Although junior Tim Nevil was named as Penn State Homecoming’s 2022 executive director just over a month ago, he’s already got plenty of ideas to help strengthen the organization in the coming months.

Also a member of THON, Nevil is extremely busy on campus and tries to remain as active in both organizations as possible. Despite his busy schedule, we found time to sit down with Nevil and chat about Penn State Homecoming, his favorite Creamery flavor, and more.

Onward State: What made you want to get involved with Penn State Homecoming?  

Tim Nevil: Coming to Penn State, there wasn’t much that I was certain about, but I knew I wanted to get involved on campus. Through my involvement in another organization, I met several people heavily involved in Homecoming. They encouraged me to consider the organization. I came from a high school with a relatively large homecoming for its size. Penn State Homecomings’ mission and goals of putting the community and ideals of the university at the forefront of what it does really appealed to me.

Thus, in my first year, I decided to apply for a captain position. After being a DJ captain, I decided to be a director within Homecoming. I served as the distribution management director last year, which allowed me to see the organization and its events as a whole. 

OS: As Penn State Homecoming’s executive director, what are some of your roles and responsibilities? 

TN: My primary role is to oversee the executive committee and assist in the decision-making and planning of events and projects. I also act as the main liaison between the organization and Student/University Leadership. 

OS: What are some of your goals or visions for Penn State Homecoming 2022? 

TN: My primary goal and vision for Homecoming 2022 is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our Penn State community. I hope to create a space where students, faculty, and alumni can celebrate and learn about our university’s rich tradition and history while working to improve for the future to create a Home at State for all.

Further, I look to continue working to place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of our efforts. This can be achieved by providing a platform for sharing the countless stories of underrepresented yet endlessly impactful Penn Staters. 

OS: What is your favorite part of Homecoming weekend?

TN: I think picking a favorite event throughout Homecoming week is super difficult, especially knowing how hard countless directors and captains work throughout the year to make all of the events so successful. Even so, I do love the parade since it is an incredible way to wrap up our week-long series of amazing events.

OS: What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with Homecoming? 

TN: Seeing the hard work of all of the captains and directors pay off during the week, and also seeing so many people in the community come together to celebrate our university is just so special and rewarding to me. 

OS: Are you involved in anything else at Penn State? 

TN: I am currently also involved in THON as the head of security captain on the Rules and Regulations event safety committee. Between the two, most of my time is chewed up. But, I have to say I have really found a home on campus through both incredible organizations. 

OS: Where is your favorite place on campus to study? 

TN: I don’t know that I really have a favorite place to study. I am more of a nomad when it comes to studying spots. It is definitely somewhere with friends to break up the monotony.  

OS: If you could pick any Creamery ice cream flavor to eat for the rest of your life, what would you pick and why? 

TN: Cookie Dough. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cookie dough ice cream, especially when it’s Creamery ice cream?

OS:  If you could take any Penn Stater, past or present, out to lunch, who would it be and why? 

TN: Guion Bluford, because having lunch with anyone who has been to space would be an incredible experience. Hearing Guion’s stories about breaking the racial barriers within American space exploration would be a humbling and fulfilling opportunity. His work has truly left an endless legacy on our country and university.

OS: If you could be any dinosaur, which would you be and why? 

TN: Velociraptor. Why? I don’t really know. To be honest, I took a Buzzfeed quiz one time — and by one time, I mean Monday — and it said I was a velociraptor.