Mary O. Wykle

Mary O. Wykle was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2005.

Wykle earned both her bachelor’s (1965) and master’s (1966) degrees in health and physical education from West Virginia University. She built a distinguished career in aquatics education, wellness, and military training support through decades of teaching and service.

Wykle served as an assistant professor of physical education at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia, where she taught courses in fitness, wellness, aquatics, yoga, and pilates. In addition to her academic role, she founded an aquatic consulting practice offering training across all areas of aquatics. She became a licensed instructor and instructor trainer in Risk Awareness and Safety Management for Aquatic Therapy.

Her expertise extended internationally, including serving as Chairman of Health and Safety Services for Europe and District Chairman of Volunteers for the American Red Cross in Europe, as well as Chairman of the Red Cross in the Far East. In these roles, she conducted CPR training for soldiers and trained military personnel and their families as swim instructors and lifeguards at bases across the Far East.

A respected leader in the field, Wykle was a regular presenter for the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute and has been recognized in Who’s Who in Aquatics. Her honors include four United States Army Outstanding Civilian Service Awards, the American Red Cross Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Leadership, and the Dolphin Award from the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute. She also served on the WVU School of Physical Education Visiting Committee.