Michael A. Oliverio, Sr.

Michael A. Oliverio Sr. 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 2017.

Oliverio earned a bachelor’s degree in physical science and mathematics from Fairmont State University and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from West Virginia University. He completed additional post-graduate coursework at the University of Virginia, the College of St. Thomas in Minnesota, and George Washington University.

For more than two decades, Oliverio taught courses in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology at WVU. He also served more than 10 years as Monongalia County Clerk. A dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, Oliverio served as national president of both the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and the National Rehabilitation Association International Advocacy Group for Persons with Disabilities. In those roles, he helped develop the process for national certification of rehabilitation counselors and the accreditation of graduate vocational rehabilitation programs. He also consulted with President Jimmy Carter on the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Education and briefed President Gerald Ford on health agency efficiencies.

Oliverio’s service extended broadly into health, education, and community initiatives. He was vice chair of the National Board of the American Heart Association and a founder of the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown. He also played key roles in establishing the Kennedy Correctional Center, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, and several sheltered workshops and Goodwill stores in North Central West Virginia. In Star City, he designed and facilitated the creation of the “A Father’s Love” memorial honoring fathers and President John F. Kennedy.

His international service included receiving the International Award for Achievement and Humanity in Rome, initiating the sister-state relationship between West Virginia and Calabria, Italy, and leading the twinning of Clarksburg, W.Va., with San Giovanni in Fiori, Italy. He also established a student exchange program between the University of Calabria and Fairmont State University.

Oliverio received numerous awards for his work, including the National Nathan Hale Award for Patriotism and the F. Ray Power Award for International Administration. The Michael A. Oliverio Scholarship is named in his honor and supports graduate students in WVU's counseling program.

Oliverio passed away in 2014.