Horace E. Belmear, Jr.

Horace E. Belmear Jr. 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 1993 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2002.

A native of Bardstown, Ky., Belmear graduated from Central High School in 1936 and earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia State College in 1940. He later returned to West Virginia University, where he earned a master’s degree in physical education in 1952.

Belmear served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as supervisor of the Naval Swimming and Water Survival Program in Pensacola, Fla. He spent 18 years as a teacher and coach at Dunbar High School in Fairmont, leading teams to three state championships and earning multiple honors, including Coach of the Year and Outstanding Teacher.

After earning his graduate degree, Belmear worked for the Army Support Detachment in Pennsylvania and served as director of admissions at Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh. He returned to WVU in 1971 as Director of Foreign Admissions, where he significantly expanded the University’s international student population. He was later appointed Assistant Dean of Admissions and Records and Director of Foreign Students Admission. He went on to lead recruitment and retention efforts for African American students until his retirement in 1993.

Belmear was honored throughout his life for his dedication to education and equity. His accolades include induction into the West Virginia State College Sports Hall of Fame, the Bucklew Award for six decades of service to WVU, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award from the Center for Black Culture and Research.

In 2008, a scholarship fund was established in honor of Belmear and his wife, Geraldine, to support minority students at WVU. Even into his 90s, Belmear remained active on campus, continuing a lifetime of service to students and the University community.

He passed away on June 3, 2010.