A psychology and neuroscience double major pursuing a minor in data science, Avery Livingston, class of 2025, has taken advantage of almost everything during his Witt journey – from serving on Student Senate as the Cultural Diversity Senator to being a Study Abroad Ambassador and a resident advisor. He also joined numerous clubs on campus, including Anime, Weaver Chapel Association, American Sign Language Club, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
Additionally, he has volunteered with the Department of Theatre and Dance, taken on local internships through the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement, and earned numerous scholarships along the way. He will also be attending the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference 2025 in April.
All these experiences have helped shaped his future and provided him with the tools he needs to be successful after Wittenberg.
"I am currently trying to find a clear idea of what I want to pursue. I have narrowed the fields down to quantitative psychology, I-O psychology, or neuropsychology,” Livingston said. “When I first came to Wittenberg, I considered becoming a forensic psychologist or a mental health therapist. However, the opportunities I have had over the last three years have shaped my ideas and future aspirations.
“For example, my internship with the Hagen Center introduced me to the idea of working more closely and precisely with data on a daily basis. Additionally, my current internship at McKinley Hall involves working on a research program focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and supporting patients. Both experiences have been instrumental in helping me discover potential career paths. At the moment, I am researching graduate programs to pursue after Wittenberg."
Recipient of the Presidential Award, the Dave Maurer Scholarship, the Tiger Up Award, the Board of Directors Grant, a Study Abroad scholarship, and a Book Award, Livingston says he has achieved almost everything he set out to do since starting college.
“From my own experience, scholarships can make it more or less stressful for people,” he said. “My freshman year, I couldn't find the scholarships to cover everything, so I felt a little stressed during the year; however, now I feel as though I am in a better spot both financially and academically. For freshmen and sophomores, I encourage them to take advantage of the clubs, opportunities, and programs available to them while they're at Wittenberg. My Wittenberg experiences have opened my eyes to the amount of effort required to plan and manage multiple projects. It is not a simple task, and I am amazed by how some people can handle so much, maintain a strong GPA, and still feel comfortable with their workload.”
The Greer, South Carolina, native is also thankful that he was able to study abroad in Costa Rica during spring 2024 and stay in San Jose with his host mom while attending Veritas University.
“Going abroad was an exciting and eye-opening experience,” he said. “I arrived with only basic Spanish skills and no connections, but I quickly adapted, made great friends, and embraced everything Costa Rica had to offer. Whether I was traveling around the country, trying new foods, or trying (but failing spectacularly) to improve my Spanish, I learned how to be flexible and make the most of every opportunity. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my self-awareness and broadened my global perspective. If given the chance, I’d study abroad again without hesitation, as I am eager to continue exploring and learning.”
As a Cultural Diversity senator, Livingston stays connected with the community regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that are open to all and engages with organizations associated with the William McClain Center for Diversity.
“Some of these organizations include Concerned Black Students, Shades of Pearl, GSDA, MiGente, etc.,” he said. “I applied for this position partly because a former classmate and now recent alum encouraged me to do so during my freshman and sophomore years. Additionally, I wanted to address the rumors I had heard about the Black community and contribute to improving campus culture. Overall, this position has allowed me to help increase engagement with DEI projects on campus while encouraging people to become less ignorant and more appreciative of the value a diverse community offers. On the President's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PCDEI), I serve as the voice of the student body. My role involves discussing issues that need to be addressed, gathering input from my peers, and relaying that information to facilitate meaningful change.”
Through his various roles, he was also able to be a part of this year’s all-campus MLK Jr. Convocation featuring guest speaker Nic Stone.
“The MLK Convocation was a profound opportunity to reflect on the history that has shaped America and the journey toward equality and justice,” he said. “It is not necessarily an event marked by joy or sorrow but rather one of reverence—a time to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, regardless of whether one fully agrees with every aspect of his influence. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to pursue transformative change and the ongoing responsibility; we all share in fostering equity and understanding in our communities. For me, participating in this convocation was deeply meaningful. It was a chance to connect with the ideals Dr. King championed and to contribute, in my small way, to the continued dialogue about justice and unity.”
As a senior class donor, Livingston feels it is important to give back to the University.
"I chose to give back because I understand what it took for me to get where I am today,” he said. “The support I received from alumni played a significant role academically, professionally, and personally for who I am now. If my contribution can help even one person feel a little more secure in their place at Wittenberg, that's enough for me. Giving back also feels like a way to give homage to those who supported me while paying it forward to whoever comes next."
