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It seems like Emma Hardway has known two things for about as long as she can remember: She's always wanted to be a Mountaineer, and she's always wanted to be a teacher. Her passion for the profession remains strong, and the sentiment that it's a prerequisite has been enforced by her residency experience and her mentor teachers. She's looking forward to a career where she will continue to educate the next generation, both in West Virginia, but also abroad as well. 

A recent feature in WVU Magazine highlights the WVU Men’s Soccer Team’s mentoring program at Brookhaven Elementary, where players teach soccer skills and serve as role models for young students. The story illustrates the intersection of education and sport central to our mission at the College of Applied Human Sciences. Brookhaven Principal Sara Kane credits the WVU School of Education for helping make the program a success — one that promotes physical activity, life skills, and college-going aspirations.

The College of Applied Human Sciences will celebrate commencement on Sunday, May 18, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will earn their degrees this weekend.

Hope Wright combined her passion for education and music through field experience and performances with “The Pride of West Virginia.” Chloe Hardesty, inspired by her family’s legacy in education, logged more than 900 hours in local classrooms and will now teach while pursuing a master’s degree.

Before the sun could rise over the market stalls in Ghana, a young Sandra Ayivor was already on her feet—completing her house chores, setting up tables, organizing wares, and helping her “auntie” prepare for the day’s sales. Then, with barely a pause, she made the long walk to school. There was no complaint. No thought of another way. It was just what needed to be done.

“It’s just what I did,” she says simply, reflecting on her upbringing in a God-fearing home where the values of faith, hard work, determination, and kindness were instilled and serve as the bedrock of who she is today.

Hope Wright, an elementary education major from Franklin Park, Pa., was inspired by a teacher at an early age and knew she wanted to be a similar role model to others. At West Virginia University, she balanced her academics with her love of music as a member of "The Pride of West Virginia." Wright’s hands-on experience in area schools helped her grow into the kind of teacher she once looked up to and strengthened her goal of returning to teach in her hometown.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Lauren Marquart, an elementary education major from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. These letters are thoughtful reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration,Zsoófi Bevardi, a counseling student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Tori Zukowski, an elementary education student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Chloe Hardesty, an Elementary Education major from Marlinton, W.Va., inspired by her family's deep roots in education, embraced her passion for teaching early in life. During her time at WVU she found a community with her cohort and gained more than 900 hours of classroom experience that helped her develop her teaching style. On the verge of graduation, she will soon begin her career as a classroom teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics.

Kim Floyd, professor in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was recently honored as a co-author of the 2024 Article of the Year by Rural Special Education Quarterly. The paper, What Do Rural Special Education Teachers Say?: Examining the Reported Needs and Recommendations for Retention, was selected by the journal’s editorial team for its impact, citations, and readership.

Floyd and her co-authors received the award during the annual American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) conference, held April 4.