2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

Linda Carson 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012 and named CPASS Outstanding Alumna in 2016.

Carson served on the WVU faculty for more than 30 years and was the first professor from CPASS to receive WVU’s Outstanding Teacher Award. She earned her doctoral degree from West Virginia University and, after an early faculty appointment at Purdue University, returned to WVU to serve in the Teacher Education program and as director of the Motor Development Center. In that role, she created innovative learning laboratories and award-winning physical activity programs for infants through elementary-aged children, often involving family members as active participants.

Molly Vass Lehman 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 2012.

Vass Lehman earned three degrees from West Virginia University, completing her bachelor’s degree in 1974, her master’s degree in 1976, and her doctor of education in 1978. She went on to a nationally recognized career in counselor education and holistic health. She served for more than 20 years on the faculty of Western Michigan University, where she directed the Holistic Health and Contemplative Well-Being Program. In addition to her academic leadership, she maintained a private psychotherapy practice for over 30 years, specializing in psychospiritual counseling.

George Nedeff 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012.

A native of Parkersburg, W.Va., Nedeff was a state champion wrestler and All-State football player at Parkersburg High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1963 and a master’s degree in secondary education in 1965. As a student-athlete, he was captain of the wrestling team and a football letterman.

Franklin Parker was inducted into the inaugural 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 2012.

Parker served as the Benedum Professor of Education at West Virginia University from 1968 until his retirement in 1986. An esteemed scholar in the history and philosophy of education, as well as comparative and international education, he was known for his prolific writing, distinguished teaching career, and global engagement in educational research and collaboration.

Sam Pinion was inducted posthumously into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012.

A native of Wheeling, W.Va., Pinion was an all-state football player at Wheeling High School before attending West Virginia University, where he became a three-year letterman in football. Standing just 5-foot-5 and weighing 128 pounds, he is remembered as the smallest player in Mountaineer football history.

Alfred Purello was inducted posthumously into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012.

A native of Albany, N.Y., Purello was a standout three-sport athlete at Albany High School, earning nine varsity letters and All-City honors in football, basketball, and baseball. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1948 on a full athletic scholarship, turning down offers from several major colleges and professional baseball clubs. At WVU, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and played quarterback for the Mountaineer football team. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in health and physical education.

Leon Ryan 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2012.

A native of Newark, Delaware, Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1978, where he competed as a member of the Mountaineer swimming and diving team. He began his professional career at Marshall University as an assistant swimming and diving coach while earning a master’s degree in sports administration.

Diane Woodrum-Leuthold 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 2012.

Woodrum-Leuthold is a nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed West Virginia psychologist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and college students. She began her career as a special education teacher in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland before earning a doctoral degree and transitioning to higher education and psychological services. She spent more than two decades as a faculty member in Educational Psychology, Special Education, and Counseling at West Virginia University, where she chaired the Faculty Senate and Graduate Council and was a three-time recipient of the College’s Outstanding Teacher Award.