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Addison Dobson is eager – eager to learn, eager to talk, eager to do. She smiles easily and carries herself with the kind of energy that makes you believe she is looking for (and ready for) the next challenge. Whether it’s leaving Ohio to come to West Virginia University or jumping into a new sport with no experience, Dobson is the kind of person who leans in—fully, without hesitation.

On the surface, forensics science and human performance might seem worlds apart. The former involves meticulously piecing together evidence to solve crimes, while the latter seeks to optimize athletic performance on the field. Yet both disciplines share a core principle: the art and science of problem-solving through data. At WVU, Troy Bishop has found an unexpected yet harmonious bridge between the two.

Growing up in Felton, Del., Bishop attended a technical high school and learned to weld. However, he was inspired by his father, a police officer, to pursue a career in law enforcement. His interest in forensic science led him to WVU, renowned for its top-tier program in the field.

Adam McNeill’s path to West Virginia University was shaped by his family’s ties to WVU and his own passion for sports. A sport management major from Charlotte, N.C., McNeill has already built an impressive résumé, including an extensive internship with Learfield. With his sights set on a career in corporate partnerships, McNeill is consistently working to expand his network and opportunities that are provided to him by WVU.

Dr. Arreta Jaranko was not one to loudly challenge convention, but her life spoke volumes. Born in 1922 in Clarksburg, W.Va., during the Great Depression, she faced formidable challenges. Yet, she quietly but firmly pursued a path of learning, innovation, and service that defied the limitations of her time.

As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, inspired by her grandfather, a horse-and-buggy physician. But when she shared her ambitions with her father, he dismissed her aspirations outright. “Girls don’t need an education,” he told her. “They get married and have babies.”

Phillip Elias Howard’s life has been defined by an insatiable desire to learn and a steadfast commitment to justice. Raised in Uniontown, Pa., a town shaped by coal mining, coke production, and union struggles, Howard grew up with a deep awareness of the systemic forces that shape communities. These influences, coupled with the dedication of his parents—both educators in their own ways—instilled in him a profound respect for education and the power it holds to transform lives.

Uniontown, like many industrial towns in Pennsylvania, bore the scars of deindustrialization. The town and its surrounding “patch” company towns were integral to supplying the Mon Valley and Pittsburgh-area steel mills with the coal and coke essential for steel production. Uniontown’s sole steel mill closed in the 1880s, but coal and coke industries remained dominant for decades, shaping the local economy and culture. The decline brought high rates of unemployment, government assistance, and rising crime.

Holly Rogers navigated her fair share of challenges in her journey to West Virginia University. A lifelong athlete, she devoted over a decade to competitive softball, spending countless hours on fields and in training. A series of injuries ultimately lead her not to one, but four, reconstructive ankle surgeries.

Out of high school, Rogers headed to Montgomery College, a junior college located in her hometown of Rockville, Md. After writing a paper on the psychology of injury recovery, her professor urged her to look into the field of sports psychology and encouraged her to consider it as a potential career.

Makayla Brooks dropped out of high school convinced that school was not for her. Later, though, with the support of her family, she earned her GED and was still looking for more. While attending a community college in Pittsburgh she realized that she wanted to work with children and families. Her father-in-law was a WVU grad and her classes were transferrable, so she became a Mountaineer. She'll now graduate in December with her degree in Child Development and Family Studies with her sights set on becoming a social worker.

Mary Lu Adams has always been someone who embraces challenges, but even she couldn’t have anticipated the obstacles she would face in her pursuit of a new career. Now a graduate student in counseling at West Virginia University, Adams’ journey is marked by resilience, courage, and a determination to finish what she started.

Adams, originally from Wheeling, studied psychology at Bethany College and earned her master’s degree from Pitt before beginning her professional life in higher education. She worked at several institutions, including Wheeling Jesuit University and Georgia Southern University, and also in the nonprofit sector, but ultimately found herself yearning for something different.

As Jess Phillips prepares to graduate from WVU in December with a degree in Mental Health and Addiction Studies and a minor in Child Development and Family Studies, she reflects on her journey of growth and resilience. Originally from Doylestown, Pa., Phillips discovered her passion for helping others after switching majors and receiving support from faculty, along with hands-on experiences that prepared her for a meaningful career. Overcoming personal challenges with the help of WVU’s supportive community, she now plans to work with children and adolescents before pursuing a master’s degree in early education or counseling. 

Brooklyn Slade’s passion for dance brought her from Milton, Ontario, to West Virginia University, where she found the perfect balance between performing and pursuing her academic goals. As she prepares to graduate next May with a degree in elementary education, Brooklyn reflects on her time in WVU’s close-knit education program, where the support from classmates and professors has helped her thrive both in the classroom and on the dance team. Despite being from Canada, Brooklyn holds a deep pride in being a Mountaineer, a feeling she’ll carry with her long after graduation.