The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) has been a leading organization in honors education since 1965. Each year, honors
colleges nationwide send their deans, faculty, and, more recently, student leaders
to the NCHC annual conference to exchange innovative ideas.
Mykyta “Nick” Nechaiev, student council president of the Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors
College, attended the NCHC 2024 conference last fall in Kansas City, Missouri. As part of the relatively new initiative to involve
students, Nechaiev was thrilled to engage with other nationally recognized students
and share insights from his experiences at the University of South Florida. During
the conference, he was encouraged to apply for a Student Member position on the NCHC Board of Directors.
To secure the role, Nechaiev submitted an application, obtained a letter of recommendation
from Judy Genshaft Honors College Dean Charles Adams, and successfully navigated a
competitive election process. Now one of only five student members on the board, Nechaiev
is eager to contribute his unique perspective, informed by both his leadership experience
at the Honors College and his experience as an international student from Ukraine.
Nechaiev’s first board meeting is scheduled for February in San Diego, California.
During his one-year term, he aims to enhance opportunities for students to connect
at the annual NCHC conference.
“The NCHC has different committees working on initiatives like experiential learning,
study abroad programs, and peer mentorship,” Nechaiev said. “Hopefully, we can create
a platform for students to share knowledge with one another.”
Nechaiev is enthusiastic about bringing back insights and innovations from the NCHC
to the Honors community. “Honors colleges face unique challenges,” he said. “With
the NCHC’s extensive network of schools, you never know what solutions or new ideas
you might discover.”
“I am incredibly proud of Nick and the Tampa and St. Petersburg Student Councils for
their outstanding advocacy on behalf of Honors students,” said Adams. “Their dedication
is making a significant impact not only in Tampa Bay but now across the nation.”
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