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An ongoing research collaboration to develop teaching and research models brings a global perspective to WVU. Luis Miguel Garcia-Lopez, associate professor at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, is on campus until April 30 in an effort to expand his lines of research with Stephen Harvey, associate professor, CPASS physical education teacher education.

During his one-month stay, Garcia-Lopez will observe PETE classes and conduct a research presentation. His research interests focus around pedagogical models, including game centered teaching, cooperative learning, sport education and, most recently, teaching social and personal responsibility in working with disaffected youth.

A visiting scholar in sport and exercise psychology will spend the next two years at West Virginia University. EunJoo Ha, from South Korea, will study at WVU through December 2018 during her SEP post-doc to receive more experience and training before pursuing a career within her field.

EunJoo earned a doctorate degree in physical education with a major in sports psychology in August 2016 from Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association has named Guy Hornsby, CPASS teaching assistant professor, as a new West Virginia state director.

As part of a network of volunteer organizers, Hornsby will direct NSCA’s efforts at the state level. State directors coordinate and host the West Virginia NSCA state clinic by communicating with the WV NCSA advisory board, a diverse group of researchers and conditioning related professionals throughout the state.

From humble beginnings as an agricultural college in 1867, West Virginia University has become a premier research institution with a focus on world-changing innovations that are making a lasting impact in the fields that matter most. During the past 150 years, WVU has been committed to educating and training future leaders, conducting groundbreaking research and performing public outreach and service.

As West Virginia University reflects on 150 years of accomplishments, join the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences on April 17, 2017, 2 p.m. in the CPASS main lobby as the college kicks off a week of celebration. The 150th Anniversary CPASS Birthday Bash will commemorate the college’s history and notable alumni along with free treats including cookies, cupcakes and festive giveaways. Special guests will include the WVU Mountaineer, local CPASS graduates and Olympic medalists.  Dean’s Advisory Board students will host an online auction fundraiser during the reception.

Dallas Branch, WVU sport management associate professor emeritus, will receive the 2017 Academic Achievement in Sport and Entertainment Award from Sport Entertainment and Venues Tomorrow (SEVT), in recognition of his contributions to the sport management and marketing fields. Branch will receive the award during the upcoming SEVT Conference in Columbia, SC on March 23, 2017.

Branch felt both honored and overwhelmed when the organization contacted him with the news. “Previous recipients of this award represent the icons and legends in our sport management and administration discipline. They are among the founding fathers and distinguished leaders in the field. To be recognized with this group as a recipient is truly an honor and also very humbling,” Branch explained.

Performance psychologist Sam Maniar, Ph.D., will visit campus on March 17, 2017 at 12 p.m., CPASS room G08, to speak about the ethical challenges to consultation in professional sports. The CPASS Russell “Bud” Bolton Center for Sport Ethics will host the event, which is free and open to the public.

Maniar, WVU Counseling Psychology doctoral graduate, has extensive experience working with teams, athletes and executives, from a wide range of sports and industries, about achieving performance goals.

An upcoming WVU Science on Tap presentation will feature Sam Zizzi, professor, CPASS Sport and Exercise Psychology, Wednesday, March 15, 7 p.m. at the Morgantown Brewing Company.

Zizzi will focus on The Zen of Sport Performance, featuring how mindfulness supports improved athletic performance. Zizzi has worked with athletes at many levels and will share a selection of stories over a cold brew.

A local community outreach program combines physical activity and education while teaching responsible behavior and self esteem and encouraging lifelong friendships. The popular summer program promotes a healthy outlook toward an active lifestyle.

Young campers learn the value and benefits of proper nutrition, good health practices and the importance of having a well balanced lifestyle.Hosted by the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, the program helps kids improve physical fitness through sports. NYSP blends a strong educational focus, including sessions about career guidance, personal safety and community service.

The National Inclusion Project has once again partnered with West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences to continue a program designed to break down barriers between those living with disabilities and those without through one simple, yet powerful, everyday activity — play.

The continuing partnership will support training for instructors and student mentors in Lifetime Activities programs including the WVU National Youth Sports Program, swim lessons, and gymnastics classes.

Every spring semester, juniors and seniors majoring in sport management are required to take Leadership in Sport Organizations SM 350. In this course students get the opportunity to learn and discuss the basic tenets of leadership theory and its application to sport.

Last spring, Dr. Gonzalo Bravo, associate professor and course instructor, decided to go beyond the books and invite industry front-runners to the classroom to discuss their perspectives on leadership in various fields such as community development, collegiate athletics, outdoors expeditions and higher education administration. From February to April, five high profile heads visited CPASS and provided students with various perspectives of how direction occurs in and outside the domain of sport.

CPASS is offering online and on campus SEP courses this summer. Sign   up for Psychological Perspectives in Sport (SEP 272), Sport in American Society (SEP 271), or African-Americans in Sport (SEP 373). On campus courses run three weeks; online courses are six weeks in length. These are General Education Classes and are offered to all students. SEP 271 and SEP 272 are 3-credit courses which fulfill pre-major requirements. SEP 272 fulfills GECs 4 and 6; SEP 271 fulfills GECs 4 and 7 and SEP 373 fulfills GECs 4 and 7. Register today for classes through your STAR account. For more info, contact:  damien.clement@mail.wvu.edu. Register on line via http://summer.wvu.edu/.

SEP 272 Psychological Perspectives in Sport

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will host its 2016 Student Research Day on Friday, April 22, 3-4:30 p.m. at the Evansdale Library, second floor. 

The College will present awards to students for best undergraduate and graduate research projects. The event will involve input from students and faculty and feature research presented at state, national and international conferences as well as work performed within the academic year.

The West Virginia University community is invited to attend the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences’ official dedication of the Office of Student Success. The ceremony will take place April 14 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the CPASS building. A reception will follow the event. James Hannon,CPASS assistant dean of Academic Affairs and Research, will host the program and introduction of the new services.

The CPASS Office of Student Success will combine recruitment, advising and retention services, while focusing on the academic and social needs of current students. The office will strive to help CPASS students stay enrolled and graduate in a timely manner.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences has partnered with the WVU Extension Service, College of Education, Department of Special Education and the Monongalia County Early Childhood Program to improve the “father factor” in childhood development through nine iFather events in Monongalia County.

The iFather sessions will take place at various area schools from October 2015 to April 2016. Byron Towner, CPASS clinical instructor, has teamed with Eric Murphy, WVU Extension Services, and Bernard Jones, College of Education, to help develop the program.

The Best of Morgantown 2016 awards competition aligns Morgantown businesses, personalities and organizations in a friendly battle. Traditionally, folks cast their votes for their favorite places to eat, shop, play and more. Now, for the first time in this annual rivalry, you can cast your vote for Best Dean.,