WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., October 16, 2024 – West Liberty University’s College of Education and Human Performance professor Kathleen Wack was honored by the West Virginia Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPEWV) with a state award for mentorship.

The award is given for demonstrated excellence while serving as a mentor to Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance professionals, students or others in the fields that promote healthy lifestyles.

Wack has received national recognition for her work in service and research when named the National Healthy School Hero from the Action for Healthy Kids organization. The Active Eagles program that Wack organized led in part to WLU achieving the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll national designation.

A member of the WLU’s faculty since 2011, Wack also received commendations for her volunteerism from the governors of both West Virginia and Maryland; the mayor and City Council of Wheeling; and five community organizations. She received the Scholar Award from SHAPE-WV for delivering more than 100 national, state, district, university, and school-level presentations. She is particularly proud of spearheading a campaign over the last five years to build a $225,000 inclusive playground for the school and community at Woodsdale Elementary School.

About WLU’s College of Education and Human Performance

Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837, the preparation of teachers was WLU’s original purpose. It was chartered as the West Liberty Normal School in 1870, was renamed West Liberty State Teachers College in 1931, and was accredited in 1937 by the American Association of Teachers Colleges.

As the institution grew, it became West Liberty State College and in 2009, it earned university status. This was the same year WLU’s first master’s degree program began, in education. The College of Education and Human Performance remains a regional leader in providing an affordable education for professional educators.