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As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Tori Zukowski, an elementary education student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

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.

Kim Floyd, professor in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was recently honored as a co-author of the 2024 Article of the Year by Rural Special Education Quarterly. The paper, What Do Rural Special Education Teachers Say?: Examining the Reported Needs and Recommendations for Retention, was selected by the journal’s editorial team for its impact, citations, and readership.

Floyd and her co-authors received the award during the annual American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) conference, held April 4.

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.

The West Virginia University literacy education online graduate program has once again earned national acclaim, receiving the International Literacy Association’s National Recognition with Distinction for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals.

This designation signifies that the program is aligned with ILA standards and leads the way in excellence in literacy education.

The National Writing Project at West Virginia University will host the Teachers’ Day of Writing on Friday, May 16 in Colson Hall, Room 130 on WVU’s Downtown Campus.

The event includes a Poetry Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon led by West Virginia Poet Laureate Marc Harshman, followed by a Reading and Writing Time for Teachers from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will have time to work on a project, receive feedback, or continue developing curriculum based on Harshman’s work.

The West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences has announced a new online Master of Arts in Leadership Studies in Education designed to prepare educators for school and district leadership roles in K-12 schools.

 The program includes a 30-credit curriculum that offers multiple certification pathways, which can be earned along the way to degree completion or pursued independently. Students can earn a Principal Certificate (18 credits) and a Superintendent Endorsement (6 credits), with the option to complete both while progressing toward the full master’s degree. A separate General Supervisor of Instruction Certificate is also available.

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.

The WVU Nursery School is now enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. Programs are available for both the Preschool (3-year-old) and Monongalia County Collaborative Pre-K programs.

For more information or to begin the enrollment process, contact Allison Stump at (304) 293-2110 or via email at alstump@mail.wvu.edu.

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.