The First-Year Seminar Advisory Council, at the direction of the Office of the Provost, has named WenJuan (Helen) Mo as the recipient of the 2026 First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year Award.
A graduate teaching assistant for the Fundamentals of Engineering program for first-year students at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Mo WenJuan is being honored for her demonstrated excellence in teaching, commitment to student success and innovation in course design.
She is also a doctoral student in the Educational Theory and Practice program in the College of Applied Human Sciences.
Mo WenJuan’s interactive approach to teaching helps students feel engaged, respected and empowered to think critically, build confidence and dive deeply into their academic journey.
She is passionate about fostering persistence and belonging and incorporates innovative experiential learning design along with evidence based interventions to ensure her students have the tools they need to succeed. Students describe her class as fun, motivating, informative, thought-provoking and well constructed. Her dedication to intentional course design and her one-on-one attention to students have made a significant and lasting impact.
She will be awarded $1,250 for professional development and recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception at Blaney House in April.
Nominations were collected from students, faculty and staff across the WVU System.
Learn more about the First-Year Seminar Instructor of the Year Award.