Many of our students at Penn State World Campus are strong leaders whose enthusiasm often motivates their peers to get involved in student organizations and activities. We are excited to spotlight some of these excellent student leaders.
Rich Carney is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He has been involved in a variety of student activities and leadership roles at World Campus, where he serves as treasurer of the Psychology Club and lab manager of the Online Students of Psychology Research Lab. He is also a Smart Track peer mentor and a member of Active Minds and Psi Chi. Carney said these roles have allowed him to develop leadership and organizational skills while also helping him foster a deeper connection to the World Campus community.
Be Open to Changing Directions
Like many adult learners, Carney has explored several different career paths and areas of academic study over the years. He first attended college from 2006 through 2009, studying biology and doing research in an organic chemistry and a social sciences lab — where he “fell in love with research.” However, he eventually realized that biology wasn’t his passion. He took a break from college while focusing on work, and then in 2012, he was diagnosed with vasculitis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels. Around that time, he pursued volunteer work with nonprofits and supported a service term with AmeriCorps National Health Corps as a patient advocate.
Once he felt physically well enough to return to school, he enrolled in the psychology degree program at World Campus and plans to graduate in spring 2026. After that, his goal is to attend graduate school for clinical psychology, focusing on the biopsychosocial factors that affect treatment effectiveness for children with internalizing disorders.
Embrace Activities That Are Meaningful to You
“As a student leader at World Campus, I’m able to prove to myself that I can make a difference both in my community and as an advocate for accessibility,” Carney said. “As someone with a disability, I’m proud to demonstrate that leadership is not only possible but can take many forms. I hope to inspire others to embrace leadership and to create inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute and thrive.”
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
Carney said that becoming active in student activities and leadership roles can be intimidating at first, especially for those who don’t consider themselves “joiners.” But he stressed that the payoff is worth the effort.
“Being a student leader is an incredibly rewarding experience, and I encourage everyone to give it a try, even if you’re introverted, shy, or have social anxiety like me. The amount of growth I have experienced as a student leader has been transformative. I have learned that being a leader isn’t about being the loudest or most assertive voice in the room — it’s about caring for the people you lead. For example, in my role as lab manager, I focus on creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. When you approach leadership with empathy, you can make a lasting impact on your team and the mission you’re working to achieve.”
Follow Your Own Path — and Expect Twists and Turns
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing when starting my college career, it would be: ‘It’s okay to take the scenic route.’ I used to think that success was about following a straight path, but life rarely works that way. The detours I’ve taken — through illness, volunteering, and rediscovering my passion for research — have taught me resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of myself and others. I would remind myself that setbacks are not failures; they’re opportunities to grow, pivot, and find a path that aligns with your values and purpose. So, embrace the journey, no matter how unconventional it may be. You’ll get where you’re meant to be in the end.”
Although juggling academic work along with student involvement and leadership roles keeps him busy, Carney tries to make time for other activities he enjoys, as well.
“When I’m not doing school work or research, I am training and playing with my service dog, Cody. I love to bake — I make a killer cheesecake and lavender shortbread — and also hike, and tinker with electronics and various DIY projects.”
Related Content:
- Student organizations — find out how you can get involved with student organizations at World Campus
- Student Leader Spotlight: Alysse Deterville — meet Alysse Deterville, a World Campus student who serves as vice president of the Software Development Organization and co-chair of the Students of Color Affinity Group
