For the second consecutive year, WVU has received the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for engagement and strength — honoring the University’s work as a Strengths-based campus and its deep commitment to building a thriving culture where performance and people matter.
The University will be recognized during a special awards event taking place today and Thursday (June 11-12) in Washington.
“Winning this global award recognizes a culture we’ve been intentionally building at WVU — where every student, faculty and staff member feels empowered to lead with their Strengths,” said Cate Schlobohm, WVU Purpose Center director.
“Our land-grant mission calls us to serve and advance our communities. By creating a Strengths-cased campus, we’re not only transforming individual lives at WVU, we’re preparing purpose-focused leaders who will carry this impact into the broader state and beyond. This recognition highlights the belief that when people know who they are, they’re more able to make an impactful difference.”
Since its launch in Fall 2022, the WVU Purpose Center has interacted with more than 61,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and K-12 community partners, and built partnerships with more than 140 departments. It also led more than 750 one-on-one coaching sessions and 950 group workshops and classroom visits. The result is an engaged, Strengths-based culture where people can feel empowered to become the best versions of themselves.
“The Purpose Center exemplifies our institutional commitment to student success through intentional, Strengths-based development,” Vice Provost Mark Gavin said. “Receiving global recognition from Gallup affirms the impact the Purpose Center is having on our students, faculty and broader community. It is also a testament to the dedication of Cate and Jessie Barclay’s efforts and breadth of their reach. What they have done in fairly short order to influence the campus culture is truly impressive.”
Gavin said campus leadership is incredibly proud of the accomplishment, thankful to the WVU community for embracing and living out their Strengths, and grateful for the team behind this important work.
“This recognition really is an incredible honor that reflects the core of our mission — helping everyone at WVU discover who they are, what they’re capable of and the impact they want to make on the world,” Schlobohm said.
“When we understand and apply our Strengths, we gain confidence, direction and a deeper sense of purpose. This recognition celebrates the team effort and thousands of meaningful conversations, breakthroughs and moments of growth that happen every day when we invest in ourselves as individuals.”