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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.

Ian Gentile, Vice President of Hockey Operations with the United States Hockey League completed his master's degree online from West Virginia University in sport management in 2020 while working full-time.

After over a decade working his way up the ranks in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, a stint that included three Stanley Cup championships, he served as the Director of High Performance and National teams for USA football for 14 months before returning to the rink in his current position. Read more about his current role, his career journey and the impact WVU has had on him, as well as advice for students aspiring to work in the sport industry.

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.

The College of Applied Human Sciences will cap its inaugural academic year at Commencement on Saturday, May 13, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will be earning their degree this weekend.

Sam Gambill's memories of going to baseball games are set mostly against the backdrop of Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. The venue, which sparked a renaissance in the aesthetics and design for Major League Baseball facilities, is now the backdrop for Gambill's learning experience as a member of the grounds crew for the Orioles.

"The first time walking out there and being on the field and being able to pick out every seat I had sat in over the years was a really special moment for me and something that I will cherish forever," Gambill said.