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Chloe Hardesty, an Elementary Education major from Marlinton, W.Va., inspired by her family's deep roots in education, embraced her passion for teaching early in life. During her time at WVU she found a community with her cohort and gained more than 900 hours of classroom experience that helped her develop her teaching style. On the verge of graduation, she will soon begin her career as a classroom teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics.

Hayden Apel, a Health and Well-Being major from Hilliard, Ohio, embraced his time at WVU by combining academic growth with athletic achievement. Through his academic studies and practical experience at Advantage Health and Wellness, Apel discovered the importance of a holistic approach to health. His time as a Division I student-athlete as a diver for the Mountaineers shaped his resilience and commitment in all aspects of his life. Apel will continue his Mountaineer journey by pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at WVU.

Jadyn Collins, a Sport Management major from Weirton, W.Va., found her place at WVU by turning a love for sports into hands-on experience with the Mountaineer baseball team. Through three years of real-world involvement and mentorship from coaches, Collins built the foundation for a future in scouting and player evaluation. After graduation, she will head to Cape Cod to scout for the Oakland A’s and continue the momentum she created as a proud Mountaineer.

Ella Wix, a Mental Health and Addiction Studies major from Vienna, W.Va., is graduating with a clear purpose—to make a difference in the lives of others. A lifelong WVU fan, she was drawn to a new program that aligned perfectly with her passion for counseling. Along the way, Wix built strong relationships with faculty, embraced real-world experiences, and grew into a leader ready to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. As she prepares to continue her education in WVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program, Wix reflects on the powerful community, mentorship, and hands-on learning that shaped her success.

Tanner Cloce, a senior Physical Education and Kinesiology (PEK) major at West Virginia University, has been named a 2024 SHAPE America Major of the Year—one of the highest national honors for undergraduate students in the field.

Presented by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), the Major of the Year award recognizes top-performing students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance (HPERD) who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to service. With only a limited number of students recognized nationally each year, the award is a significant honor. Cloce is the first WVU student in over a decade to earn the recognition.

For much of her athletic career, Hannah Swartz (née Severs) carried a quiet, growing exhaustion—one that had little to do with the physical demands of the sport she loved. A standout soccer player growing up in North Carolina, she was driven, competitive, and committed to improving. But as she progressed in the game, the emotional and mental toll of coaching styles around her began to wear her down.

As early as 12 years old, Swartz can remember going to the sideline during a game to be yelled at for a mistake. At an age when sport should have been a source of joy and growth, Swartz felt tension creeping in. Anxiety followed her into games. Practices felt like pressure cookers rather than learning environments. She continued competing at a high level but felt drained by the culture around her.

Mary Taylor Shaak always knew she wanted to attend West Virginia University, but she didn’t expect to find her passion in mental health and addiction studies. Now a senior set to graduate in December 2025, the Charleston, W.Va., native has embraced opportunities to support others through her work with WVU’s Collegiate Recovery Program. Her experiences—both personal and professional—have shaped her commitment to making a difference in the field of mental health.

On the surface, forensics science and human performance might seem worlds apart. The former involves meticulously piecing together evidence to solve crimes, while the latter seeks to optimize athletic performance on the field. Yet both disciplines share a core principle: the art and science of problem-solving through data. At WVU, Troy Bishop has found an unexpected yet harmonious bridge between the two.

Growing up in Felton, Del., Bishop attended a technical high school and learned to weld. However, he was inspired by his father, a police officer, to pursue a career in law enforcement. His interest in forensic science led him to WVU, renowned for its top-tier program in the field.

The College of Applied Human Sciences (CAHS) continues to strengthen its student-centered initiatives with the addition of two staff members to its Office of Student Success: Courtney Pletcher, Career Development Specialist, and Rachael Conrad, Student Experience Coordinator.

Pletcher brings extensive experience in career counseling, student engagement, and professional development to her new role as Career Development Specialist. A native of San Antonio, Texas, she is a first-generation college student whose journey includes service in the U.S. Navy. Her professional experience spans 17 years across multiple industries, with a focus on career counseling and student engagement in higher education.

Canyon Lohnas, a Ph.D. student at West Virginia University, has been named to the International Literacy Association’s 2025 30 Under 30 list, which highlights emerging leaders who are transforming literacy education and promoting equity in classrooms, communities and beyond.

This global cohort features changemakers from 12 countries, all under the age of 30, who are driving innovations and advocating for accessible, inclusive learning experiences. Lohnas, 28, was honored for his work in health literacy.