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Anthony Richards II, a junior at West Virginia University from Washington, D.C., shares his passion for promoting holistic health, the impactful experiences and professors in the program, and the valuable practical exposure he's gained through internships and teaching. From managing challenges in his academic journey to his career aspirations, Richards discusses the diverse opportunities and supportive community that define the WVU experience.

Major: Physical Education and Kinesiology

Karoline Colucci, a senior from Stafford, Va., comes from a family of educators. She originally resisted going into education, but was driven by various opportunities within her community and a desire to make a positive impact on future generations. She emphasizes the dedication of teachers and the importance of providing all students with a quality education. She believes in the potential of West Virginia students and explains the importance of the close-knit community at WVU and the elementary education program.

Major: Elementary Education

On a whim, Marissa Mangione gave West Virginia University a chance. She got a flyer in the mail at her home Richboro, Pa., (just outside of Philadelphia), and wanted to visit campus. Despite roots in Pennsylvania and ties to Penn State, she came to Morgantown and realized almost immediately that she wanted to be a Mountaineer.  

"I was either going to go to West Virginia or Penn State,” she admits. “WVU checked all the boxes for me: I wanted a big school, a big community, and a lot of opportunities. And I also loved the spirit for the football team."

Zane Collings shares his journey about growing up in West Virginia and pursuing a career in elementary education at their state's flagship university. Collings shares how he decided to pursue elementary education (over musical education) and the influence of both of his parents, who are both teachers. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the well-being of the children when considering a teaching career and highlights the distinctive features of WVU's elementary education program, including his hands-on experience in the field.

Major: Elementary Education

Despite growing up in Morgantown with West Virginia University as a constant presence in her life, it wasn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion that Alex Watson would end up a Mountaineer. However, after considering a lifetime immersed on the campus where both her parents were faculty members and the academic opportunities with WVU, the decision ended up being pretty simple.

“I grew up right here,” she says. “For my entire life, my parents, neighbors and many of the people I knew worked at WVU. Through that, I was able to get involved with a lot of things. For example, my neighbor was a neurologist at WVU, and one of my first memories was going to her lab and participating in her studies. And then when I got to high school, I was given the opportunity to go to Honduras with the School of Nursing to volunteer and give free medical care. On top of that, I was able to go to Mexico with faculty from (then) CPASS to teach leadership to young females through soccer. Those last two trips happened right when I was in the decision-making process, and I think that solidified that I didn’t want to go far and that everything that I needed was at WVU.”

For many students, summer break means a break from the rigors of academia. But the past two summers have been anything but ordinary for Elizabeth Deering, a freshman majoring in Sport Management. Her summers have been marked by adventure, nature, and a transition from being a camper to a counselor at Camp Hidden Meadows in Bartow, W.Va.

Major: Sport Management (M.S.)

All students, faculty and staff are invited to join the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences this week (Sept. 18-22) in the creation of a “Diversity Quilt.”

Each person will decorate a square with symbols and words representing parts of their intersecting identities. The materials will be available in the Office of Student Success in the Applied Human Sciences Building and on the sixth floor of Allen Hall. The squares will then be pieced together and put on display to celebrate the different aspects of all people that comprise the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences.

The West Virginia University campus is invited to celebrate the start of the academic year with the College of Applied Human Sciences on Thursday, September 7, 3-5 p.m. at the Evansdale recreation fields. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

The fair will feature free snacks, drinks, 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. 

Cat O'Malley, Literacy Department Chair for Annapolis Middle School, found her way into the realm of education through an unconventional path. She began her career with roles in management, event management and sales, but found her true calling in literacy education. Her journey has been marked by determination and a commitment to making a difference, and her diverse skill set enriches her role as a teacher and educational leader.

Cat received her master's degree in literacy education from West Virginia University in 2021. She earned her degree nearly a decade after completing her undergraduate studies in tourism and events management from George Mason University.

Braelyn Young, senior in the elementary education program, spent the last academic year as a 4th-grade student teacher at Big Elm Elementary School in Harrison County, W.Va.

Young posted video updates throughout the year documenting her time as a student teacher, including projects she worked on with her students and the lessons she learned along the way.