A newly established endowment will support the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The Sandra J. Elmore Academic Scholarship will provide scholarships for qualified students in the college.
The $25,000 endowment will offer aid for CPASS students who have financial need, with first preference for students majoring in either athletic coaching education or sport management, or who are residents of Roane County.
“I know what it’s like to struggle financially and try to pay for college,” Elmore said. “I worked my way through college and what I couldn’t pay, I borrowed. This scholarship may provide a pathway for young men and women to pursue their hopes and dreams without having to borrow money, or at least not as much money.”
Elmore graduated with her Ed.D. in physical education (1989) and her M.S. (1975) from WVU. She earned her B.S. in physical education (1973) from Glenville State.
“CPASS and WVU athletics were like a second home to me. Mentors such as Kittie Blakemore and Pat Fehl were always there to guide and support,” she continued. “I was an assistant coach to Kittie and I taught classes for Pat. Both expected excellence every day and both shaped my life, pointed me in the right direction and never lost faith in me. And, they continued to mentor me during the early stages of my career.”
The gift is a way for Elmore to recognize the University for her initial success and provide opportunities for future students.
“I am fortunate to be able to set this scholarship up. I couldn’t have accomplished all I have in my professional life without WVU; this is a way for me to say thank you and help our future students in CPASS,” she added.
“Sandra Elmore’s gift will offer excellent opportunities for students wanting to further their education and, at the same time, helping our most promising students, said Dana D. Brooks dean and professor of physical education. “As we expand our programs and learning experiences for students on their way to launching meaningful careers, donor support becomes increasingly important to the college. On behalf of the college, I want to thank Sandra for her ongoing generosity and leadership.”
In addition to having served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at WVU, Elmore was the first head women’s basketball coach at Potomac State College where she achieved a 73 percent win/loss record during a ten year period. She was also the first female athletic director of an NCAA Division II institution in the state of West Virginia that sponsored an intercollegiate football program which achieved a co-championship title in the former WVIAC.
Elmore is one of a handful of West Virginian sport figures who has been inducted into four Hall of Fames, including Potomac State College Athletic Hall of Fame, NCAA DII Region XX Athletic Hall of Fame, Glenville State College Athletic Hall of Fame and CPASS Hall of Fame. Elmore has served as chair of the department of sport studies at WVU Tech since 2000 where she currently oversees the WVU athletic coaching education and sport management programs.
The gift was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University which runs through December 2017.
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CONTACT: Kim Cameon, WVU CPASS
304.293.0827; kimberly.cameon@mail.wvu.edu
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