Earlier this month, Beth Nardella, an associate professor and faculty adviser for the Division of Exercise Physiology in the School of Medicine, was recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators for her work in creating and promoting student learning experiences in an international context.
Nardella, who also serves as the Division’s director of global education and service learning, was honored with the NASPA Student Mobility Programming award as part of their annual International Education Knowledge Community Best Practices in Higher Education awards.
Since joining the School of Medicine faculty in 2005, Nardella has been promoting and supporting global education and outreach opportunities at WVU. In her current role, she has developed a number of unique opportunities and resources designed specifically for School of Medicine students.
“It is often difficult for students in STEM-related programs like exercise physiology to go on study abroad trips because of their very full academic schedules,” said Randy Bryner, chair of the Division of Exercise Physiology. “Dr. Nardella has worked tirelessly to develop and schedule obtainable service-learning projects for our students both around the world and across West Virginia.”
Nardella led her first study abroad group to Jamaica in 2011 and has continued to expand the opportunities available through spring break programs, short-term summer programs and semester abroad programs in Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and The Netherlands, among others.
In her global health class, students participate in a virtual exchange project with students at Hanze University in the Netherlands. Nardella has also developed service trips to communities across West Virginia that immerse students in the disparities that exist in rural health care.
She has created these opportunities for those who face financial challenges or are unable to travel outside the United States to gain international exposure and experiences outside of their comfort zone.
“I am always assessing the characteristics, needs and experiences of our emerging student populations,” Nardella said. “Creating opportunities for them to get outside their comfort zones is critical for students planning to pursue careers in the health professions. These experiences are transformative for students – increasing their cultural awareness and making them better health care providers.”
Nardella’s dynamic approach to advising helps students foster a sense of purpose and encourages engagement and accountability so they can reach their full potential at WVU – both inside and outside of the classroom.
”Professor Nardella’s recognition highlights the critical work of our academic advisers to help students set and reach goals, explore new opportunities and connect with resources, services and mentorship opportunities available to them,” said Director of University Advising Joy Carr. “Those services are pivotal in the student journey.”
Nardella will be acknowledged during an awards ceremony at NASPA International Symposium in March 2025 in New Orleans.
NASPA is an organization for student affairs professionals dedicated to fulfilling the needs of students through integrity, innovation, inclusion and inquiry.