Sam Zizzi, Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor in the School of Sport Sciences in the College of Applied Human Sciences, and Peggy Fink, associate professor of nursing at WVU Institute of Technology, are among five finalists for the 2025 Professor of the Year award from the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia.
Each year, the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia honors an outstanding faculty member from a West Virginia college or university.
Zizzi teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in sport, exercise, and performance psychology and is recognized for his dedication in advising and mentoring students.
Additionally, he was named the College of Applied Human Sciences Outstanding Teacher in 2024 and is an active participant in professional activities and groups as well as maintaining an active research portfolio.
Fink, who serves as the director of the WVU Tech Student Health Clinic, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from WVU Tech, and a master’s degree in the family nurse practitioner specialty track and doctoral degree in nursing from WVU.
Her teaching and research interests include women’s health and palliative care.
Other finalists include Rico M. Gazal, professor of forestry at Glenville State University, Rebecca J. Giorcelli, professor of information systems management at Fairmont State University and Barbara Ladner, professor of English at West Virginia State University.
The 2025 Professor of the Year will be announced during a banquet April 9 at the West Virginia State Capitol Culture Center, Great Hall.
The winner will receive a $10,000 cash award, while the other finalists will be presented with smaller awards.
The Faculty Merit Foundation was created in 1984 to provide a means to recognize and reward innovation and creativity among the faculties of West Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities.
The Professor of the Year award is sponsored by individual donors, United Bank, Bowles Rice LLP, Greene, Ketchum, Bailey and Tweel LLP, the Maier Foundation and the Daywood Foundation.