Emily Dent

Emily joined the Campus Recreation team as the Youth Programming Coordinator in 2024 after teaching in public, private, and charter schools for 12 years. Hailing from King George, Virginia, Emily received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Sweet Briar College. Working with children and families is her passion and sharing that passion with college students has turned into the most rewarding career change. 

Emily has multiple certifications within the world of education including Project Lead the Way Teacher, Positive Discipline, English as a Second Language Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Gifted Education Endorsement, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aide, Curriculum Development, and CPR Instructor.  She also has a large connection to the world of instructional and competitive swimming, including teaching infant to adult swim lessons, running the technical operations of competitions, coaching at the collegiate level, and competing in Division 3 athletics. 

The Youth Programming Coordinator develops and supervises all programs involving youth 6 weeks old to 17 years old at the WVU Rec Center.  As the Director of Mountaineer KidZone, Emily maintains the state daycare license and ensures all programming and staff follow Youth Protection guidelines. She supervises 40 plus student employees and works collaboratively with more than a dozen departments across WVU’s campus. 

Fun facts about Emily:

- Though she loves working with kids, her children all have 4 paws.

- She is an avid Geocacher and loves exploring new trails, historical sites, and terrain 5 ratings. She has found over 1,000 geocaches since 2019.

- Emily is a huge Swiftie.  Haters gonna hate.