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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.

First year CPASS students have the unique advantage of being part of a living-learning environment. The majority of these students live in or near Bennett Tower and are enrolled in CPASS-only sections of first-year seminar.

Students have the option of enrolling in a problem-based learning, special topics course, working on projects related to health, physical activity and wellness. In addition, various events are being organized outside the classroom throughout the year.

The future of the WVU’s hockey team is looking bright. Last month, A.J. Sturges was named head coach of the team. He is a second year doctoral student in the sport and exercise psychology program at CPASS.

Prior to arriving at WVU, Sturges earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University. He served as a head coach of a youth hockey team for one season while completing his master’s degree. Sturges is working to complete a second master’s degree at WVU in counseling psychology, as well as a Ph.D. in sport and exercise psychology.

McDowell CHOICES (Coordinated Health Opportunities Involving Communities, Environments and Schools) continues to support local schools in the southern region of the state. The project aims to increase the health and quality of life for students in McDowell County through a  USDA grant. The project, led by faculty members from CPASS and the WVU Health Sciences Center, focuses on advancing student achievement of the nationally recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

“The CHOICES project has been one of the best physical activity programs we’ve had in McDowell County Schools. It has provided a variety of high interest activity programs and professional development for teachers, many of which will be sustainable for years to come,” explained Carolyn H. Falin, assistant superintendent of K-12 curriculum and instruction.

David Carr has learned the art of perseverance. After 10 years and numerous hardships, he has landed his dream job as a college football coach.

His journey started when he was coaching at Shepard University which required a master’s degree to teach. While earning his online sport management master’s degree in 2007, Carr and his family were going through a difficult time. His wife was fighting cancer which she ultimately survived.