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The National Inclusion Project has once again partnered with West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences to continue a program designed to break down barriers between those living with disabilities and those without through one simple, yet powerful, everyday activity — play.

The continuing partnership will support training for instructors and student mentors in Lifetime Activities programs including the WVU National Youth Sports Program, swim lessons, and gymnastics classes.

Every spring semester, juniors and seniors majoring in sport management are required to take Leadership in Sport Organizations SM 350. In this course students get the opportunity to learn and discuss the basic tenets of leadership theory and its application to sport.

Last spring, Dr. Gonzalo Bravo, associate professor and course instructor, decided to go beyond the books and invite industry front-runners to the classroom to discuss their perspectives on leadership in various fields such as community development, collegiate athletics, outdoors expeditions and higher education administration. From February to April, five high profile heads visited CPASS and provided students with various perspectives of how direction occurs in and outside the domain of sport.

Multiple Sport and Exercise Psychology current and former graduate students have recently received academic-based recognition, career offers and interviews for competitive positions.

“These SEP graduate students have done a fantastic job and worked very hard for all these opportunities. I’m impressed with their amazing accomplishments,” said Sam Zizzi, professor, SEP.

College of Physical Activity and Sport Science’s Honor’s College student Brady Nolan. Brady has earned significant recognition during his career as a student. Nolan’s awards were a result of passion to excel and hard work.

Nolan is a senior athletic coaching education major. He was named a 2015 WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior and selected as 2015 Mr. Mountaineer, served as a New Student Orientation leader and as a member of the Mountaineer Marching Band for three years. Nolan was named as the alternate Mountaineer Mascot for 2014-2015. He was sponsored by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

A desire to repay West Virginia University for positive experiences has led Steve Hyer to establish a new endowment for the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences that will provide scholarships for CPASS students.

“This gift offers excellent opportunities for our students. The funds fill an ongoing need at CPASS as we expand our programs and learning experiences for students,” said Dana D. Brooks, CPASS dean and professor of Physical Education.

The College of Physical Activities and Sport Sciences hosted 2016 Student Research Day in April at the Evansdale Library. This event allows students to present their research topics and receive direct feedback about their work.

“CPASS has developed a very strong research agenda among the students and faculty. Our students are learning not only how to conduct high quality research, but also how to use this research to develop better practice,” explained Jack Watson, professor and chair, Department of Sport Sciences.

Nicole Young, Sport and Exercise Psychology 2016 May graduate, was awarded a Fulbright grant to work as an English teaching assistant in Malaysia for 10 months, beginning next January. Young is from New Castle, Pa., about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, with a population of 24,000.

“I know that living in Malaysia will be a completely different experience than what I am used to here. The areas that I may be teaching in are poorer, rural areas so it will be an adjustment. As far as teaching goes I think I think it will be fun to connect with secondary school aged students,” Young explained.

A series of unexpected twists and turns have guided aCPASS student to an undergraduate major, and now, a decision about the right fit for a graduate program. Allison Fansler, WVU Honor’s College student, will graduate from  WVU on May 13 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, and will begin the physician assistant master’s program at Alderson Broaddus University at the end of May.

Fansler’s road to her undergraduate degree was difficult at times. She suffered an ACL injury which involved a lengthy recovery. Fansler then sustained another knee injury, which required a cartilage implant and a more significant surgery.

Ariel Buric credits her education and mentors at WVU for helping her follow her passion. She recently began working with reserves and active duty soldiers in the National Guard, focusing on health and wellness principles.

“I chose my education based on my interests and the minor for the same reason. I love how the body works as a machine and enjoy teaching people how to use it more efficiently,” Buric explained.

Ashley Cranney, Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate student and doctoral candidate,earned the People’s Choice award in the 3-Minute Thesis competition recently held on campus. Cranney presented her research, titled “How far is too far? Understanding identity and overconformity in collegiate wrestlers,” April 7 at the Mountainlair. 

Cranney was interested in the competition because the focus allowed students to hone their competences. “The competition was more about the student’s communication skills to effectively convey their research to a non-specified audience,” she explained. 

Carrie Rishell, 2014 WVU SEP graduate, is adding new skills to her resume through an internship with the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. 

“My main job at the President’s Council is to assist with whatever is necessary. Recently, that was planning the Eggtivity Zone which was one of the activities at the White House Easter Egg Roll this year. I help with logistical things like preparing documents and scheduling as well as planning some portions of events,” she explained. 

Brian Houk, CPASS Athletic Coaching Education graduate, credits connections made as a member of the WVU Men’s Lacrosse team, along with support from CPASS mentors, for helping him land the head coaching slot with the University High School boys’ Lacrosse team. 

“Connections and friendships are important because you never know when an opportunity will arise. I got this job because of connections I made in the UHS program through the WVU Men’s Lacrosse team. Make positive relationships and never burn any bridges,” Houk said. 

CPASS is offering online and on campus SEP courses this summer. Sign   up for Psychological Perspectives in Sport (SEP 272), Sport in American Society (SEP 271), or African-Americans in Sport (SEP 373). On campus courses run three weeks; online courses are six weeks in length. These are General Education Classes and are offered to all students. SEP 271 and SEP 272 are 3-credit courses which fulfill pre-major requirements. SEP 272 fulfills GECs 4 and 6; SEP 271 fulfills GECs 4 and 7 and SEP 373 fulfills GECs 4 and 7. Register today for classes through your STAR account. For more info, contact:  damien.clement@mail.wvu.edu. Register on line via http://summer.wvu.edu/.

SEP 272 Psychological Perspectives in Sport

Dallas Branch, associate professor, College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, celebrated his career accomplishments with colleagues, family and friends at a reception and dinner on April 15, 2016 at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown and hosted by CPASS.

“Dr. Branch has made a significant and lasting impact upon the sport management program at WVU. As a result of his efforts, this program has received a great deal of national and international acclaim, and has helped the program attract the best and brightest students,” explained Jack Watson, professor and chair, Department of Sport Sciences.

Faculty members and students in the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences were recently recognized for outstanding teaching, research and service for the 2015-16 academic year. The College announced the awards of 23 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students.

Brady Nolan received the SHAPE America Outstanding Major of the Year Award and was recognized as a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior, along with Sarah Verdis. The following students received the Outstanding Student Award in their program: Brady Nolan, undergraduate Athletic Coaching Education and Andre Schneider, MS graduate, ACE; Sarah Verdis, undergraduate PETE and Ashley Dugas, MS graduate PETE; Jun-hyung Baek, Doctoral, Coaching and Teaching Studies; Allison Fansler, undergraduate Athletic Training and Kjersti Traaen, graduate Athletic Training; Anna Onderik, undergraduate SEP and Jay Stewart, graduate SEP; Nick Davidson, undergraduate Sport Management and Erin McClafferty, graduate Sport Management.