William G. Monahan

William G. Monahan was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame in 2005.

Monahan served as dean of the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University for a decade, where he formalized the promotion and tenure process, established the HR&E Alumni Association, and helped launch the college’s teacher education preparation program. He also played a key role in renewing ties with the West Virginia Department of Education and in developing a cooperative doctoral program in Education Leadership Studies with Marshall University.

Before arriving at WVU, Monahan taught at the University of Oklahoma, Michigan State University, and the University of Iowa, where he also served as director of the Iowa Center for Research in School Administration. His professional career began as a high school teacher and coach in Kentucky and spanned more than 50 years in education.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography and history from Western Kentucky University in 1951, a master’s degree from George Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University) in 1955, and a doctorate in educational administration from Michigan State University in 1960.

Monahan authored five books and more than 70 scholarly articles, and was nationally recognized by the American Educational Research Association for his contributions to factor analysis research. He held leadership roles in national organizations including president of the National Association of Land Grant and State University Deans of Education and board member for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

He passed away in 2011. The William G. Monahan Award was established at WVU in his name to recognize students for outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service.