Nicholson embraces opportunities at UNG

Wyatt Nicholson's college journey took him halfway across the country. After moving to Georgia from Fort Worth, Texas, Nicholson started at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Blue Ridge Campus.

As he approaches graduation this May with a degree in communication with a public relations concentration, Nicholson can be found leading a litany of events at UNG's Gainesville Campus, which he transitioned to after five semesters in Blue Ridge.

Nicholson jumped in quickly and served as Student Government Association (SGA) communications chair as a freshman before becoming Blue Ridge Campus vice president of SGA as a sophomore. He later served as Campus Recreation & Wellness's first peer health educator at the Blue Ridge Campus.

The senior was one of the first students in the Student Public Relations at UNG (SPRUNG) group launched during the 2024-25 academic year.

Nicholson also assists with event planning as vice president of Nighthawks Entertainment.

He hopes others will find their niche and put themselves out there when they come to UNG.

"I didn't know anyone. I was starting completely fresh. If I hadn't gotten involved, I don't know where I would have been. You get to know students and faculty," Nicholson said. "Get involved. See where your skills can help people and the university."

Along the way, Nicholson's mentors have helped mold him into a leader and a young professional ready to enter the workforce. He thinks of the career and personal advice of Dr. Nathan Price, associate professor of political science and now assistant dean for Academic Affairs on the Blue Ridge Campus. And Price is proud of the leader Nicholson has grown to be.

"He was extremely determined to build a culture at UNG's Blue Ridge Campus of students engaging in campus events. He would host events such as bocce tournaments, field day and fall bash, where students could socialize and hang out between and after classes," Price said. "In an era in which so many young people feel isolated, Wyatt helped us build a culture of community and our distinct identity."

Nicholson also appreciates the way David Michener, Kyle Andersen and Kyle Murphy have poured into him and checked in on him as an individual beyond their official interactions through the Center for Student Leadership & Engagement.

The soon-to-be graduate believes others can benefit by tapping into UNG's deep network.

"Utilize the wonderful faculty and staff at UNG. They genuinely give the students so many opportunities, and they're knowledgeable about so many things," Nicholson said. "You feel like you're a priority in their work."