MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — What started as a love for storytelling in a small West Virginia town has led to an Emmy Award and a full-time role at West Virginia University.
Recent WVU graduate Samuel Nichols has stepped into his new position as a multimedia specialist for the WVU School of Nursing, bringing with him a passion for creating meaningful media and telling impactful stories.
“I grew up in Ritchie County, so coming to WVU opened up a whole new world for me,” Nichols said. “My degree in Sports and Adventure Media really prepared me to work in a professional environment, and being part of Mountaineer Playbook helped me build the skills and confidence I use every day.”
While earning his degree from the Reed School of Media and Communications, Nichols worked as a producer for Mountaineer Playbook, a student-run capstone course that functions as a real newsroom.
“Mountaineer Playbook is such a team effort. It’s not a one-man show,” he said. “Everyone works hard to make each episode come together. I’m really proud to have been part of that group.”
That teamwork paid off. The Mountaineer Playbook team earned its first-ever Emmy Award, marking a milestone for the class and the college.
“When I found out, I yelled at the TV and stood up, cheering,” Nichols said. “I think I made about five phone calls right away. It was such a surreal moment knowing all that hard work had been recognized.”
The Emmy, he said, represents more than a trophy; it’s a symbol of the dedication, long hours, and collaboration that went into each episode.
“It’s a mark of achievement,” Nichols said. “It shows how much time and effort our team put in. We learned to problem-solve, stay creative, and think like professionals.”
Behind the scenes, Mountaineer Playbook operates just like a professional production. Students brainstorm story ideas, write scripts, shoot video, and edit final pieces, all under tight deadlines.
“The process taught us to communicate, adapt, and rely on each other,” he said. “Those are the same skills I use now at the School of Nursing.”
“WVU has given me the tools and the opportunities to do what I love,” Nichols added. “It’s amazing to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to telling real stories that matter.”
Looking ahead, Nichols hopes to continue growing as a storyteller while helping others share their experiences.
“My advice to students is simple: take advantage of every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to learn from others,” he said.
-WVU-
ms/10/02/25
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu