RE-PATH West Virginia has announced its first grant funding — $20,525 — from Hope in the Hills, affiliated with Healing Appalachia in Huntington, W.Va., according to a press release from RE-PATH West Virginia.

Jay Phillips of Seed Sower, Inc., in Beckley, co-chair of RE-PATH, and co-chair Rachel Thaxton announced the launch of RE-PATH (Recovery Empowerment through Policy, Advocacy, Transformation, and Hope) on February 5 at a reception hosted by the WV Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals leading into the WV Legislature’s Recovery Advocacy Day on February 6.

“Hope in the Hills does incredible work and its gesture of monetary support of RE-PATH is both gratifying and meaningful,” Phillips said.

“Foundational funding of RE-PATH’s statewide advocacy, collaboration and best practices in substance use recovery and services is essential, and this inaugural grant will send many positive signals that we are building something special for West Virginia,” Thaxton said.

Hope in the Hills is the non-profit that produces the Healing Appalachia music festival. Its mission is to produce events that help connect and grow communities of recovery and healing in Appalachia, raising funds and awareness to combat opioid addiction through programs from youth prevention, healthy lifestyles and wellness to recovery houses and recovery to work.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support RE-PATH as they build something impactful that’s truly community-driven across West Virginia,” said Logan Terry, executive director of Hope in the Hills. “At the core, this work is about giving people in recovery and their families a voice, reducing stigma, and creating real pathways to long-term recovery. We believe the most meaningful change happens when it’s led by people with passion and lived experience, and RE-PATH is doing exactly that. We’re grateful to be a small part of helping bring this vision to life.”

For more information, visit RE-PATH WV on Facebook.

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.