. He wears a black Nike team jacket and is greeted with raised hands in celebration.

Hayden Apel, a Health and Well-Being major from Hilliard, Ohio, embraced his time at WVU by combining academic growth with athletic achievement. Through his academic studies and practical experience at Advantage Health and Wellness, Apel discovered the importance of a holistic approach to health. His time as a Division I student-athlete as a diver for the Mountaineers shaped his resilience and commitment in all aspects of his life. Apel will continue his Mountaineer journey by pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at WVU.

From Mountaineer to majors, Collins prepares for a career in scouting

Jadyn Collins smiles while holding the Big 12 Baseball trophy in front of a blue and gold WVU-themed backdrop. She is wearing a gray West Virginia University T-shirt.

Jadyn Collins, a Sport Management major from Weirton, W.Va., found her place at WVU by turning a love for sports into hands-on experience with the Mountaineer baseball team. Through three years of real-world involvement and mentorship from coaches, Collins built the foundation for a future in scouting and player evaluation. After graduation, she will head to Cape Cod to scout for the Oakland A’s and continue the momentum she created as a proud Mountaineer.

Wix fast-tracks degree to pursue career in mental health

Headshot photo of Ella Wix.

Ella Wix, a Mental Health and Addiction Studies major from Vienna, W.Va., is graduating with a clear purpose—to make a difference in the lives of others. A lifelong WVU fan, she was drawn to a new program that aligned perfectly with her passion for counseling. Along the way, Wix built strong relationships with faculty, embraced real-world experiences, and grew into a leader ready to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. As she prepares to continue her education in WVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program, Wix reflects on the powerful community, mentorship, and hands-on learning that shaped her success.

Teachers’ Day of Writing workshop to feature WV Poet Laureate Marc Harshman

Mark Harshman  wearing glasses, a light-colored blazer, and a gray shirt stands in front of a wall of bookshelves filled with books. He has a slight smile and a calm expression.

The National Writing Project at West Virginia University will host the Teachers’ Day of Writing on Friday, May 16 in Colson Hall, Room 130 on WVU’s Downtown Campus.

The event includes a Poetry Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon led by West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman, followed by a Reading and Writing Time for Teachers from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will have time to work on a project, receive feedback, or continue developing curriculum based on Harshman’s work.

Cloce receives SHAPE America’s top undergraduate honor

Tanner Cloce holds a framed certificate in front of a SHAPE America backdrop. The certificate reads “Major of the Year Award” presented to Tanner Close from West Virginia University.

Tanner Cloce, a senior Physical Education and Kinesiology (PEK) major at West Virginia University, has been named a 2024 SHAPE America Major of the Year—one of the highest national honors for undergraduate students in the field.

Presented by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the Major of the Year award recognizes top-performing students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance (HPERD) who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to service. With only a limited number of students recognized nationally each year, the award is a significant honor. Cloce is the first WVU student in over a decade to earn the recognition.

WVU Magazine Feature: Captain to coach

Hailey Barrett playing tennis in a WVU uniform with the Big 12 logo in the background.

WVU Sport Management alumna Hailey Barrett (BS ’16, MS ’21) has turned her passion for tennis and leadership into a rising collegiate coaching career. Now in her third year as an assistant tennis coach at Rutgers, Barrett first made her mark at WVU as a student-athlete during a time of transition by helping to hold the team together during a coaching change and stepping into leadership roles on and off the court. Her coaching journey has taken her from The Greenbrier to UConn, Washington and Lee, Colorado, and now the Big Ten. This WVU Magazine feature traces her path—from battling adversity as a player to mentoring the next generation.