The West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will celebrate a new era and a new name during a special ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in Room 172 of the Coliseum.

Formerly the School of Physical Education, the college officially changed its name July 1 to reflect the schools diversity of academic disciplines.

We invite members of the University community to join us as we celebrate our expanded academic, research and service missions, Dean Dana Brooks said.We just celebrated our 75th anniversary as a college last year and look ahead to our next 75 years.

Featured speakers at the event will be Brooks; J. William Douglas, former dean and college historian; and R. Wayne King, president and chief executive officer of the WVU Foundation . There will also be a reception.

The new name more accurately reflects current academic programs and a new dual department structure established in fall 2007 with the creation of the Department of Coaching and Teaching Studies and the Department of Sport Sciences.

Jack Watson has been named chairman of the Department of Sport Sciences after serving as interim chairman during the 2007-08 academic year. Lynn Housner is serving as interim chairman of the Department of Coaching and Teaching Studies while the search for a permanent chairman continues.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences offers degrees in athletic coaching education, physical education teacher education, athletic training, sport and exercise psychology, and sport management. The college also offers a wide variety of physical education courses to the student body.

Both faculty and academic programs of the school have achieved state, regional and national recognition. The doctor of philosophy degree in kinesiology offered by the college is the only such program in West Virginia.