Professional Highlights
- University of Pittsburgh, Visiting Scholar, Center for Latin American Studies. 2014-2017
- Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil. Visiting Scholar, Research Center for Sport, Leisure, and Society. 2016
- American Kinesiology Association, (AKA). Leadership Institute Fellow’ Class 2020.
- American Kinesiology Association, (AKA), Board of Directors 2022-2025
- Outstanding Long-Form Scholarship, WVU Office of the Provost, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023
Professional Highlights
- Received the 2016 Ray O. Duncan Award from the state HPERD association for outstanding service and leadership.
- Co-authored more than 70 books, chapters, and journal articles on physical activity promotion and best teaching practices.
- Collaborated on over $6 million in external funding to support physical activity in school, community, and family settings.
- Delivered over 130 presentations at state, regional, and national conferences/conventions.
Ashley Coker-Cranney
Assistant Professor
AHS 205
Professional Highlights
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Licensed Professional Counselor, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Counseling
Damien Clement
Associate Dean, West Virginia University Honors College
Professor
Honors Hall, Room 126D
Professional Highlights
- Fellow, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- West Virginia University (WVU) Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2015 Dorothy V. Harris Award, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2014
- Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, 2013
- Acting Dean – Honors College, West Virginia University, August 2019 – June 2020
Kristen Dieffenbach
Director - Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences
Professor
kristen.dieffenbach@mail.wvu.edu
AHB 253
Professional Highlights
- United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE) - Past President (founding)
- Association of Applied Sport Psychology - Fellow
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Professional cycling and endurance sport coach - 25+ years
- National Physical Activity Plan - Sport Steering Committee
Eloise Elliott
Ware Distinguished Professor
AHB 269
Professional Highlights
- Ware Distinguished Professor in the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences since 2009
- Co-Author of the book, Teaching Children and Adolescents Physical Education (Graham, Elliott, Palmer, 2016)
- Recent Honors: Research Fellow, Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America (2017), Outstanding WVU CPASS Grantsperson Award (2019), Chair, U.S. President’s Council for Fitness, Sport, and Nutrition Science Board (2017)
Jeanette Garcia
Associate Professor
AHB 203
Professional Highlights
- Research focuses on the development of health promotion interventions for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Received numerous awards for research impact, including the University of Central Florida Luminary Award & Excellence in Research Award
- Received over $100,000 in funding for the "Judo for Autism" initiative
- Postdoctoral training at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Professional Highlights
- Program Academic Coordinator, ‘International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics,’ Higher School of Economics (Saint Petersburg, Russia), 2022.
- Visiting Associate Professor, University of Zurich, 2021.
- Coordinator, Sports Analytics Track, Master Program ‘Management and Analytics for Business,’ Higher School of Economics (Saint Petersburg, Russia), 2020-2022
- Research Fellow at International Laboratory of Intangible-driven Economy, Higher School of Economics (Saint Petersburg, Russia), 2020-2022
- Visiting Researcher, Birkbeck, University of London, 2016
Peter R. Giacobbi
Professor
AHB 208
Professional Highlights
- Research focus on chronic disease risk reduction using digital and other delivery technologies
- Current Google Scholar H-index of 36, Scopus H-index of 26
- Fellow, Society of Behavioral Medicine
Patrick O. Hairston
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHB 215
Professional Highlights
- Over 25 years of sport management professional work experience, including: National Football League (NFL), Division 1 college athletics at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) levels, NCAA National Office, Mega Sporting Events, Facility Management, and Private Protection Services (PPS).
- Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths (Talent Assessment) Coach
- Dr. Charles Whitcomb NCAA Leadership Institute Graduate, Class of 2003
- West Virginia University Faculty Senate Member
Guy Hornsby
Assistant Professor
AHB 256
Professional Highlights
- Head Coach of West Virginia Weightlifting and Volunteer (throws) Coach for WVU Track and Field
- Coaching Science Coordinator at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Human Performance Innovation Center
- West Virginia State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Zenzi Huysmans
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHB 207
Professional Highlights
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Licensed Professional Counselor, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Counseling
Professional Highlights
- Worked as a sports marketer at Octagon Korea
- Member of the organizing team for the 2001 World Taekwondo Championship
- Research emphasis on fan behavior and decision-making
Gary J. Lhotsky
Teaching Associate Professor
AHB 242
Professional Highlights
- Eleven years of professional experience in collegiate athletic facility and event management at Florida State University, Florida International University and the University of Miami.
- Extensive experience planning and hosting NCAA, ACC, Big East, TAAC and FHSA championships.
Peter McGahey
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHB 259
Professional Highlights
- Former NCAA Division I and II Women’s Head Coach
- United State Soccer Federation A Licensed Coach
- United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE) – Nominating Committee
Emily Murphy
Associate Professor
AHB 246
Professional Highlights
- Past WVU Faculty Senate Chair (2019-20)
- WVU Board of Governors Member
- Research emphasis in obesity prevention for individuals, families and communities
David Rice
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHB 250
Professional Highlights
- Over 10 years of experience teaching undergraduate & graduate courses.
- Taught courses in a variety of topics, including exercise & sports physiology, epidemiology, sports nutrition, exercise & sport psychology, cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and research methods in exercise science.
- Served as an academic advisor to over 400 undergraduate students in the past 10 years
- Supported undergraduate research by mentoring undergraduate research projects and securing nearly $10,000 in undergraduate student grant funding.
Michael J. Ryan
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHB 255
Professional Highlights
- Program Coordinator for Athletic Coaching Education, CPASS
- 10 years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience in Exercise Science and Kinesiology
- National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) State and Mid-East Sectional Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year
- 20 years of coaching experience at the Division 1 and high school levels
- Coached seven WVSSAC State Championship Teams in cross country and track
Professional Highlights
- Research emphasis on teachers' content knowledge, motor skills and physical activity engagement, and policy in physical education.
- Teaches classes in introductory of pedagogy and elementary and early childhood physical education methods.
- Has conducted 35 international and national presentations.
Dana Voelker
Director, School of Sport Sciences
Associate Professor
AHB 211
Professional Highlights
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- 2019 Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant
- 2018 WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teachers
- 2018 Association for Applied Sport Psychology Dorothy V. Harris Memorial Award
Justin Wartella
Teaching Associate Professor
AHB 241
Professional Highlights
- Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA)
- Former Sport Management Liaison and Executive Council Member
- Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Summer Study Program
- Coordinator and Instructor of the Sports Marketing Workshop and Internship
- Super Bowl XLIX - Event Staff Supervisor
- 2017 College Football National Championship Game - Event Staff Supervisor
Valerie Wayda
Associate Dean for Student Success and Academic Affairs
Professor
AHB 277
Professional Highlights
- North American Society (NAS) of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals Fellow
- National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education - Vice President (2012)
- National Association for Sport and Physical Education Board of Directors (2003-2006)
Joni Williamson
Teaching Assistant Professor
AHS 240
Professional Highlights
- Top Ten National Collegiate Athletic Association President’s Award Winner, 2018
- Staff Member Woman of the Year at Wittenberg University, 2014
- NCAA/Women Leaders in College Sports Institute for Administrative Advancement, 2013
- NASC Certified Sports Event Executive, 2010
- Graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, 2007
James Wyant
Associate Director: School of Sport Sciences
Associate Professor
AHB 212
Professional Highlights
- Teacher of the Year Award, WVU, CPASS award for excellence in teaching for the 2018-2019 academic year.
- WV Department of Education Teacher Credentials: Physical Education PreK-Adult, Health Education grades 5-12.
- Coordinator of the physical education teacher education student teaching capstone experience.
Xiaoxia Zhang
Assistant Professor
AHB 245
Professional Highlights
- Certified Adapted Physical Activity Educator
- Research emphasis on promoting physical activity and reducing health disparities for individuals with disabilities
- 2023 Recipient of SHAPE America Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award
Sam Zizzi
Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor
Professor
AHB 206
Professional Highlights
- Twice recognized as Most Outstanding Teacher at WVU CPASS, and has mentored over 30 PhD students through degree completion
- Serves as the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor to
focus efforts on the health and wellness of WV citizens
- Published
one of the first books on self-awareness in sport, entitled Being Mindful in
Sport and Exercise Psychology (2017) with friend and colleague Mark
Andersen"
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
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