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Students in the Physical Education Teacher Education program continue to excel in a nationally required teaching exam in their first attempt. PETE students have posted a 97 percent first-time passing rate during the past five years on the Praxis II exam. During that time, students averaged a score of 159, with more than 160 students taking the test. Students have an overall 100 percent passing rate, along with the 97 percent first-time passing rate.

The Praxis II subject-specific teaching exam is an important part of the licensing and certification process for students who aspire to teach, according to Valerie Wayda, associate professor and department chair, Coaching and Teaching Studies at CPASS. This process is required by more than 40 states as well as many professional licensing agencies. 

Faculty connections have opened doors for a WVU Athletic Coaching Education student. Tariq Walcott has landed a position with the prestigious U.K. Elite soccer club. Walcott will coach all age levels during his initial assignment, ranging from six-year-old age groups through high school students. 

CPASS ACE faculty members Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach, associate professor, and Dr. Roch King, teaching assistant professor, referred Walcott to the soccer club. Walcott’s original contract will run from July to November. Walcott hopes to extend his assignment and continue his work with them. 

While there have been many advances in the detection and treatment of athletic-related concussions, WVU graduate student Megan Byrd says less has been done to try to understand the emotional impact.

Byrd, in her fourth year in the Sport Exercise Psychology doctoral program at WVU’s College of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, has received a one-time research grant from the NCAA to help fill that gap.

An E article focusing on how to regain fitness at any age while rebounding from the psychological impact of discovering an out of shape physique, sought out a WVU CPASS faculty member to ensure a successful fitness program. The piece offered suggestions on how to become healthier and stronger while enjoying training. Dailyburn.com talked with Sam Zizzi, PhD, professor, sport and exercise psychology at CPASS, for advice.

“The connection to CPASS is that we want our faculty to be go-to people for how to start and maintain a physical activity program. This website is read by tens of thousands of people. It’s good recognition that a teacher/researcher can use their knowledge in a more far-reaching medium than a journal article,”   said Zizzi.

The Mountaineer family has distinct qualities. Mountaineers have purpose, are loyal and support each other. Mountaineers work harder, reach further and climb higher. The “Climb Higher” campaign is a campus celebration of the way faculty and staff exceed expectations and make West Virginia University better.

Clayton Kuklick was recently selected for his contributions to the college and university. He was nominated by Stephen Harvey, associate professor, physical education teacher education.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences has partnered with the WVU Extension Service, College of Education, Department of Special Education and the Monongalia County Early Childhood Program to improve the “father factor” in childhood development through nine iFather events in Monongalia County.

The iFather sessions will take place at various area schools from October 2015 to April 2016. Byron Towner, CPASS clinical instructor, has teamed with Eric Murphy, WVU Extension Services, and Bernard Jones, College of Education, to help develop the program.

A first year Athletic Coaching Education master’s student will coach at the 2016 International Bowl for USA Football. This the second year that Williams has been selected to coach at the bowl game.

Williams will serve as the defensive backs coach and oversee all instruction, evaluation and performance by the cornerbacks and safeties. He expects to coordinate the passing game defensive strategy and coverage as well as other collateral duties, most likely having a significant role in coordinating the special teams.

Stephen Harvey, West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences associate professor, has received the Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Journal Reviewer of the Year Award for 2015. The award was announced at the British Education Research Association Special Interest Group meeting earlier this fall.

Harvey was also nominated for the Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Journal Paper of the Year. He has served on the journal editorial board for the past five years.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is teaming up with Adventure WV and the School of Public Health for a faculty led study abroad trip to South Africa.

During summer 2016 study abroad, students will trek across two thousand miles of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho lands. Students will explore, hike, climb, bike and lead service projects to support local initiatives while learning about the social, psychological and cultural aspects of physical activity and health in these diverse, developing nations. From the oldest game reserve in Africa to the top of the second highest waterfall in the world and from the Sani Cave paintings to the Otter Trail, Table Mountain and Robben Island, travelers will experience   an in-depth exploration of the sites, sports, health issues, cultures, wildernesses and histories of Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa.

CPASS grad Zachary Hillis recently shared his thoughts and insight on how College faculty positively impacted his transition from undergraduate to graduate school, as well as his shift into the WVU College of Business and Economics:

Sport management and related CPASS faculty members have provided me with the experiences and knowledge necessary to make the move from sport-related management into business management. Each of my professors throughout my undergraduate career constantly reminded me to always stay involved in internship-type experiences and volunteer opportunities to continuously build my resume and list of connections.