G. Rondolph Worls

Randolph Worls was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1992.

Worls earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the College of Wooster in 1960 before continuing his education at West Virginia University, where he received a master’s degree in park administration and recreation in 1968. He served as a graduate instructor for the Revenue Sources Management School and Maintenance Management School at Oglebay Park in 1970, which helped launch his lifelong career with the Oglebay Foundation.

Worls became general manager of the Wheeling Park Commission in 1972 and was later promoted to CEO of Oglebay Park. He led the planning and development of more than $30 million in park and recreational facilities, including golf courses, lakes, nature trails, and other outdoor amenities. Under his leadership, Oglebay Park became known as the only self-sufficient park in the United States.

He later became CEO of the Oglebay Foundation, where he continued to oversee fundraising efforts to ensure public access to recreational opportunities, including free swimming pool access for youth and families. His signature accomplishment was launching the Access to the Parks program at Olgebay, which ensures year-round access to park amenities for underprivileged children and their families. In recognition of his efforts, he was named chairman emeritus of The Oglebay Foundation.

Worls was been recognized with numerous honors, including the West Virginia Outstanding Professional Award (1978), the Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth Award from the YMCA (2007), and the Good Samaritan Award from Youth and Shelter Services (2013). He was inducted into the Wheeling Hall of Fame in 2000.

His professional and civic involvement includes service with the West Virginia Park and Recreation Society, National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, and multiple community boards, including Wheeling 2000 and the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau.