John Gay

John Gay 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 2017.

A native of New York, Gay earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and a doctorate in health sciences and education from West Virginia University in 1974. He later completed additional graduate studies at San Diego State University and a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Before his graduate studies, Gay served as a United States Navy aviator.

He served as an assistant professor at Towson University, an associate professor at Louisiana State University, a professor and chair of the Health and Exercise Sciences department at Central Michigan University, and dean of the University of Scranton. He then moved abroad and was a professor and dean of Professional Studies at the University of Newcastle in Australia and a professor and chair of the Health Sciences department at the University of South Australia. As a scholar, Gay authored books and articles that advanced health sciences and education.

His teaching excellence was recognized with multiple honors, including the Mortar Board Outstanding Teacher Award at WVU, Top 10 Faculty designation at Towson University, the Outstanding Teacher Award at Central Michigan University, and the Centennial Award at the University of Scranton.

In recognition of the opportunities he received at WVU, Gay and his wife, Kacey, established the Dr. John and Kacey Gay Endowment to support faculty research, professional development, technology enhancements, and student research opportunities.