Skip to main content

SHARING LESSONS FROM THE HEART

The Student Athletes Speak Out (SASO) program, created by Carolyn Atkins, allows athletes at WVU to share their personal stories of motivation and inspiration to connect with the local community.

View Latest Vignette
character

Character. Own It.

WVU's student athletes speak out about the importance of good character. Watch Video

bullying

Bullying is NEVER okay!

WVU's student athletes speak out - and stand up - against bullying. Watch Video

consequences

Bullying Consequences

Attorney Kim Croyle discusses the legal consequences of bullying. Watch Video

Living Life the West Virginia Way

An animated look at Atkins' children's book.

Carolyn Peluso Atkins and former WVU men's basketball standout Nathan Adrian tell the story of "Living Life the West Virginia Way" in this animated version of Atkins’ book encompassing three distinct themes.

In addition to learning about (1) the Wild and Wonderful state, children are acquainted with (2) the idea of attending college through descriptions of logos, mascots, and traditions of both West Virginia University and Marshall University. Finally, (3) children are instilled with the importance of demonstrating ten traits of good character. 

What people are saying...

"...speaking in front of a large group can be very challenging, but when you conquer your fear, it can get you farther in life." 

All Comments

Dr. Carolyn Atkins

CASE Professor of the Year

atkins books

Dr. Carolyn Peluso Atkins is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at West Virginia University. She received all of her degrees—a bachelor’s and master’s in rhetoric and public address, a master’s in speech-language pathology, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction—from WVU. She also holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The recipient of numerous teaching awards, Dr. Atkins was the 2005 West Virginia CASE Professor of the Year. This national teaching award, sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, is based on dedication to teaching, commitment to students, and innovative instructional methods.

View Full Bio