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Applied Learning And Real Impact

Through applied learning and research, our students gain the skills and experience to lead, teach, and support others in educational and counseling settings.

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Student Spotlights

Our students are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Read about their experiences and how they are applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

I was once that 17-year-old kid who had no clue where I wanted to go to college. I had never even been to the state of West Virginia until I applied to WVU. When I was researching schools that I think would be good short-term and long-term, I came across WVU, and now I love everything about it.

Ian Finegan

Class: 2026 (December) Hometown: Perry Hall, Md.

B.A. Mental Health and Addiction Studies; B.S. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

Read More : about Ian Finegan

WVU’s Elementary Education program has prepared me to step into my own classroom by providing a supportive learning environment, brilliant professors, and administrators who help guide us through our classes and in-school placements. I have always had the support I have needed.

Kimberly Manning

Class: 2026 Hometown: Oakland, N.J.

Elementary Education

Read More : about Kimberly Manning

This program has allowed me to learn time management, organization, self-discipline, and courage. I was also able to gain hands-on experiences and practical training opportunities. I learned so much during my time at WVU, and I will never forget these years.

Selasi Asamoah

Class: 2025 Hometown: Charles Town, WV

B.M.D.S., Multidisciplinary Studies; B.S.N., Nursing

Read More : about Selasi Asamoah

Latest News

News and notes from around the School of Education and Counseling.


              Ian Finnegan stands outdoors in front of a partially frozen river, wearing a blazer over a white shirt.

Finegan combines two majors for one unique educational experience

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Ian Finegan had never been to West Virginia when he applied to WVU. From just north of Baltimore, he was looking for a college that felt like the right fit, both personally and academically. He found that in Morgantown at WVU, where an initial interest in one major eventually turned into two. With guidance from academic advisors, Finegan chose to pursue degrees in Mental Health and Addiction Studies and Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, a decision that still has him on track to graduate a semester early and continue on to graduate school.

Read More: Finegan combines two majors for one unique educational experience

              WVU students and faculty pose in front of a rainbow backdrop, holding a “Back to School” photo frame and oversized pencil during a welcome event.

From WVU Today Radio: WVU Counseling interns support students across the region

Monday, February 16, 2026

Each school day, University school counseling interns are taking their training into more than 18 public schools in nine counties and districts in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, serving close to 10,000 students.

Read More: From WVU Today Radio: WVU Counseling interns support students across the region

              Courtney Shimek leads a classroom discussion on literature circles while students collaborate in small groups.

Shimek advances literacy education through play and teacher preparation

Thursday, February 12, 2026

In classrooms where instruction is increasingly structured, Courtney Shimek’s work makes a case for the value of play, conversation, and curiosity in how young children develop literacy. Shimek, the 2024-25 CAHS Research of the Year, studies early childhood literacy and teacher preparation that focuses on how children develop understanding through authentic classroom experiences and how teachers can be prepared to support that process. Through her research and teaching, she encourages educators to remain flexible and reflective as they respond to how students engage with language in the classroom.

Read More: Shimek advances literacy education through play and teacher preparation

              Group of WVU faculty and staff standing in a lobby beneath a large gold WV logo, holding matching black-and-gold awards and posing for a group photo.

Bulger, Rexroad earn Outstanding Mountaineer Awards

Friday, January 23, 2026

Sean Bulger and Liz Rexroad from CAHS were among the 10 exceptional employees recognized at the inaugural Outstanding Mountaineer Awards.

Read More: Bulger, Rexroad earn Outstanding Mountaineer Awards

Read more stories about the School of Education and Counseling.