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Imagine receiving on-the-job experience at a West Virginia University Big 12 conference football game. Or how about having a working assignment at a WVU Women’s soccer match? Now, an innovative partnership will make it possible for College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences students to gain firsthand learning opportunities through internships with the West Virginia University Athletics department.

As a one-stop shop for your passion in sports, Mountaineer GOAL: Gaining Opportunities in Athletics Leadership Program, provides students with a jump start in the growing sports industry. According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, in 2019 the North American sports industry will increase by nearly 3 percent for the third consecutive year to a record 73 billion U.S. dollars, as reported by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Two well-established and highly respected professionals within the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will retire from their respective positions as of June 30, 2020. Carol Straight and Robin McKinney share the common threads of loyalty, reliability and commitment, as noted by their colleagues. Between the two, they represent more than 65 years of service with CPASS.   

“With the retirements of Robin McKinney and Carol Straight, CPASS is losing two long-term employees who have served the college extremely well for nearly 70 years total. Their positive influence and efforts have certainly helped CPASS continually evolve into a better college over the years. They have helped to create and maintain a great culture for students, staff and faculty. We are thankful to them for all they have done for the College and we will miss them greatly. We wish them happiness in the next phases of their lives,” said Jack Watson, dean and professor, CPASS.  

Damien Clement, acting dean, Honors College, and associate professor, Sport and Exercise Psychology/Athletic Training, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, has received Fellow status in the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. AASP will announce Clement’s appointment to Fellow status during the 2020 AASP Annual Conference this October in Orlando, Florida.

“Damien Clement’s election to Fellow is a well-earned recognition of his contributions to AASP and to the field of sport psychology. As an AASP Fellow, Clement will vote on matters involving ethical principles, along with the group’s leaders who are committed to the support and stewardship of AASP,” said Sam Zizzi, Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor and associate dean for research, CPASS.

A faculty member at West Virginia University has received national recognition for her work with students while promoting physical activity and wellness within West Virginia and across the country. 

Eloise Elliott, PhD was chosen as the 2020 Mentor of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators of America. Elliott was to have received the award at the SHAPE America National Convention in Salt Lake City in April. Due to COVID-19, the conference was canceled, however, SHAPE has released a video honoring the award recipients. 

A group of CPASS athletic coaching education students used remote teaching and learning techniques to reach out to Monongalia County children who would normally participate in the college’s Friday Program group. The CPASS students created a unique distance learning environment for students with disabilities to help them keep active during COVID-19.

When the schools closed due to the pandemic, the ACE 488 students knew it was important to offer an alternative method to help the children stay active.

The West Virginia University Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences will host the final Town Hall ZOOM meeting, titled Returning to Play in WV, Thursday, May 21, 2020, 3-4 p.m. The ongoing series is designed to support youth and scholastic sports coaches, parents, athletes and programs in West Virginia.

The upcoming Town Hall discussion will bring together a panel of sports science, sport and exercise psychology, coaching science and medical experts to discuss what best practices in return to play might look like this summer and fall. The panelists will cover what can coaches, parents, and players expect and how to minimize risk for youth and scholastic sports athletes in West Virginia.

Three majors in the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences continue to earn high rankings while preparing graduates for in-demand careers in the dynamic physical activity and sport industry.

The college offers MS degrees for professional learners that can be completed fully online. These nationally recognized programs have chalked up numerous rankings, highlighting both the value of a degree and quality of the student experience.

The newest faculty member in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences envisions expanding the foundation of the innovative Health and Well-being major. Emily Murphy will serve as associate professor with tenure, beginning August 14, 2020.

Murphy says the major is important at both an individual and community level. “I am excited to teach the next generation of wellness professionals about the various ways we can develop, maintain and improve health and wellbeing for people across the lifespan. Within this program, we can help to ensure that the communities that we live, play, pray and work promote health and well-being,” said Murphy.

All aspiring physical education students in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Physical Education and Kinesiology (PEK) program have overcome a crucial hurdle as they prepare to follow their dreams to teach in the classroom. In the spring of 2020, CPASS teacher candidates recorded the highest national pass rate in their first attempt for their compulsory teacher preparation program.

Students are required to pass edTPA, a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system used by teacher training programs throughout the United States. edTPA focuses on the skills and knowledge that all teachers need from day one in the classroom.

Erin Jordan has joined the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences as a teaching assistant professor and program coordinator in the college's new Health and Well-being major. Jordan will work closely with Office of Student Success staff and Emily Murphy, associate professor and new HWB faculty member, to build an environment that promotes student growth and success.

Jordan, from Clearfield, PA, will guide the college in establishing the new program within WVU. The CPASS Health and Well-being program is designed for students with a passion for helping others and who have an interest in a health sciences career. The program provides students with a flexible track toward careers such as nursing, athletic training, physical and occupational therapy or chiropractic.

As Mountaineer Graduation Day approaches, we honor CPASS seniors who will participate in a virtual ceremony on May 16. Upon reflecting on their experiences at WVU, the students recognize faculty and staff for their unwavering support and expertise. They are thankful for hands-on learning, internships and teaching opportunities to prepare them for life after graduation. They are clear on their goals, passion and love for Mountaineer Nation and the friends they have discovered.

Aryaunna Mosley credits her professors within Mountaineer Nation for nurturing her vision and dreams while inspiring her to stay at WVU to pursue her master's degree. Mosley, from Charleston, WV, is finishing her first year of graduate school in Sport Management, after completing her undergraduate degree at WVU.  

Mosley appreciates that everyone within WVU brings something unique to the table. “They make the statement 'Mountaineers Go First' a reality every day, with top educators who are constantly pushing their students to succeed while encouraging their passions. It was that mentality that led me to make the decision of staying at WVU for my master's degree,” she explained.

Julia Merwin is set to graduate this May from West Virginia University with a major in Sport and Exercise Psychology. While at WVU, Merwin was a student-athlete and member of the women’s gymnastics team. Additionally, she became certified personal trainer because of her interest in health and fitness. 

Merwin, from Frederick, Maryland, selected the SEP major during the enrollment process at WVU. “After being in the SEP major, I have learned many valuable things that applied to my sport and personal training,” said Merwin.  

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences has recognized the recipients of the 2019-2020 outstanding teaching, research and service faculty and staff awards, as announced by Dean Jack Watson.  

“I’m especially proud of the faculty and staff who were recognized this academic year for their passion, innovation and expertise. Their outstanding dedication to the college, West Virginia University, the state and beyond is unparalleled. As we end this semester and look ahead, I have no doubt that their Mountaineer values will help guide us through the current challenges, as we navigate these uncertain times,” said Watson.  

WVU appoints Morris, Watson as deans through 2022

During a time of transition and uncertainty, two experienced West Virginia University administrators currently serving as interim deans will be given extended appointments to continue their service to their colleges.