Outstanding Alumni

Beverly Bieniek was recognized as an Outstanding Alumna by the College of Education and Human Services in 2005.

Bieniek has worked as a special education teacher and consultant in public schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as for the Kentucky Department of Education. She later served as Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services for the Laurel Highlands School District in Uniontown, Pa.

Judith “Judy” Prozzillo Byers was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna by the College of Human Resources and Education in 2006.

Byers earned her master’s degree in English and education from West Virginia University in 1972 and her doctorate in English education in 1982. She completed post-graduate work at the International Folklore Institute at Indiana University and conducted educational fieldwork in British schools. A 1969 graduate of Fairmont State with a bachelor’s degree in English and social studies education, she spent much of her career elevating West Virginia’s cultural heritage through education, scholarship, and storytelling.

Ansley Bacon was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna by the West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services in 2010.

Bacon earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1973 and a master’s degree in psychology in 1974 from Western Michigan University, and a doctorate in educational psychology from West Virginia University in 1977.

Kristen Casto was inducted into the inaugural 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 and named the College’s Distinguished Alumna in 2015.

Casto earned a Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and audiology from West Virginia University in 1991. That same year, she was recognized as the College’s Outstanding Graduate and William G. Monahan Award recipient. She also received a U.S. Army commission through WVU’s Reserve Officer Training Corps with Distinguished Military Graduate honors and was granted an educational delay to pursue graduate studies. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in audiology from WVU in 1993 and later received a clinical Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from Central Michigan University.

General Earl Edward Anderson was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame (1988) and was recognized as the CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 1994.

A native of Morgantown, Anderson was born on June 24, 1919, and graduated from Morgantown High School. He enrolled at West Virginia University in the fall of 1936 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1940. While at WVU, he was a top cadet officer in the ROTC program and served as captain of the varsity baseball team. He was also a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Mountain Honorary.

Willie D. Akers Jr. was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 1991.

A native of Mullens, W.Va., Akers was a two-time all-state selection at Mullens High School and helped lead his team to the Class AAA state title in 1955. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1956 alongside fellow standout Jerry West, with whom he would form one of the most highly regarded duos in state high school basketball history.

Gale Catlett was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1992 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 1999.

Catlett, born in 1940 in Hedgesville, W.Va., was one of the most influential figures in WVU men’s basketball history as both a player and coach. As a student-athlete from 1959-63, he helped lead the Mountaineers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Southern Conference titles, and a combined 73-18 record. 

Horace E. Belmear Jr. 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2002.

A native of Bardstown, Ky., Belmear graduated from Central High School in 1936 and earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia State College in 1940. He later returned to West Virginia University, where he earned a master’s degree in physical education in 1952.

Margaret M. Bahnsen 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 1998 and was named the College’s Outstanding Alumna in 2006.

A native of New Manchester, W.Va., Bahnsen graduated from WVU in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation from the School of Physical Education. She later earned a master’s degree in psychology counseling from Old Dominion University before launching a distinguished military career.

David A. Dzewaltowski 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 2009 and was recognized as the College’s Outstanding Alumnus in 2018.

Dzewaltowski earned a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University in 1985 and a doctorate in the psychology of exercise and sport from the University of Iowa in 1987.

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, the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2010, and was recognized as the CPASS 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.

Patrick Hartwick was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Education and Human Services in 2010.

Hartwick earned a doctoral degree in special education from West Virginia University in 1987. He later served as dean of the Donald E. and Helen L. Ross College of Education at Lynn University (2007–2010). His prior appointments included dean of the School of Education at Southern New Hampshire University and 12 years at Daemen College as associate professor, principal investigator and administrator for federal and state grants, department chair for education, and director of special programs. Earlier in his career, he taught in K–12 classrooms for more than a decade.

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.

Mary Marockie 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 2017 and was named the College’s Distinguished Alumna that same year.

A Charleston, W.Va., native, Marockie earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from the University of Charleston, followed by a master’s degree in elementary education and psychology and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in reading and psychology from West Virginia University. She also completed additional graduate coursework at Ohio University and the University of Michigan.

Marino C. Alvarez 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 2019 and was recognized as the College’s Distinguished Alumnus that same year.

Alvarez earned an associate degree from the Junior College of Albany, a bachelor’s degree in history and teacher education from Fort Lewis College, and both a master’s degree in reading and a doctorate in reading and special education from West Virginia University. He served in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard from 1961 to 1967, receiving an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant.

Brandon Hall was named the College of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumnus in 2009.

Hall earned a Doctor of Education in educational psychology from West Virginia University in 1977.

Pamela Balch was inducted into the inaugural 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 2014 and was named the College’s Distinguished Alumna that same year.

After earning her bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Balch earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from West Virginia University and completed postdoctoral work through two Harvard University programs. She began her career in teacher education at WVWC and later held senior academic leadership positions across public and private institutions, including Associate Dean at San Diego State University’s Imperial Valley Campus, Vice Provost for Academic Planning at California State University, Chico, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bethany College.

William A. Bonsall was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and later recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2009.

Born in Philadelphia in 1923, Bonsall developed his passion for gymnastics while attending Bartram High School, where he competed on the school’s first gymnastics team in 1939. He enrolled at Penn State University in 1942 and was a member of the Nittany Lions’ NCAA championship gymnastics team that year before leaving to serve in World War II.

Robert L. DeProspero was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 1992.

A native of Morgantown, W.Va., DeProspero graduated from Morgantown High School and earned both a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University. After completing his military service in the U.S. Air Force, he began his career as a teacher and coach in Virginia before joining the U.S. Secret Service in 1965.

Jack Front 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1994 and named the CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 2004.

A 1956 graduate of West Virginia University with a degree in physical education, Front went on to earn his physical therapy certification from the University of Buffalo and an MBA from Michigan State University. He practiced physical therapy throughout the country in a variety of roles, including Chief Physical Therapist at WVU Hospitals, regional administrator for Associate Healthfocus in Florida, private practice owner in Michigan, and director of hospitals and clinics for a national rehabilitation corporation.

Stephen L. Douglas was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame (1999) and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2012.

A native of Clarksburg, W.Va., Douglas was born on Oct. 6, 1952, and graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from West Virginia University in 1974 and a Master of Science degree in physical education in 1979.

Bob Huggins 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2000 and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2011.

A native of Morgantown, W.Va., Huggins was born on Sept. 21, 1953, and grew up in Port Washington, Ohio. He began his collegiate basketball career at Ohio University before transferring to West Virginia University, where he played point guard and scored 800 career points over three seasons. He graduated magna cum laude from WVU in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and later earned a Master of Arts degree in 1978.

J. William “Bill” Douglas 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2001 and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2005.

A native of Morgantown, W.Va., Douglas was born on Jan. 9, 1939. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and biology and a Master of Science degree in health and safety education from West Virginia University, both in 1962. He completed a Ph.D. in physical education and higher education administration at The Ohio State University in 1969. While at WVU, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa and the varsity baseball team.

Dolores “Dee” Jamison Ware was inducted into the inaugural 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 2003 and named Outstanding Alumna in 2010.

Judith Hayes 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 2009 and was recognized as the College’s Outstanding Alumna in 2014.

Hayes earned Bachelor of Science (1982) and Master of Science (1983) degrees in exercise physiology from West Virginia University. She later completed a Master of Public Health in occupational health/aerospace medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University. She also completed study at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in epidemiology/international health care.

Paul Grace 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 2010 and was named the CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 2019.

Grace earned bachelor’s (1973) and master’s (1974) degrees in physical education from West Virginia University.

Dr. Catherine Perry Cotten 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 and named the College's Distinguished Alumna in 2016.

Cotten earned her B.A. in mathematics and M.A. in curriculum and instruction from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Southern Mississippi, with emphasis areas in mathematics and educational research. She also completed graduate coursework in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Kereazis “Kiki” Konstantinos was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 1990.

A native of Yorkville, Ohio, Konstantinos was born on June 22, 1928. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing a two-year enlistment, he enrolled at West Virginia University in 1948 to play football for Coach Dud DeGroot and to pursue a degree in health and physical education. A standout both academically and athletically, Konstantinos earned his bachelor’s degree in 1952.

Alfred F. Ware was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame (1999) and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2003.

A native of Rupert, W.Va., Ware was born on May 1, 1927. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1950 and a master’s degree in speech and communications in 1952. While at WVU, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta, served as Cadet Colonel of Army ROTC, captained the men’s varsity debate team, and earned varsity letters in cross country and track.

John Mallory 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2004 and was named the College’s Outstanding Alumnus in 2008.

A native of Summit, N.J., Mallory received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1968. As a student-athlete, he was a standout defensive back and special teams player, leading the Mountaineers in punt returns from 1965-67. He ranked 11th nationally in punt return yardage as a sophomore and was named WVU’s Most Valuable Player in 1967. A two-time All-Southern Conference selection and Honorable Mention All-American, Mallory also lettered in track.

Jerry West was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously recognized as the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Outstanding Alumnus in 2006.

West earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1960. A native of Chelyan, W.Va., he was a standout student-athlete at WVU, earning consensus All-America honors and led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year and led all players in both scoring and rebounding throughout the tournament. During his collegiate career, he averaged 24.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game and led the nation in both categories during his junior season. He finished with 2,309 points and 1,240 rebounds, and at the time of his graduation held or shared 17 school records. In 1960, he served as co-captain for the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team. 

Elizabeth Majestic 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 2010 and was named the CPASS Outstanding Alumna in 2015.

Majestic earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University (1987) and master’s degrees in health promotion (1988) and public health (1989) from Indiana University. She completed the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Jean Irion was inducted into the inaugural 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 2014 and was named the College’s Outstanding Alumna in 2017.

Irion earned a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University in 1979 in physical education, general science education, and athletic training. She later completed a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and a Master of Education in physical education with a concentration in athletic training from Temple University, and a Doctor of Education in higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Victoria J. Risko was inducted into the inaugural 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 2018 and was named the College’s Distinguished Alumna that same year.

A native of Pennsylvania, Risko earned a bachelor’s degree in English and elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by both a master’s degree and a doctorate in reading and literacy education from West Virginia University.

Alfred N. Renzella was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Education and Human Services in 2004.

Renzella earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies and speech from West Liberty State College in 1964 and a Master of Arts degree in special education from West Virginia University in 1968. He also completed graduate degrees in gifted education and school psychology from Marshall University.

Steven L. Paine was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Education and Human Services in 2008.

Paine earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State College, a master’s degree in educational administration from West Virginia University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from WVU.

Charles “Chuck” Howley was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1989 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 2000.

Born on June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, W.Va., Howley grew up in Warwood and attended Warwood High School. A standout multi-sport athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball and earned first team all-state honors in football as well as recognition in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.

Gene Corum was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2001.

A native of Huntington, W.Va., Corum was born in 1921 and earned all-state honors in football at Huntington High School. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1940 and became a standout guard on the Mountaineer football team. His collegiate career was interrupted by 3-plus years of military service during World War II, but he returned to complete his eligibility and serve as team captain in 1947. That season, he blocked a punt that helped WVU defeat rival Pitt for the first time in 19 years. He was also an active student leader, involved in Mountain, Fi Batar Cappar, and Beta Theta Pi.

Ed Pastilong 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1996 and was named the college’s Outstanding Alumnus in 1998.

George J. Esper was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1988 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 1995.

Born in Uniontown, Pa., in 1932, Esper graduated from West Virginia University in 1953 with a degree in physical education. While at WVU, he managed the freshman football team, worked in the Sports Information Office, and began his journalism career writing for  The Daily Athenaeum. In his senior year, he also served as a sportswriter for the  Morning Herald in Uniontown.

Phillip B. Donley was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2013.

A native of the Northern Panhandle and a graduate of Follansbee High School, Donley came to West Virginia University in 1952 and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. After graduating in 1956, he pursued a degree in physical therapy.

John C. Spiker 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 Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993 and was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2007.

A native of Bruceton Mills, W.Va., Spiker earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1969. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972, followed by a certificate in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973.

Harriet Williams was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1989 and was named Outstanding Alumna the same year. 

Williams, a native of Clarksburg, W.Va., enrolled at West Virginia University in 1956 to study physical education and biology, graduating with honors in 1960. In 1968, she completed a Ph.D. in motor development at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Sam Huff was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1988 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 1997.

Frederick Schaus was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1988 and was named CPASS Outstanding Alumnus in 1993.

Born on June 30, 1925, in Newark, Ohio, Schaus played high school basketball in his hometown before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his service, he met former WVU basketball player Scotty Hamilton, who encouraged him to attend West Virginia University. From 1947 to 1949, Schaus became one of the University’s standout athletes. He was the first player in WVU history to score 1,000 career points and earned third team All-America honors in 1949. Known as “Fireball” for his on-court accomplishments, he also served as student body president during his time at the University.

Charles Peter Yost was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1988 and was the first recipient of its Outstanding Alumnus Award that same year.

Born in January 1922, Yost earned a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University in 1943 and a Master of Science degree in physical education in 1946. Known to friends and colleagues as “Pete,” he served on the WVU faculty for 33 years. During his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including professor, chair of the Department of Safety Studies, and dean.