Faculty and Staff

Courtney Shimek leads a classroom discussion on literature circles while students collaborate in small groups.

Shimek advances literacy education through play and teacher preparation

Thursday, February 12, 2026

In classrooms where instruction is increasingly structured, Courtney Shimek’s work makes a case for the value of play, conversation, and curiosity in how young children develop literacy. Shimek, the 2024-25 CAHS Research of the Year, studies early childhood literacy and teacher preparation that focuses on how children develop understanding through authentic classroom experiences and how teachers can be prepared to support that process. Through her research and teaching, she encourages educators to remain flexible and reflective as they respond to how students engage with language in the classroom.

Sam Zizzi smiles outside of the Applied Human Sciences Building. He is wearing a tie and glasses and the WVU Rec Center is in the background on a sunny day.

From WVU eNews: Zizzi among 5 finalists for 2025 West Virginia Professor of the Year

Friday, January 30, 2026

Sam Zizzi, Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the School of Sport Sciences in the College of Applied Human Sciences, is among five finalists for the 2025 Professor of the Year award from the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia.

Bulger, Rexroad earn Outstanding Mountaineer Awards

Friday, January 23, 2026

Sean Bulger and Liz Rexroad from CAHS were among the 10 exceptional employees recognized at the inaugural Outstanding Mountaineer Awards.

From WVU Today: Zizzi explains science behind sticking to resolutions

Monday, January 05, 2026

What began as a temporary stop at West Virginia University turned into a 25-year career for Sam Zizzi, now the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences. A reknowned expert in sport, exercise and performance psychology, Zizzi studies why motivation fades, how mindfulness reshapes performance, and what helps people sustain healthier habits in real life. Read more about how Zizzi’s research, teaching and service continue to impact performance and well-being.

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