The College of Applied Human Sciences recognized eight faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions during the 2025-26 academic year at the college-wide assembly held on Thursday, May 14.
Erin McHenry-Sorber received the CAHS Outstanding Career Research Award, which recognizes sustained and influential scholarship that has made a significant impact on a field over time. McHenry-Sorber's research examines equity, justice, and educational opportunity in rural schools and communities, and her work has helped reshape national conversations in rural education by addressing how social and spatial inequities affect students, educators, and communities. Over the past five years, she has compiled a record that includes peer-reviewed scholarship, national presentations, grant-funded research, and editorial leadership, including her role as editor of The Rural Educator. Her work has informed national rural education agendas, received national recognition, and she has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring graduate students and rural education scholars.Thadeu Gasparetto received the CAHS Outstanding Research Impact Award, which recognizes significant scholarly productivity and contribution to the College's research culture. Gasparetto’s research examines how economic incentives, institutional structures, and human behavior shape decision-making in soccer and related sport settings. During 2025, he published five peer-reviewed articles in leading journals across sport management, economics, and social science, while also advancing external funding proposals and expanding collaborative research initiatives. His work has drawn national attention, including media coverage in USA Today, and he has contributed to the broader academic community through editorial leadership, peer review, dissertation committee service, and expanding undergraduate research opportunities for sport management students.
Lacey Sawyers and Peter McGahey were the recipients of the CAHS Outstanding Teaching Awards.
Sawyers, an instructor and program leader in the Mental Health and Addiction Studies program, has created engaging, experiential learning environments that connect course content to professional practice in the helping professions. She has played a central role in curriculum revision and program development, implementing data-informed changes in response to student and alumni feedback, and her relational approach to teaching has produced strong student engagement and highly positive feedback.
McGahey has developed learning environments across undergraduate and graduate courses that emphasize reflection, autonomy, and real-world application through experiential practices grounded in his "Code of the Neighbor" philosophy. His teaching promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and professional readiness. He also mentors students through international experiential learning opportunities, doctoral supervision, and individualized support.
Kristen Pinkney was recognized with the CAHS Outstanding Staff Member Award, which honors a staff member who demonstrates excellence in service, commitment to student success, and support for the College's mission. Pinkney serves as the essential connector between students, faculty, school partners, and state agencies within educator preparation programs, ensuring that clinical placements, licensure processes, and program operations run effectively. She has strengthened K–12 partnerships, developed systems and resources that support both faculty and students, and created professional development and networking opportunities for future educators. She is recognized for her responsiveness and willingness to support teacher candidates and colleagues beyond the scope of her formal responsibilities.
Betsy DiSalvo Osborne was honored with the Laddie R. Bell Distinguished Service Award given for exceptional service that advances the college’s mission and impact. Through her leadership in program administration, accreditation, student advocacy, and K–12 outreach, she has strengthened teacher preparation systems while providing individualized support to students navigating licensure, placements, and professional development. Her service extends statewide and nationally, including leadership with the West Virginia Civics Coalition and national social studies organizations.
Erica Ferrer Ariza received the Outstanding Adjunct Teaching Award for her student-centered and inquiry-driven approach to teacher education. Through engagement with emerging technologies, field supervision, and collaborative feedback, she has created learning experiences that help preservice teachers develop sound professional judgment and practice grounded in both theory and classroom application. Her mentorship demonstrates care for students and a commitment to preparing critically engaged educators.
Geoffrey Foster received the Outstanding GTA Teaching Award for his innovative approach to teaching across online and face-to-face environments. His use of active learning strategies, including flipped classroom methods, authentic data-driven activities, and mastery learning techniques, demonstrates a commitment to improving student outcomes and fostering responsive classroom environments. His teaching practice emphasizes student feedback, ongoing improvement, and the connection of course content to real-world applications.
The Research and Engagement Committee, including Peter Giacobbi, Melissa Luna, and Courtney Shimek, reviewed and evaluated applications for the Outstanding Research Impact and Outstanding Career Research awards. The CAHS Culture Action Team reviewed and evaluated applications for the Outstanding Teaching, Outstanding GTA, Outstanding Adjunct Instructor, Outstanding Service, and Outstanding Staff awards. The committee was co-chaired by Tammy Bishoff and Melissa Sherfinski and included Regan Braun, Thadeu Gasparetto, Dana Musick, Joe Volzer, and Justin Wartella.
In addition, Nate Sorber, Interim Dean for the College of Applied Human Sciences, distributed WVU Impact Awards to Beth Bailey, Eloise Elliott, Ann Richards, Lisa Platt, and Kristen Pinkney. Those recipients are now eligible for the Outstanding Mountaineer Award, an end-of-year award that recognizes the exceptional contributions of WVU employees.
The College also recognized the career of Eloise Elliott, who is retiring after more than 15 years of service to WVU.