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From WVU Stories: An Accidental Journey

uthor Nate Whiting stands behind a table displaying his illustrated children's books, including titles such as "A Squirrely Breakfast," "Shy-rannosaurus Wrecks," and "If Whispers Could Wonder," at a book fair or author event

Nate Whiting spent decades writing poems for fun, for his students, and for his family, never thinking much would come of it. The WVU education alum and former physical education teacher finally had someone convince him otherwise. Now he's the author of the "Whimsies of an Accidental Poet" series, rhyme-driven children's books built around big imagination and the belief that kids deserve to laugh.

CAHS faculty lead sport management workshop in Zimbabwe

Group photo of participants at a Zimbabwe international sport event, most wearing matching black federation T-shirts, posed in front of a branded S.L.I.Z. and CUT Move banner.

Gonzalo Bravo and Cindy Lee, professors in the sport management program at West Virginia University, recently delivered a one-day continuing education workshop for sport administrators, teachers, and coaches in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The workshop, hosted by the Sport Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe (SLIZ) in partnership with the WVU School of Sport Sciences, brought together 35 sport professionals. Led by SLIZ President Maradza Mhiribidi, the event focused on how sport can be leveraged as a driver of economic and community development.

Viani returns home to teach but calls his own game

Dominic Viani referees a basketball game, wearing a striped official’s shirt and holding a whistle while watching the court.

Growing up 20 minutes from Morgantown, Dominic Viani always imagined himself as a Mountaineer. Now a senior in the Physical Education and Kinesiology program, he's preparing for a career in education inspired by a former coach and his grandfather, a longtime physical education teacher. At the same time, Viani is building his own reputation by logging up to seven nights a week as a basketball official while completing his student teaching residency at the very elementary school he once attended as a kid.

Decanio named WVSCA Graduate Student of the Year

Hannah Decanio smiles while holding a West Virginia School Counselor Association Graduate Student of the Year award plaque.

Hannah Decanio, a master’s student in the school counseling program at West Virginia University, was named the 2026 Graduate Student of the Year by the West Virginia School Counselor Association and received the award at the organization’s annual conference Feb. 26–27 at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown.

The award recognizes a master’s student in school counseling for scholarship, advocacy, and leadership potential.

From PRSA: Kelly Ross Spotlight

Kelly Ross stands smiling beside a large yellow “P” Pittsburgh Pirates sign at PNC Park, wearing a black dress and posing on a wooden deck near stadium seating.

West Virginia University alumna Kelly Ross has built a career in professional sports communications, now serving as manager of internal communications for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In this PRSA feature, she shares insight into how she approaches messaging, audience awareness, and storytelling at the highest level of sport.