'Outgoing personality.'

'Killer looks.'

These are just a few phrases Greg Hyde used to describe himself in his application essay that landed him a gig as a host of mtvU's Dean's List.

Although unfamiliar with the show at first, Hyde (sophomore-landscape architecture) said he came across the casting call page while on the Web.

Dean's List features a college student guest host in each episode. Students apply to the show by providing school information, a photo and a short essay. The host selects 10 music videos to play, with scripted interludes in between where the host introduces the next video.

Each host is responsible for filming and scripting, the content under his/her own discretion with the aid of a producer. After filming, hosts send video material back to mtvU, where the film is edited for formatting purposes. The completed show airs a few weeks afterward.

Hyde said he originally missed the phone call from mtvU informing him of his selection.

"I saw a missed call on my phone and the number was from Manhattan," he said. He later received an e-mail from the producer informing him he was accepted.

Hyde said his reasons for applying for the show were self-motivated.

"I march to the beat of my own drum," Hyde said. "Nobody inspired me [to do this]."

Hyde said he selected a variety of styles of music for the show to relate to college life in general, such as going back to school or being at a party. His artist choices range from Ben Folds to Bloc Party and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

He filmed all of his shots around campus and the surrounding area and picked Penn State landmarks such as the Lion Shrine, Beaver Stadium and an empty room in the Thomas Building. In his shots he talks about Penn State while introducing the next video.

Ross Martin, head of programming for mtvU, said the network looks for student hosts who are passionate about new music, connect with an audience and like to have fun in front of a camera.

"Greg has great energy and character," Martin said. "He seems like a guy you would want to hang out with. Students like Greg really bring this show to life."

He added the producers of the show are proud and excited for the upcoming episode, which is scheduled to air Sept. 19.

"Greg has a good vibe; he loves music and that is contagious," Martin said. "He's letting us into his life for an hour -- I hope everyone checks out this episode."

Chris Ryder (sophomore-civil engineering) said he helped Hyde with filming. He describes Hyde as creative and extremely spontaneous.

"We grew up together," said Ryder. "If I was told that one of my friends was doing this [show], I would think [of] him first."

Hyde said the experience is mind-blowing and a little frightening at the same time.

"I'm afraid people will say, 'I hate your [taste in] music,'" Hyde said. "But the producer said hundreds of kids would die to be in the position I'm in, and it pumped me up to know that."

The notion of an upcoming appearance on mtvU, however, makes a normally chill Hyde eager.

"I'm a mess," he said. " 'I'm in a glass case of emotion.' "