Nicholas Neuman's Headshot

A Path to Policy and Purpose

Name: Nicholas Neuman

Hometown: Rushville, IN

Major: Agricultural Economics and Political Science

Why did you come to Purdue: I knew that Purdue had one of the strongest agricultural economics programs in the nation and that the University continually pushed students toward new heights. 

Favorite Purdue tradition: Tailgating before the Purdue Football games (despite our record)

Nicholas winning the Voyager scholarship

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. Dr. Michael Wilcox, AGEC
  2. Veronica Schirm, NISO
  3. AGEC advising office 
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Winning the Truman Scholarship
  2. Serving grilled cheese during Ag Week
  3. Harry’s lunch on Fridays with my friends
  4. Lilly Scholar Network Christmas Party at Dr. Grimmet’s house
  5. Sigma Nu Formal
Five places you have been as a Purdue student: 
  1. Kansas City for the AFA Conference
  2. Washington, D.C, through the CATE Public Policy Program
  3. France study abroad with Dr. Kuethe
  4. Austria in a semester-long study abroad through the College of Ag
  5. Ireland pursuing my research with Dr. Wilcox

Nicholas talking to Mung

Favorite club/organization: Purdue Student Government (PSG)

Favorite student-led event/initiative: Amending the Indiana Lifeline Law with PSG

Favorite Purdue event: Grand Prix Week

Favorite place to study: Rawls third floor

Favorite thing about CoA: The countless opportunities and the care that the admin have for students

Favorite class: AGEC 340: International Development

Favorite professor: Dr. LeeAnn Moss

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 499: Independent Research, as I finish my undergraduate thesis

Nicholas studying abroad Nicholas in D.C.

Four biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Elected as Student Body Vice President
  2. Winning the Truman Scholarship
  3. Winning Outstanding Student three times for the College of Ag
  4. Implementing the Angel Shot in Greek houses across campus

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I used to have a baking business!

Future plans: I plan to work for two to three years in the private sector as a grant writer for local governments before pursuing a Master’s in public policy.

Advice for underclassmen: Be strategic with your time. Choose the organizations and clubs that you are most passionate about and dedicate your time to bettering the organization. Also, study abroad! It is a life-changing experience. 

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: Be proactive in creating change. Don’t sit on the sidelines.