Project 168 is WVU’s innovative program that adds purpose and value to students’ outside-the-classroom experiences and brings the University’s core values to life. A recognition ceremony was held at Blaney House on April 26, 2022. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger)
Four West Virginia University students who recognize that extracurricular activities are critical to their success are among the first cohort of the 168 Society, after completing Project 168, the University’s innovative program that adds purpose and value to students’ outside-the-classroom experiences and brings the University’s core values to life.
“One of the best aspects of this program is the way our students are guided by volunteer staff and faculty who provide feedback as students create their own path to completion,” said Matthew Richardson, director of Project 168.
“Most importantly, students who complete the curriculum receive a co-curricular transcript that they can use for graduate or professional school applications and potential employers,” Richardson said.
The students, who were honored in a ceremony April 26, come from a variety of disciplines, including biology, advertising and public relations, political science, philosophy and communication studies. These students include Paige McElroy, Colton Nichols, Brandon Neiswonger and Amaya Jernigan.
McElroy, an advertising and public relations major creates Instagram content for WVU Athletics, gives tours on campus, is a member of the Iota Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta and serves as the Vice President of Communications for WVU Panhellenic Association.
“To me, being involved on campus is about so much more than building your resume,” McElroy said. “It means making connections with people from all different backgrounds, trying things that might make me a little uncomfortable and growing as an individual.”
Nichols is studying political science and communication studies and is involved with Student Government Association, Diversity Ambassadors, Mountaineer Maniacs Executive Board, Un-PAC WVU and WVU Tour Guides.
“For me, college has been about putting myself out there in ways that I had never planned,” Nichols said. “And because of that, the opportunities I have had are beyond what I ever thought before I arrived at WVU.”
Neiswonger is a double-major in philosophy and political science and is heavily involved with supporting WVU athletics. He is the associate director of the Mountaineer Maniacs and has only missed two home football games since 2003.
“As a Philosophy and Political Science double-major, you would expect me to spend all my time with my nose nestled in old books (I do sometimes),” Neiswonger said. “While I love my reading time, I love spending even more time in The Coliseum and Milan Puskar Stadium.”
Jernigan, a biology major, is the student body immediate past president. In addition to SGA she is also involved in WVU’s NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., RISE WVU and Minorities Aspiring in Health Professions.
“Being involved on campus made me realize that I was to become a student advocate. I know that this would have never been possible without me attending activities and being active member in organizations on campus,” Jernigan said. “At this University, I have been able to be a part of long-term changes that will benefit students for years to come.”
Students may enroll in Project 168 at any time. The next induction ceremony for the 168 Society is planned for December.
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