Beth E. Musser

Beth E. Musser was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame in 2005.

Musser earned her bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College in 1966, followed by a master’s degree in reading and language arts from West Virginia University in 1970. She completed a Ph.D. in language communication and child development from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981.

She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania and later worked in public schools in West Virginia. She joined the faculty at West Liberty State College, where she served in multiple roles over more than three decades, including professor of education, director of student teaching, chair of the Department of Professional Education, and dean of the School of Education.

At West Liberty, Musser led the development of the college’s first master’s degree program and helped establish a collaborative graduate partnership with West Virginia University and Marshall University. She also expanded the college’s professional development school partnership with Ohio County Schools and created the Reading Program and Visiting Author Program.

Her recognitions include the West Liberty Exemplary Professor Award, the West Virginia Reading Association Educator of the Year Award, and was selected as a finalist for West Virginia Faculty Merit Professor of the Year. 

Musser retired in 2009.