David Riggle, a special education teacher at Tyler Consolidated Middle School, has been presented with a 2024 WVU Honorary Doctorate. He received the award during the December graduation ceremony at West Virginia University. The honorary doctorate was established three years ago when WVU President Gordon Gee approached WVEA President Dale Lee with the idea of recognizing great educators in the state. “Honoring a teacher each year as part of our December commencement is an impactful way to show appreciation for their service not only to students, but to our greater communities. The individuals we have recognized are outstanding West Virginia educators with a passion for helping all students reach their full potential in and out of their classrooms,” said WVU President Gordon Gee.
David, who has also taught in Wetzel County, was nominated by Marcus Winters, a colleague at Tyler Consolidated Middle School. In the nomination, David was recognized for his distinguished record of community outreach exemplified by his two decades of dedicated volunteer service with the Marshall County Special Olympics and the West Virginia Special Olympics. His commitment to empowering individuals with special needs is evidenced by his active role as a coach in multiple events, where he not only teaches essential athletic skills but also fosters teamwork, friendship, and personal growth among the athletes.
“Mr. Riggle’s leadership extends beyond coaching, as he plays a crucial role in organizing local and state-level events, ensuring that each athlete receives a supportive and well-coordinated experience. His organizational skills have contributed to the successful host of numerous competitions, drawing in participants, volunteers, and families alike, thereby enhancing community engagement and fostering a spirit of inclusion. His unwavering passion and dedication have not only transformed the lives of countless athletes but have also strengthened the community’s commitment to inclusivity and support for those with special needs,” wrote Marcus.
He further wrote, “Mr. Riggle has demonstrated exceptional service in support of students throughout his extensive career in education, spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels. His versatility as an educator is evident in his willingness to teach almost every subject across all grade levels, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to student learning.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, David assumed the role of athletic director at a time when the schools were critically short-staffed. This dual commitment not only highlights his leadership skills but also reflects his belief in the importance of holistic student development supporting academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
David and his wife Heather, also an educator who teaches third and fifth grade, attended the honoree dinner at the WVU President’s home on Friday night as well as fellow Honorary Doctorate Hoppy Kercheval. At this dinner, WVEA President Dale Lee presented a check for $1,000 to David from the WVEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education. The following morning, each honoree was awarded their doctorate and addressed the graduating students.
“I am incredibly humbled because I’ve worked with so many incredible teachers that I believe are far more deserving. I am honored to accept this on behalf of public educators in West Virginia. It was a fantastic experience. I am thankful for WVEA and WVU President Gee for this opportunity. I’m blessed to be able to work at such a fantastic school. I’m honored to work with the great teachers at Tyler Consolidated and I’m inspired by them to be better today than I was yesterday,” said Riggle.