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Textbook authored by WVU faculty earns McGuffey Longevity Award

Image with the textbook cover with the title "Group Counseling" and a logo of the McGuffey Longevity Award.

The textbook, “Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills,” written by West Virginia University faculty members Ed Jacobs and Christine Schimmel, along with Bob Masson and Riley Harvill, has been recognized by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association with the McGuffey Longevity Award.

 Jacobs and Schimmel are both faculty members in the School of Counseling and Well-Being in the College of Applied Human Sciences.

Alumni Spotlight: Zabrya Robson

Zabrya Robson headshot.

Zabrya Robson, a behavior health counselor at Community Care of West Virginia, came to West Virginia University knowing she wanted to help others. She earned her undergraduate degree at WVU, and then when looking for a master’s program to pursue counseling, she once again chose WVU largely because of the flexibility of the clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling program.

B.S., Sport and Exercise Psychology, WVU (2021)
M.S., Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, WVU (2023)

WVU using virtual reality technology to innovate training for clinical rehabilitation and mental health counselors

A student sits with a virtual reality headset with fall foliage in the background.

In 2019, even before the pandemic and many lives and professions turned into hybrid worlds, Margaret Glenn and her colleagues were investigating the use of novel technologies in simulation education. Glenn readily admits she was not familiar with much of the technology that existed then but saw a presentation about how immersive videos could help people expand their experience of different subject matter via a virtual reality headset. Five years later, WVU is leading the way in the field of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with its innovative use of virtual reality technology.

Glenn, a professor in the School of Counseling and Well-Being, serves as the principal investigator in the development of the Accessible, Innovative, & Relevant Training for Vocational Rehabilitation (AIR4VR) project. It is funded by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Innovative Training Program. Glenn’s team also includes David Smith from the Reed College of Media who serves as a co-principal investigator. The project is in its fifth and final year and recently received funding for an additional year.

CAHS celebrates December 2023 graduates

A lone graduation caps in a sea of others highlights 2023

The College of Applied Human Sciences celebrate Commencement on Saturday, December 16, at 2 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will be earning their degree this weekend.  

Isaac Bond is a West Virginia native who maximized his time in the sport management program by utilizing in-person and online classes in order to work during his time at school. Katie Merrill, one of the first graduates of the mental health and addiction studies program on Saturday, credits the faculty for their personal investment into her success. 

Floyd receives TED Social Justice Award

Kim Floyd headshot.

Kim Floyd, associate professor in the WVU School of Counseling and Well-Being, has been awarded the Teacher Education Division (TED) Social Justice Award in recognition of her significant contributions to special education, teacher education, and the TED organization. The award ceremony took place in Long Beach, Calif., in October of 2023.

Floyd, a two-time recipient of the Outstanding Teacher award at WVU, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing education through dynamic and timely curriculum development. Her teaching practices focus on socially and culturally responsive methods, earning her a reputation for excellence in the field.

Mangione builds momentum towards a career in mental health and addiction studies

Marissa Mangione headshot.

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."

CAHS set for fall celebration

Promotional graphic for the student celebration with details about the vent.

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. 

Center for ActiveWV receives funding to improve nutrition and physical activity

Young child in a green t-shirt sifting through freshly picked blueberries.

The Center for ActiveWV in the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences is pleased to announce the receipt of a $768,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's High Obesity Program. The grant, awarded under a five-year cooperative agreement, will support the growth of CAHS's existing HOP grant and the implementation of the Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy: Expanded program.

The Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy: Expanded program aims to enhance the capacity and partnerships of CAHS in developing and implementing targeted approaches to improve access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities for residents in eight counties across three distinct geographical regions of West Virginia. These counties include Clay, Braxton, Calhoun, Logan, Boone, Lincoln, Summers, and Monroe.