A select group of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ students take their responsibility of representing the universityβs students seriously through their role as Presidential Ambassadors. Attending events, whether it be to visit with supporters of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ or passing out programs at a lecture on campus, is just a part of what a Presidential Ambassador does as they help with various projects for the Office of Advancement and the Office of the President, among other tasks in this important role.
βHaving undergraduate and graduate students assist us with marketing, development and events is not only helpful to us, they are the ones our alums and donors want to hear from,β said Koby Harrington, vice president for university advancement. βWhat they are involved in on campus, what they are enjoying at ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ and what their plans are for after graduation, are all common topics that our guests on campus enjoy hearing about from students.β
This new initiative began through President Ken Evansβ previous work at Lamar University, where the ambassador program originated and was highly successful in working with their alumni and donors. βWhen telling the story of a university, doing it through students and their experiences is impactful,β explained Evans. βThe students in this position are dedicated and passionate about their institution and convey that excitement well to those around them, whether they are alumni, donors or even fellow students.β
For the 2024-2025 academic year, ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ has 13 Presidential Ambassadors in the program that is now in its third year. In order to serve in this role, each student must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be a full-time student and be at the university for at least a year, applying in the spring of their freshman year or later. The application process is extensive with a resume, letter of interest, essays, a staff or faculty recommendation, transcript and interview. If named an ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ Presidential Ambassador, the student receives a $1,000 scholarship each year.
Ella Brown, a Presidential Ambassador for the past two years and music educatation senior from Fort Worth, Texas, stated, βBeing an ambassador for ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ is one of the most enriching activities I have had as a student. Not only do I have the opportunity to represent my school, but I get to meet a lot of different supporters of the university which is great networking for my future.β
