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Nate Whiting spent decades writing poems for fun, for his students, and for his family, never thinking much would come of it. The WVU education alum and former physical education teacher finally had someone convince him otherwise. Now he's the author of the "Whimsies of an Accidental Poet" series, rhyme-driven children's books built around big imagination and the belief that kids deserve to laugh.

Hannah Decanio, a master’s student in the school counseling program at West Virginia University, was named the 2026 Graduate Student of the Year by the West Virginia School Counselor Association and received the award at the organization’s annual conference Feb. 26–27 at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown.

The award recognizes a master’s student in school counseling for scholarship, advocacy, and leadership potential.

Shauna Riggs came to WVU seeking independence without losing the sense of community she values as a West Virginian. As an elementary education major, she has found both, building her confidence in the classroom while also performing as a member of the "Pride of West Virginia" marching band. Between full days at school and evenings on the practice field, Riggs has learned to manage the demands of teaching and music while becoming the educator she set out to be.

Ian Finegan had never been to West Virginia when he applied to WVU. From just north of Baltimore, he was looking for a college that felt like the right fit, both personally and academically. He found that in Morgantown at WVU, where an initial interest in one major eventually turned into two. With guidance from academic advisors, Finegan chose to pursue degrees in Mental Health and Addiction Studies and Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, a decision that still has him on track to graduate a semester early and continue on to graduate school.

Each school day, University school counseling interns are taking their training into more than 18 public schools in nine counties and districts in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, serving close to 10,000 students.

Alaina Schrader, a lecturer with the School of Education and Counseling in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says those interns are doing important work.

In classrooms where instruction is increasingly structured, Courtney Shimek’s work makes a case for the value of play, conversation, and curiosity in how young children develop literacy. Shimek, the 2024-25 CAHS Research of the Year, studies early childhood literacy and teacher preparation that focuses on how children develop understanding through authentic classroom experiences and how teachers can be prepared to support that process. Through her research and teaching, she encourages educators to remain flexible and reflective as they respond to how students engage with language in the classroom.

Sean Bulger and Liz Rexroad from CAHS were among the 10 exceptional employees recognized at the inaugural Outstanding Mountaineer Awards.

Kimberly Manning always aspired to be the kind of teacher that would not just support the academic goals of children, but also their social and and emotional development. She came to WVU from Oakland, N.J., and has continued to nurture that aspiration along with balancing her fieldwork, classwork, and campus life. She also added a transformative study abroad experience in South Africa in the summer of 2025 that helped expand her understanding of teaching and learning.

Selasi Asamoah juggled plenty during her academic career at WVU with a nursing degree, a multidisciplinary studies degree from CAHS, and tossing in three minors. While it was a lot, the balance of all of that work leaves her well prepared to be the best nurse she can for her patients. Her academic path taught her resilience, discipline, and the value of real-world experience, all strengthened by her faith and her family’s encouragement.

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. 

Jessica Troilo, associate professor and associate dean for research, engagement and faculty affairs in the  WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, is available to explain what drives holiday conflicts and share strategies to keep gatherings positive.

Kristine Ramsay-Seaner is advancing resources for rural middle school counselors through the USDA-funded Launch Fellowship. The initiative introduces counselors to careers in food and agricultural sciences while providing mentorship, peer support, and hands-on learning opportunities. Ramsay-Seaner sees her role as bridging professional gaps for practitioners in high-need schools, ensuring they have the tools, connections, and encouragement to better serve students. WVU’s support and leadership are featured in a recent video showcasing the program, and Ramsay-Seaner is now helping recruit the next cohort of fellows for 2026.

The West Virginia Reading Association honored one faculty member and two alumni of West Virginia University’s Literacy Education program at its most recent annual conference.

Aimee Morewood, professor and program coordinator of literacy education in the WVU School of Education and Counseling, received the Madge McDaniel Award, which recognizes educators who have made an outstanding contribution to helping students become proficient, lifelong readers.

A collection of new West Virginia University initiatives, partnerships and redesigned academic pathways are answering a nationwide teacher shortage — felt deeply in the Mountain State’s hills and hollows — by meeting potential teachers where they are and creating a sustainable path toward the education field.

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.