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Sam Zizzi, Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the School of Sport Sciences in the College of Applied Human Sciences, is among five finalists for the 2025 Professor of the Year award from the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia.

Sean Bulger and Liz Rexroad from CAHS were among the 10 exceptional employees recognized at the inaugural Outstanding Mountaineer Awards.

Luca Ziegler, a graduate student in  sport, exercise and performance psychology and  clinical mental health counseling at the  WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says athletes have to stay open, aware, and engaged under pressure, whether they’re competing on the world stage or in a local match. That psychological flexibility helps shape their performance.

West Virginia University has launched an online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology through the College of Applied Human Sciences, expanding graduate pathways in a field where WVU already holds a national reputation for academic and professional excellence.

The fully online master’s degree provides training in performance enhancement, motivation, resilience, positive coaching, and athlete well-being. The program is designed for recent graduates and working professionals seeking applied preparation in mental performance settings, with asynchronous courses that support both full-time and part-time enrollment.

What began as a temporary stop at West Virginia University turned into a 25-year career for Sam Zizzi, now the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences. A reknowned expert in sport, exercise and performance psychology, Zizzi studies why motivation fades, how mindfulness reshapes performance, and what helps people sustain healthier habits in real life. Read more about how Zizzi’s research, teaching and service continue to impact performance and well-being.