As she prepares for her next chapter, outgoing West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate President Sadie Nichols ’25, of Sistersville, West Virginia, reflected on her time heading the student-led organization for two consecutive terms.
“I chose to get involved in Student Senate at WVWC because I wanted to contribute to something greater than myself where I could make a meaningful impact and reach people in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” Nichols said. “I admired the work ethic, dedication, compassion and leadership of many of the Student Senate members that I knew, and I desired to serve in the same way that those role models did before me. I wanted to give back to the new home I had found at WVWC, yearning for the opportunity to connect with people, hear their perspectives and stories, and enhance the Wesleyan experience for students, faculty and staff alike.”
After serving not one, but two terms, Nichols recently passed the gavel to Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, who was elected Student Senate President in the fall and took office with the new officers this semester.
“I feel eternally grateful that my peers voted for me to serve as the president of Student Senate for two terms,” she said. “It has been such a joy and honor. The connections I have been able to make through my time at WVWC and through this position speak volumes to the devoted Home Among the Hills WVWC truly is. While being president for two years has been one of the most challenging and demanding experiences, serving in this role has also been one of the most impactful and rewarding in which I have ever been part.
“My favorite part about being on Student Senate for two years was being able to witness firsthand the remarkable growth of the individuals around me. I had the privilege of watching my dearest friends learn, grow and emerge as brilliant leaders, overcoming challenges and serving as catalysts for change in a place I hold so dear to my heart.”
As Student Senate President, Nichols worked with the organization to build stronger connections within the campus community and the greater Buckhannon community.
“During my time as president, I feel Student Senate became a welcoming place where individuals could be heard and felt their voice mattered,” she said. “While many individuals didn’t know much about what Student Senate was or what they did previously, many new doors of connection were opened in this time. Relationships with organizations were fortified, and many organizations were able to advance, grow and reach more individuals as a result.
“Student Senate also had the rare, extraordinary pleasure of hosting the 2024 Candidate Forum of Buckhannon, forging an even closer relationship between the college and town of Buckhannon. During my time as president, not only were several groundbreaking discoveries and advancements made, such as the creation of a new Budget Request form, but WVWC student body also became more engaged and involved in building a community of respect, support and love.”
A biochemistry and political science major, Nichols will be continuing her education following graduation from WVWC at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (ELOTD) program.
“It is my goal to become a pediatric occupational therapist to help children develop and maintain skills needed for daily living and to improve their independence and quality of life,” she said.
