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Guy Hornsby, assistant professor for coaching and performance science in the College of Applied Human Sciences, has been named the Educator of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Hornsby was one of seven recipients of the organization's 2024 Peer Awards recognizing professionals for outstanding achievements in their field. Each individual was nominated by the NSCA community and will be recognized at the national conference in Baltimore in July. 

Carla Brigandi, associate professor in the School of Education in the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences, has co-authored the 2023 Paper of the Year as selected by the editors of the Journal for the Education of the Gifted. This prestigious recognition highlights significant contributions to the field of gifted education.

The award-winning paper, titled "Who Gets Identified? The Consequences of Variability in Teacher Ratings and Combination Rules for Determining Eligibility for Gifted Services for Young Children," makes an important contribution to the field of gifted education as it looks at the effectiveness of using teacher rating scales to identify students for gifted services. The results highlight the importance of finding alternate ways to identify students with academic talent, which is particularly important for students living in rural and low socioeconomic communities, who are often overlooked and underserved in gifted education programs compared to their higher-income counterparts.

The Center for ActiveWV recently welcomed nearly 100 leaders from around the state to Stonewall Resort for its 2024 WV Physical Activity Symposium to discuss how to better promote physical activity and health and inspire other organizations to join the initiative.

The symposium also gathered an array of speakers and prominent figures from West Virginia, including:

The West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences recognized four for their outstanding contributions to the college during the 2023-24 academic year. Sean Bulger, Dana Musick, Emi Tsuda and Sam Zizzi were recognized among their peers at its annual all-college assembly on May 8.

Sean Bulger was the recipient of the Laddie R. Bell Distinguished Service Award for his demonstrated authentic, servant, and visionary leadership. As Associate Dean for Online Education and Technology, he reimagined master’s programs, developed new online graduate certificates, and strategized a transition plan for the university’s new learning management system. Bulger also led the development of the YOU at WVU app, the CAHS Digital Learning Hub, and the college’s online portfolio. Additionally, he stepped in to serve as the Interim Director for the School of Counseling and Well-Being in January to lead that unit through the conclusion of the academic term. Beyond his administrative roles, he coordinated the master's in physical education online program, served on multiple college and university committees, and mentored key leaders within the School of Sport Sciences. His forward-thinking impact is evident in his efforts to foster excellence, innovation, and continuous development within the academic community.

In an opinion piece with The (Charleston) Gazette-Mail, Autumn Cypres says WVU is continuing its land grant mission in West Virginia to help Kanawha County teachers with a new partnership.

West Virginia University's martial arts program for individuals with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities was recently featured on WBOY. (Watch)

The program was initiated by Jeanette Garcia, associate professor, WVU School of Sport Sciences, over the winter.  

The West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences is partnering with the Kanawha County Schools to address the critical need for literacy education in West Virginia.

The partnership establishes a reduced per-credit tuition rate for a select cohort of up to 25 education professionals from Kanawha County to pursue a master’s degree in literacy education.

Registration is open for the 2024 WV Physical Activity Symposium – Uniting Leaders for an ActiveWV, on Wednesday, May 29, at Stonewall Jackson Resort. The symposium, hosted by ActiveWV in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health, is aimed at fostering collaboration and action towards a healthier West Virginia.

Registration is free, but limited spots are available. The symposium runs from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with breakfast, lunch, and snacks included. ( Register now)

The College of Applied Human Sciences will celebrate Commencement on Sunday, May 12, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will be earning their degree this weekend.

Adrianna Wood, with her major in sport and exercise psychology, found a supportive community and practical experiences that fueled her passion for human resources. Heather Bond, a graduate from the health and well-being program, combined her educational passion with her passion for aviation. Rachael Ratliff's path in elementary education was influenced by family and shaped by her practicum experience, while Kylie Coon is one of the first early childhood special education graduates and determined to make an impact. Cody Fisher's switch to physical education and kinesiology led him to find his place in teaching, embracing the opportunities that have prepared him for a fulfilling career.

Sam Zizzi, Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Faculty Award for Distinction in Graduate Research Mentoring.

Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education and Life, the award was created in the 2018-19 academic year to honor faculty who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the mentorship of graduate students.

When Paige Zalman went to sleep on the night of Tuesday, April 2, she was still a PhD candidate. By the time she went to sleep on Wednesday, April 3, not only was she now Dr. Paige Zalman after successfully defending her thesis, but she was also the winner of WVU’s 3-Minute Thesis competition, capping a day she likely won’t forget anytime soon.

It’s not an ideal circumstance to undergo the stress of a dissertation defense and an intense competition like 3MT within hours of each other. Zalman certainly didn’t draw it up that way.

West Virginia University recently announced Remeri McClanahan, a junior majoring in neuroscience, as the 2024 WVU Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year.

McClanahan, a native of Princeton, W.Va., exemplified dedication and excellence in their role as an Undergraduate Research Assistant on the Project Appalachian Coders grant team under the direction of Carla Brigandi, an associate professor in the School of Education.

The textbook, “ Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills,” written by West Virginia University faculty members Ed Jacobs and Christine Schimmel, along with Bob Masson and Riley Harvill, has been recognized by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association with the McGuffey Longevity Award.

Jacobs and Schimmel are both faculty members in the School of Counseling and Well-Being in the College of Applied Human Sciences.

West Virginia University’s Eloise Elliott was recently inducted as a fellow into the North America Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals at the SHAPE America Convention in Cleveland.

Elliott, Ware Distinguished Professor in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was one of eight to be inducted into this year’s class. Fellows must demonstrate outstanding competence through professional involvement over a period of at least 20 years and be engaged in a minimum of two identified aspects of professional contributions (teaching, administration, professional or scholarly literature, and leadership within their discipline or service to the community).

Jake Follmer, assistant professor in the School of Education, is one of four faculty members at West Virginia University to be recognized for exceptional and innovative teaching with the 2024 WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching.