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For Nolan Harvath, being on the field and surrounded by sports was the ideal life. He grew up playing soccer and decided that he wanted to prepare for the college recruitment process.

Brian VanDongen believes in improving sports for all age groups, while enhancing youth athletic development in an age-appropriate manner. VanDongen featured the recreation professional’s critical role in play for children at his presentation during the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association March 2018 conference.

Thanks to everyone who came out to my talk on the recreation professional's role in play for children. Hope you are able to use the information in your communities! #NJRPA18 cc: @USPlayCoalition @NJRPA pic.twitter.com/G9597tyF5i

William Way, Sport and Exercise Psychology doctoral student, participated in the CPASS 2018 Student Research Day. Way won first place in the Graduate Ethics category. For most students, research can sound intimidating, but Way has a view on research that many admire.

During the event held in April, students from both graduate and undergraduate programs exhibited research for faculty review. Even though Way was presenting his own research, being a WVU doctoral student has given him the opportunity to teach a few undergraduate courses.

The College of Physical Activates and Sport Sciences hosted 2018 Student Research Day, providing a forum for students to present their research topics and receive direct feedback from faculty.

The event, held April 27, CPASS building main lobby, featured the work of both undergraduate and graduate students. “The 6th annual CPASS Research Day was a huge success, with 35 student posters presented during the event. These posters represented a broad range of projects and took the form of both research and applied topics,” said Jack Watson, professor and chair, Department of Sport Sciences. 

Killeen Schlegel, program assistant, CPASS Office of Student Success, is one of four WVU academic advisers honored with the Nicholas Evans Award for Excellence in Advising. This annual award, established by the Office of the Provost, is given in honor of Dr. Nicholas Evans, a lifelong proponent of the importance of undergraduate advising at WVU. Each year two faculty and two staff are recognized for their work advising and mentoring students. 

Schlegel was nominated by 10 co-workers, supervisors and students. Sean Bulger, supervisor for the CPASS Office of Student Success, wrote, “Students characterize Killeen as well-informed, organized, personable, proactive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The faculty say that she is highly sought out by students based on the reputation for excellence that she has established.” A student wrote, “I can be a difficult student sometimes, but Killeen never gives up or loses spirit.  She has also been a crucial piece of the puzzle to getting me on the correct track to graduation.”

Dana Voelker, Sport and Exercise Psychology assistant professor, joins the ranks of six West Virginia University faculty members who were selected for the 2018 Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching, which honors exceptional professors who go above and beyond to inspire their students.

In addition to Voelker, this year’s honorees include: Malayna Bernstein, director, Learning Sciences Programs; Edward Flagg, assistant professor, Physics and Astronomy; Todd Hamrick, teaching associate professor, Fundamentals of Engineering; David Martinelli, professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Carrie Rishel, professor and director, Integrated Mental and Behavioral Health Training Program. 

David Keiling has excelled in his career as a physical education health teacher in Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools. Keiling earned two degrees from WVU CPASS, his physical education teacher education undergraduate degree in 2009 and masters in physical education in 2015. He credits his WVU education as playing a critical role in helping him achieve numerous leadership roles to date. 

Keiling caught up recently with CPASS Professor Sean Bulger to share his good news. “I can honestly say I would not be writing this email about all the great things that have come my way if you and the rest of my professors had not instilled in me the work ethic, knowledge and confidence that I use every day in my career. Thank you for making me the professional physical educator I am today,” Keiling wrote. 

Sixty-one students and one CPASS faculty member descended upon Indianapolis, Indiana in early March to attend the Sport Management Worldwide Football Career Conference and NFL Scouting Combine. The weekend event gave students an in-depth view of the National Football League.

Students representing all CPASS majors enjoyed the scenic six-hour drive across four different states. Once in Indy, students attended a networking social sponsored by Sport Management Worldwide (SMWW). Students had the opportunity to meet people from across the country and make connections with industry professionals.

Leigh Skvarla (formerly Bryant), has blended her passion for research and performer wellness, leading her to receive an NCAA grant. Skvarla, along with Mary Jo Loughran, submitted the topic, “The development of a web-based program to assist coaches as they support the mental health needs of student-athletes,” which has been funded by the NCAA.

Skvarla, SEP 2017 PhD graduate, is an adjunct professor at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Additionally, she serves as a mental skills trainer and peak performance consultant at KPEX Consulting in Pittsburgh.

A unique major now available through the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences focuses on the importance of regular physical activity in promoting health, reducing risk for chronic disease and improving quality of life.

Students in the Physical Activity and Well-being major will complete specialized training in movement sciences, personal training and physical activity instruction. The students will choose an area of emphasis to further customize degrees in adventure and outdoor learning, aquatics, recreational sport or well-being.