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When Ian Gentile decided to expand his knowledge of the sports industry, he chose WVU. The program has given him a clear understanding of the business side of the industry, as well as adding an intercollegiate spin to his game. Gentile appreciates the personalized approach and unique six-week course format as he advances through the graduate degree. 

Ryan Wood was searching for a graduate program that focused on the science of coaching. He based his decision in part on the positive testimonials from close friends who have earned their graduate degree at WVU. Wood says that WVU has given him a different perspective on the important role he has as a coach in generating the motivation of students and athletes.  

We asked Kaitlin Ulicny how the CPASS Physical Education Teacher Education graduate program enhances her career goals. Ulicny feels confident that her decision to add to her degree portfolio by enrolling at WVU will give her the competitive edge for success. 

Physical Education Teacher Education (online)

CPASS is co-hosting Youth Sports and Spirit Day at Mountaineer Field Saturday August 31, at the season opener against JMU, August 31. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and pregame activities will begin at 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Chick-Fil-A Kids Zone in the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility.

Kristen Dieffenbach, Athletic Coaching Education associate professor, along with graduate assistants, Christina Villalon and Maggie Roberts, will host the youth sports station-based program at the Chick-fil-A Kids Zone. The activity will provide hands on teaching and youth sport experience for PETE/PEK and ACE students. 

Jared Horan was recently admitted into the sport management graduate program; however, life threw him a curveball, or, more accurately, a well-aimed puck. 

After being accepted into the program, Horan was offered a position with the Wheeling Nailers, the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He decided he had to accept the sales position opportunity and launch his career within the sports industry. 

Caitlyn Lyons, sport management major with minors in communication studies and business administration, began an internship with the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring.   

“I knew this would be a major influence on my professional development, however, my professor, Dr. Floyd Jones, saw more for me. After some discussion, a little persuasion, and a whole lot of encouragement I agreed to take part in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) this July. 

The West Virginia University baseball team was center stage this season, advancing to the NCAA regional tournament as announced last May. There were many names swirling around with the success of this team - one of them was Nick Snyder. 

Snyder is a sport management major hailing from Marlton, NJ. Why did he select WVU? The answer is two-fold. 

Katerina Lake, a new sport and exercise psychology graduate, currently serves as an assistant program manager for Camp Female empowerment and Wellness initiative (Camp WeFi) with Youth Enrichment Services (YES). 

YES is a nonprofit organization that aims to design and implement educational opportunities for minority and underserved children living in public housing and economically disadvantaged communities. 

A leader known for his innovation, energy and creativity will bring those essential skills to bear in his new role at West Virginia University. 

Damien Clement is now serving as acting dean of the Honors College effective Aug. 1, 2019. 

Once a mountaineer, always a mountaineer is a well-known rallying cry for the Gold and Blue faithful. Stephanie Mock embraced that mantra during her time as a student at WVU and has continued that dedication to her alma mater as she progresses in her professional career. 

Mock graduated in 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in sport management. During her education, she was a strength and conditioning intern for both the WVU and University of Pittsburgh Olympic sports teams. 

West Virginia University was recently awarded funding to support the development of a collaborative classroom through Steelcase Education. The Steelcase Active Learning Center is envisioned as a future hub for instructional innovation, twenty-first century learning and faculty development on the Evansdale Campus.

The Steelcase Active Learning Center, located in the Health and Education Building and valued at $67,000, will feature flexible workspaces designed for collaborative learning and problem-solving. The physical space will support the use of mobile devices, distance learning technologies, and other interactive features to facilitate a more fluid teaching and learning environment for both students and instructors. 

Students at West Virginia University can now focus on the dynamic industries of high-performance athletics and recreational sport, creating one of the only undergraduate programs in the country specifically featuring coaching and performance science.

The Coaching and Performance Science program , housed in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , blends sport and movement science knowledge and professional development to prepare graduates for the growing field of athletics and applied sport sciences. Students can complete extremely valuable hands on learning with faculty, WVU Athletics, WVU Medicine or a variety of sport organizations.

A new major at West Virginia University will open a flexible track toward health science and non-school based community health related careers. Students in the Health and Well-being major can tailor a degree program within a diverse field, targeting a variety of roles.

The new curriculum, housed in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, is designed to help students plan their degree program while preparing for the next step following graduation. The customizable major features community partnerships, hands on learning, student research and mentorship.

Improving the healthy lifestyle landscape in some West Virginia areas might sound like a tough task, but a group of passionate West Virginia University faculty and staff believe the secret lies in empowering communities and providing the support they need to take control of their own health.

Last fall, faculty from WVU Extension Service, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , and WVU School of Public Health and West Virginia Prevention Research Center entered into a five-year contractual partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and launched the Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy project.

New administrative roles at West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will support critical transitions within the organizational structure and prepare the college for new leadership. 

The WVU Office of the Provost announced in April that Jack Watson, professor and interim associate dean, will serve as interim dean. Watson steps into the role following the announcement of the retirement of Dana Brooks, professor and dean of the college, who served in that role for 26 years, with a total of 41 years at the college.