Janice L. Forsty M.S.
Professor Emerita
Physical Education & Sport Studies
Hurl Education Center, Room 304
Physical Education & Sport Studies
Diversity is the best description of Jan Forsty’s professional and personal life. During her 40+ years in education, athletic, and leadership positions, she has demonstrated and lived the philosophy that diversity and inclusion is the strength of all learning, leading and growing.
She has earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees from Slippery Rock University and had earned additional credits toward an Ed.D. from West Virginia University, Forsty’s experience in the athletic world encompasses several the positions on an institution level.
In 1985, Forsty was named the first female college/university athletic director in the state of West Virginia. She has also been a head coach of softball, field hockey, soccer, volleyball and tennis at Bethany.
Academically as Chair, she has been involved with leading the redevelopment and assessment of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, through several new curriculum proposals. Forsty has also served on numerous college committee’s such as Curriculum, Faculty Retention, Tenure and Promotion (FRTP), and Women’s History Month.
Mentoring staff and over 40 advisees each year is one of the most important aspects of her job, as the development through her individual relationships has assisted her staff and student growth but also in her personal development.
Describe how you got interested in your field
Sport activities have always been a big part of my life. Early in my career, about 40+ years ago, women in sport activities was not a common event. Similarly, women in leadership position in athletics was unheard of.
I wanted to change that perception and opportunities for all women, especially for the newer generations.
Education
M.S., Slippery Rock University (1989)
B.S., Slippery Rock State College (1975)
30+ additional credits toward an Ed.D. at West Virginia University
Areas of Passion & Research
Women and sport, Diversity and sport, Leadership, Team building, Olympic Games, History (mostly of sport)
Personal Interests
Of course after 42+ years of coaching softball, my personal interests are with coaching and softball. In general, all women’s sports. I love gardening and working around the yard. And of course, traveling our beautiful country and visiting our National Parks in an RV.
Favorite Quote, Book, or Movie … Why?
Quote: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.” Eleanor Roosevelt. I admire her so much.
Movie: “A League of their Own” and “Bull Durham”
Fun Facts
767 collegiate softball wins. Plus numerous other victories as a field hockey, soccer, volleyball, and tennis coach.
Volunteer Work
- Member of the Board for Bethany Memorial Church
- Council member for the village of Bethany (W.Va.)