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A researcher at West Virginia University is working to prevent risky behaviors like sexting and self-harm in rural youth. With $343,719 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, assistant professor Kristine Ramsay-Seaner, a counseling expert at the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, will oversee the development of trainings and other resources to support professionals who work with youth in rural communities across the United States, in collaboration with the University of Georgia, South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University.

The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences at WVU is collaborating with Mountaineer Athletics to serve as host of the fourth annual Youth Sports Day at the Capterton Indoor Practice Facility, on Saturday, Sept. 7, when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Albany Great Danes. Youth Sports Day is proudly sponsored by UScellular.

The West Virginia University campus is invited to celebrate the start of the academic year with the College of Applied Human Sciences on Friday, August 23, 3-5 p.m. at the Evansdale recreation fields. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

The fair will feature free hot dogs, snacks, drinks, Kona Ice, games, prizes, music, and more. Students will be able to meet college faculty and staff, including a meet and greet with Dean Autumn Cyprès, and learn more about various clubs and organizations on campus. 

In an effort to continue to foster a positive and enriching sports culture in its schools, the Monongalia County Board of Education has announced a partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance.

The partnership provides comprehensive workshops, resources, and training sessions tailored for coaches, student-athletes, and parents in the Monongalia County Schools system. All fees as part of the agreement are being paid for by the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences Positive Coaching/Sport Parenting fund. The funding underscores WVU’s commitment to the holistic development of young athletes in educational settings.

Emily Faddis initially came to West Virginia University with the thought of going to medical school but soon discovered her passion for physical education. She then hopped on the fast track to a bachelor's and master's degree in physical education and earned both in 2020. She credits the supportive faculty as key to her success in school at WVU. Emily got her first teaching job right out of school in Marion County and moved to Brookhaven Elementary in Morgantown in 2022.

She integrates technology into her classroom to engage her students and believes in the critical role of physical education in developing well-rounded, physically literate individuals. She advises recent graduates to be proactive and confident in their teaching opportunities and emphasizes the importance of self-care to avoid burnout. Professional development and collaboration with fellow physical education teachers have been key to her continued growth.

Lily Campbell, Emma Cremann and Jada Sanders were recently selected to join the fifth cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars and will begin their studies this fall on the Morgantown Campus.

Matthew Gonzalez’s journey into the field of sport psychology began serendipitously with an encouraging push from a mentor at San Jose State University. This initial nudge sparked a passion for applied mental performance work and led him to one of the premiere programs in the country at West Virginia University. While WVU's reputation attracted him to Morgantown, he soon found that it was the supportive community, faculty and staff that made the difference. 

After career stops as an instructor at San Jose State and an Assistant Athletic Director of Sport Psychology and Counseling, Gonzalez now leverages his enthusiasm for the field and his training from WVU in his role as a performance psychology instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he provides comprehensive performance psychology support to cadets.

The physical aspects of competing in an Olympic sport have always been clear, but according to a West Virginia University researcher, balancing mental health as well is now at the forefront for athletes as they prepare for the global competition.

Dana Voelker, associate professor of sport, exercise and performance psychology in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics can be stressful times for athletes and, because of that, many have prioritized their mental well-being.

Officials from Kanawha County Schools and West Virginia University, including WVU President Dr. Gordon Gee, today recognized 50 Kanawha County Schools teachers who applied and were selected to receive a master’s degree in Literacy Education with a Reading Specialist certification. This online degree, including books, will be paid for by Kanawha County Schools. This is part of Kanawha County Schools’ dedication to furthering literacy education and addressing student learning loss post-COVID. The cohort of 50 Kanawha County teachers will begin their degrees in August, with an anticipated program completion in May 2026.

“I am pleased to celebrate the first cohort of the Literacy Education Fellows,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said. “This program is a wonderful reminder that we, not just in Kanawha County but across West Virginia, have a high level of interest from teachers who want to be here and want to serve. As the state’s flagship, land-grant University, we will continue to nurture, support and provide more opportunities for teachers.”

Nolan Harvath had already bet on himself – and won, no less – before getting a call in April 2024 that led him to an opportunity that he had never even dreamed of.

Harvath grew up in Fairmont loving sports and excelling in soccer. His playing career led him to the University of Southern Indiana where he was a two-time team captain and played in over 50 games during his career. The plan at USI was to pursue pre-med and eventually become a physician, but he was not in love with the idea of eight years of med school. However, he couldn’t resist his love of sports and performance. Further, while dealing with his own injuries and recovery, he got a deeper appreciation for coaching while on the sidelines and also found the process and training necessary to get back to action fascinating.