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Office of Student Success welcomes new team members

Portraits of Allie and Jordan

This fall semester, the Office of Student Success has added two new staff members to their team to focus on recruitment and retention initiatives. Please join us as we welcome Allie Haught and Jordan Schmidt-Gonzalez to the College.

As a West Virginia native and first-generation student, Allie Haught grew up loving WVU and dreaming of attending the university. She was motivated to enroll and have that new experience. Once she began her college career, WVU became home.

Personalized approach perfect fit for Ian Gentile

Portrait of Ian Gentile holding the stanley cup.

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. 

Search for science of coaching leads Ryan Wood to WVU

Ryan Wood teaching a student to dead-lift.

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.  

PETE grad program offers competitive edge for Kaitlin Ulicny

Kaitlin Ulciny standing outside of her apartment in morgantown

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 partners with WVU Football for Youth Sports Day

Photo of the Capterton Indoor Practice Facility

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. 

Online master’s program offers best of both worlds for sport management graduate student

Portrait of Jared Horan in his office

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. 

Sport Management student uses research opportunity to expand undergraduate experience

Portrait of Caitlyn Lyons in front of her poster on research day

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. 

Sport management major finding the balance between student and athlete

Portrait of Nick Snyder in formal attire at a conference.

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. 

Internship helping shape future career options for recent SEP graduate

Katerina Lake posing in her graduation gown with a hat that says "Stay Blue and Gold"

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.