Anna Jean Minnick

Anna Jean Minnick was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in fall 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2011.

A native of Marlinton, W.Va., Minnick earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from West Virginia University in 1949, a Master of Science from WVU in 1964, and a Ph.D. from New York University in 1970, with postdoctoral study at the University of Utah, Penn State, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

From 1963 to 1998, Minnick served as professor and chair of the Department of Health, Sport, and Movement Sciences at Davis & Elkins College, retiring as professor emerita. She led D&E’s Division I field hockey program to national prominence over 17 seasons, compiling a 145–21–14 record with 12 undefeated regular seasons, three Midwest championships, four national-tournament appearances, and a third-place finish at the 1981 National Championship. She coached five All-Midwest players, three All-South players, and two All-Americans, and served on the Midwest Field Hockey Board and the Division I National Rating Board. Her broader service included a decade on the West Virginia AHPERD Board of Directors, including multiple offices.

Minnick authored and co-authored publications in JOHPER and ICHPER proceedings and contributed an instructor’s manual for a Charles Bucher administration text. Her recognitions include the Davis & Elkins College Award for Teaching Excellence, induction into the Davis & Elkins College Athletic Hall of Fame (1990), West Virginia AHPERD Honor Award, and listings in Who’s Who in American Education and Who’s Who in America. In 2017, she endowed the A. Jean Minnick Chair in Sport Science at Davis & Elkins College.

Minnick died in 2021.