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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.

Luca Ziegler, a graduate student in  sport, exercise and performance psychology and  clinical mental health counseling at the  WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says athletes have to stay open, aware, and engaged under pressure, whether they’re competing on the world stage or in a local match. That psychological flexibility helps shape their performance.

West Virginia University has launched an online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology through the College of Applied Human Sciences, expanding graduate pathways in a field where WVU already holds a national reputation for academic and professional excellence.

The fully online master’s degree provides training in performance enhancement, motivation, resilience, positive coaching, and athlete well-being. The program is designed for recent graduates and working professionals seeking applied preparation in mental performance settings, with asynchronous courses that support both full-time and part-time enrollment.

What began as a temporary stop at West Virginia University turned into a 25-year career for Sam Zizzi, now the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences. A reknowned expert in sport, exercise and performance psychology, Zizzi studies why motivation fades, how mindfulness reshapes performance, and what helps people sustain healthier habits in real life. Read more about how Zizzi’s research, teaching and service continue to impact performance and well-being.

As the College of Applied Human Sciences prepares to celebrate December Commencement 2025, graduates reflect on the experiences that shaped their time at West Virginia University.

Emily Chittester, a sport management major with a minor in applied mathematics, built confidence and career-ready skills through hands-on learning and internships spanning community-based and professional sport organizations. Selasi Asamoah complemented her nursing studies with a multidisciplinary studies degree in CAHS, drawing on coursework across health, human development, and addiction studies to shape a well-rounded career of care. James Stamoulis leveraged initiative and relationship-building to strengthen connections with faculty and alumni, using those experiences to build a strong foundation for his career in the sport industry.s

Editor's note: The WVSEL event has been postponed due to weather conditions. The new date will be announced soon. 

West Virginia University Esports will host the West Virginia Scholastic Esports (WVSEL) Fall Finals on Friday, December 12, at the WVU Student Recreation Center.

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.

The WVU College of Applied Human Sciences has named Ryan Lindsay as its next Chief Business Officer. He succeeds longtime CBO Tracy Wheeler, who is retiring at the end of the fall 2025 semester.

“I am excited to be part of the great team at CAHS,” Lindsay said. “Tracy Wheeler set a strong foundation for this role, and I appreciate the work she has done for the College. I look forward to working with leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure continued financial stability while we also look for opportunities for growth.”