Paterno Fellow pairs academic rigor with leadership and service

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Avery Snowden has used her time at Penn State to combine her love for academic rigor with her natural inclination toward service, embracing challenges and leading groups to help foster her campus’ community.

Snowden’s interest in government, politics and law, along with her love of the Spanish language and culture, made her dual majors in political science and Spanish an easy decision, she said. Meanwhile, her minor in legal studies has allowed her to explore different pathways within the legal system as she prepares for graduate study.

“The College of the Liberal Arts really encouraged me to pursue all of my interests instead of narrowing them too early,” said Snowden, a third-year student from Wexford, Pennsylvania. “I’ve been able to challenge myself academically while also thinking critically about how my coursework connects to real people, real systems and real communities.”

A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, Snowden said both honors programs have greatly benefited her social and academic life. Through them, she has met some of her closest friends and gained the opportunity to connect with like-minded students while engaging with individuals from different majors, disciplines and goals. She said she particularly loves the Paterno Fellows Program because of its emphasis on leadership and voluntary service.

“The program pushes you to think beyond yourself and your resume,” Snowden said. “It’s about asking how you can show up for others and make a meaningful impact during your time here, not just what you can gain from the experience.”

Paterno Fellows are expected to complete at least 50 hours of leadership or volunteer service during their college career, a benchmark Snowden has exceeded through multiple roles. She has been involved with the Penn State Family Ambassadors program, assisting with Family Weekend programming, and serves as a Liberal Arts Ambassador, where she previously held the role of outreach director. Through that organization, she has also been connected with Penn State THON.

In addition, Snowden serves as a student representative on the Liberal Arts Alumni Society Board of Directors, helping strengthen connections between current students and alumni while advocating for the student perspective. She also is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Penn State’s political science honor society, which has allowed her to attend lectures and engage with scholarship beyond the classroom.

Snowden said one of her most impactful leadership experiences has been her participation in the Presidential Leadership Academy, a selective program led by Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, designed to help develop students into strong leaders. Snowden found immense value in taking classes with senior University leadership, she said, including Bendapudi and Schreyer Honors College Dean Patrick Mather, who provided key insights on how to lead while considering diverse perspectives.

“They have such a unique way of looking at things,” Snowden said. “They really emphasize understanding different perspectives and finding ways to lead collaboratively.”

Snowden also deepened her academic and cultural understanding through education abroad, participating in the College of the Liberal Arts’ Spanish Language and Culture program in Ronda, Spain. The six-week, faculty-led experience, she said, allowed her to fully immerse herself in the Spanish language while engaging with the region’s history and culture alongside fellow students.

“Being in Ronda encouraged me to apply what I’d learned in the classroom in a completely different context,” she said. “It strengthened by language skills, but it also helped me become more adaptable and confident, especially when navigating unfamiliar environments."

Snowden said she strongly believes that academics, service and leadership are deeply interconnected. She explained that classroom learning provides the foundation for ethical leadership, critical thinking and meaningful service, especially in roles that involve advocacy or decision-making.

“When you really understand the material, whether it’s political systems, legal frameworks or cultural context, you’re better equipped to lead responsibly,” Snowden said. “Leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about understanding the people you’re serving and making informed, thoughtful choices.”

She encouraged students with similar academic and leadership ambitions to be mindful of burnout and intentional about balance.

“You can help strengthen your community by going to class, participating in extracurriculars, and through putting in the work everyday; there are so many different ways to engage in leadership,” she said.

Looking ahead, Snowden is preparing to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) this summer as she considers the next steps in her academic journey.

“I feel really grounded in the direction I’m heading,” she said. “Penn State has given me the tools, the confidence and the support to take that next step with purpose.”