Kevin Elko

Kevin Elko 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 2008 and was recognized as the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Outstanding Alumnus in 2020.

Elko earned a bachelor’s degree in biology education and coaching from California University of Pennsylvania. At WVU, he earned master's degrees in counseling and sport psychology, and then later a doctorate in education with an emphasis in sport and counseling. He is a certified addictions counselor.

A performance consultant, speaker, and author, Elko has worked with companies across finance, healthcare, and consumer sectors. In sports, he has consulted with collegiate programs including Alabama, LSU, Miami, Florida State, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Pittsburgh, and with professional teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He has also worked with teams in advance of Super Bowl and national championship appearances.

In the corporate sector, Elko’s clients have included Travelers, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), SmithKline Beecham Consumer Brands, Abbott Diagnostics, Prudential Securities, Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch, Pioneer Investments, and Tyson Foods.

Elko is the author of seven books: Nerves of Steel, The Pep Talk, True Greatness, Touchdown, The Sender, The Sender Companion Journal, and Believing Is Seeing.