There isn’t much Wittenberg University graduate Avery Livingston won’t take on his plate.
As a psychology and neuroscience double major with a minor in data science, Livingston immersed himself in his studies and in campus life, from leadership in Student Senate to mentoring roles as a resident advisor and study abroad ambassador. He’s also been active in student organizations, including the Anime Club, American Sign Language Club, and Weaver Chapel Association.
His work has earned him recognition in many forms, including the prestigious Presidential Award, the Dave Maurer Scholarship, and the Tiger Up Award, plus multiple scholarships supporting his academic and service-focused pursuits. But for him, it’s not about the accolades. It’s about showing up.
Turning Intention Into Action
This past spring, Livingston’s calendar was packed with high-impact initiatives. He attended the 2025 Midwestern Psychological Association Conference, presented at Wittenberg’s Connections Symposium, and helped organize the university’s MLK Convocation with the PCDEI (President’s Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). He also managed logistics and safety for the campus-wide CROP Hunger Walk, a fundraising walk to provide meals to the local community while supporting other programs helping to alleviate food insecurity around the world.
According to him, none of this would have happened without a proactive mindset. “One of the biggest [skills] was proactivity because a lot of these achievements and programs would not have been open to me had I done nothing on campus,” he says. “Since freshman year, I’ve been searching for ways to get involved.”
That proactive spirit saw him balancing multiple leadership roles: serving on three executive boards, working as an RA, and representing student voices as the Cultural Diversity Senator.
He also points to adaptability as a key to managing large-scale projects. “During projects like the MLK Convocation, I had to work around errors. Like who was helping if someone couldn't make it, or how was the information going to be passed around? By having adaptability, I could gauge what the best course of action was and maneuver to the best of my ability to achieve the best outcome.”
Leveraging Opportunities for Growth
Livingston doesn’t have to look far when asked about someone who inspires him. “I’ll stick close to home and say my brother, Evan,” he shares. “He has a master’s degree in education and might go for a PhD, which is something I hope to do as well. He always drives me to do my best just by being in my corner when I need it.”
In the short term, Livingston plans to pursue a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, with hopes of entering the workforce afterward. But he’s keeping the door open for future academic paths. “If the opportunity is presented, I wouldn’t be opposed to doing a PhD right after my MA, but only if I feel ready,” he says.
He’s also building a foundation for future research. “I want to present at more psychological conferences, especially on a national level,” he says. That means spending the coming months preparing for the GRE and exploring post-baccalaureate programs, while continuing to build his already impressive resume.
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Goal-Focused with a Mindset to Learn
Through the NSLS, Livingston has deepened his leadership toolkit. “I’ve had the opportunity to engage with influential speakers and take part in practical workshops that focused on communication, goal-setting, and personal growth,” he says. “These experiences have helped me develop a clearer vision of my leadership style, but also gain the confidence to apply these skills in real-life situations, both academically and in extracurricular activities.”
There are many leadership styles, but they all begin with the intent to lead. By immersing himself in the NSLS Speaker Broadcasts for inspiration and the Foundations of Leadership program for actionable ways to improve, Livingston is on the path to becoming a well-rounded leader.
For him, leadership ultimately isn’t about titles—it’s about direction. “Leadership is being able to stand tall in a situation and leading people towards a committed and unified goal.”
Avery’s Advice for Future Leaders
Livingston believes one of the most important lessons for aspiring leaders is to think ahead. “Be proactive,” he reiterates. “There’s no other skill I think is more essential for a leader than looking towards the future and being able to see what could be done.”
He also emphasizes the importance of time management. “Time is finite, so we need to be careful about what we choose to spend it on. Proactivity helps you get recognition for your skills. Many leaders show up on time or in the moment, but not as many are early.”
And perhaps most importantly, he carries with him a piece of advice that shaped his own success: “Work for the future you see,” a line shared by his first-year seminar professor, Andy Graff. “It’s not the perfect future I envisioned during my first semester in college,” he admits, “but I am content with who I’ve become and the places I’ve been and will go from here.”
Being proactive is an essential skill to becoming a leader. Meet another NSLS member—and Rhodes scholarship finalist—who is forging her path with a take-charge attitude.
