Mouhamed Sylla is officially on the move. After entering the transfer portal earlier this offseason, the former Georgia Tech center has committed to the West Virginia Mountaineers, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. It gives the program a major boost in the frontcourt.

Sylla arrived with the Yellow Jackets as a highly regarded four-star prospect in the Class of 2025, and he wasted little time making an impact during his freshman campaign. In 16 games, the Senegal native averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest, emerging as one of the team’s most productive players despite limited availability.

He scored in double figures in 10 of those 16 appearances and finished the season as Georgia Tech’s fifth-leading scorer, second-leading rebounder and top shot blocker. However, his momentum was cut short by an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final 12 games of the year.

Even so, Sylla’s production and upside made him one of the more intriguing big men in the portal. His departure came amid significant changes in Atlanta. 

Georgia Tech parted ways with head coach Damon Stoudamire after three seasons, following a 42-55 overall record and no NCAA Tournament appearances. In response, the program turned to Scott Cross, who arrived after a successful run at Troy that included multiple NCAA Tournament berths: “We will build a culture defined by discipline, toughness and accountability,” Cross said upon taking the job.

Alas, Sylla won’t be part of that rebuild. Instead, he heads to West Virginia, where his physical tools and defensive presence should translate immediately. 

At 6-foot-10, Sylla brings length, rebounding ability and rim protection, all traits that are highly valued in the modern college game. His motor and ability to impact the game on both ends make him a potential difference-maker in the paint.

For West Virginia, landing Sylla is a significant addition as the program continues to reshape its roster through the portal. His ability to anchor the interior defensively while contributing offensively as a finisher around the rim gives the Mountaineers a versatile option in the frontcourt.

There’s also clear room for growth. With more experience and a full, healthy season, Sylla has the potential to evolve into one of the more productive big men in his new conference.

In today’s transfer portal era, roster movement is constant, but impact additions still stand out. For West Virginia, this is one of them. And for Sylla, it’s a fresh opportunity to build on a promising start and take his game to the next level.

— On3’s Daniel Hager contributed to this article.

Dr. Abbey Zink, a West Virginia native with nearly 15 years of senior academic leadership experience, will join Fairmont State University as Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs on April 13, according to a press release from Fairmont State University.

“Abbey Zink brings a combination of strategic academic leadership and commitment to faculty development to Fairmont State,” President Mike Davis said. “Her experience guiding institutions through both growth and transition, along with her collaborative and faculty-centered approach, will fuel Fairmont State’s academic excellence. As a West Virginia native, she also buys into the University’s vision and understands our region’s potential. We are excited to welcome Abbey home, where she will help advance Fairmont State as a Great Place to Learn.”

Zink most recently served as Provost at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She also served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sam Houston State University in Texas.

Her background spans academic planning, library oversight, accreditation, research and graduate education, faculty evaluation and tenure, and shared governance.

Dr. Tim Oxley, who currently serves as both Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Business and Aviation, is assisting with the transition before his planned retirement in June.

“Dr. Zink’s extensive experience, much of it centered on providing conditions supporting faculty success, will be a great resource for the University,” Provost Dr. Allen Bedford said. “I am grateful that Dr. Zink is joining our academic leadership team. Her skills, values, and dedication will strengthen our support for faculty members, chairs, and deans. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional dedicate herself to advancing Fairmont State’s critical work in uplifting people and opportunities in north-central West Virginia.”

Zink has emphasized a faculty-centered approach built on transparency, consistency, collaborative decision-making and workload equity.

Each year, at the direction of the Office of the Provost, the Academic Advising Council selects honorees for the Nicholas Evans Awards for Advising Excellence in recognition of outstanding advising and mentoring provided by faculty and professional advisers at WVU.

The awards are in honor of Nicholas Evans, a lifelong proponent and exemplar of undergraduate advising at WVU.

The 2026 recipients of the Nicholas Evans Faculty Advising Excellence Award include:

Carolyn Kitchens, teaching associate professor, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry and Department of Biology

Kitchens’ advising style is student-centered, compassionate and intentional, rooted in the belief that advising is one of the most important forms of teaching because it helps students make informed decisions, develop realistic plans and adapt when circumstances change. She approaches each advising interaction with warmth, active listening and reassurance, while also providing the structure and guidance students need to make the path ahead feel clear and manageable. Her advising encourages students to see uncertainty and setbacks not as signs of failure, but as natural parts of growth, and she works to help each student build confidence, take ownership of their decisions and move forward in a way that aligns with their goals, values and strengths.

Mikel “Micky” Holcomb, associate professor, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy

Holcomb’s commitment to developmental advising is at the core of her accolades. She directly supports student success by offering advisees individualized pathways and differentiated plans of study to meet them where they are and help transform their “anxiety into agency.” She strives to identify common setbacks for students and to address them early and effectively. Her student-centered approach to advising and mentorship has impacted numerous students’ academic trajectories and personal confidence.

The 2026 recipient of the Nicholas Evans Primary Role Advising Excellence Award is:

Aaron Hawley, program coordinator for the Multidisciplinary Media Studies major and academic adviser in the College of Creative Arts and Media

Hawley’s caring and knowledgeable approach helps students achieve their goals and graduate equipped with life skills and knowledge for the path ahead. He often serves as a student advocate in such spaces as faculty meetings and curriculum discussions. Hawley’s efforts have helped to reverse enrollment declines and achieved notable growth across multiple programs due to his data-informed advising and intentional outreach. His consistent availability and demonstrable student success outcomes make him an outstanding representative of advising excellence.

The 2026 recipients of the Nicholas Evans Primary Role Advising Excellence — New Adviser Award are:

Sarah Deem, senior academic adviser in the School of Medicine

Deem said she feels that her role as an advisor is to guide students as they grow and develop, not only academically, but personally as well. She is also committed to supporting new advisers across campus through her leadership role within the WVU Academic Advising Council as co-chair of the New Adviser Network. Her foundation of WVU knowledge, culture and pride allows students to relate to her as she has “been in their shoes.”

Allegra Dishner, student success adviser at WVU Institute of Technology

Dishner exhibits an obvious student-centered approach and a passion for helping students. She has created workshops designed to support students through common challenges and enhance student success outcomes. Her ability to connect students with resources to ensure victories both in and out of the classroom has contributed to increased retention at the institution. Dishner consistently goes above and beyond her advising duties to enhance students’ self-worth that will have a lifelong impact on students.

All five Nicholas Evans award recipients will be awarded $1,250 for professional development.

The awardees will be recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception at Blaney House in April.