The University of Nebraska-Lincoln animal science department appointed two new student ambassadors for the 2011-12 academic year.
After in-depth interviews with department faculty and senior ambassadors, two students were selected out of a pool of six applicants:
– Alec Ibach of Sumner, a sophomore animal science and agricultural economics major
– Melisa McDonald of Lincoln, a junior animal science major
The two new ambassadors will serve alongside current second-year ambassadors:
– Melissa Matulka of Thedford, a junior animal science and agricultural economics major
– Sarah Peterson of Ord, a senior animal science major
The ambassadors will interact with prospective animal science students by visiting high schools and attending various UNL admissions events, said Stacey Agnew, program adviser and admissions coordinator for the animal science department.
In addition to attending and supporting university events, each ambassador will also be responsible for planning one recruitment activity per year. One example is the animal science overnight.
The animal science overnight is a two-day event where juniors and seniors in high school visit UNL's East Campus and stay the night in dorms, said Brett White, faculty adviser and animal science associate professor.
Over the course of two days, these high school students get an overview of the animal science department, participate in mock labs, get their questions answered and even participate in fun activities such as bowling in the East Union.
"It's a good opportunity for them to get to East Campus and actually see what life is like here," he said.
Through planning and participating in these activities, the student ambassadors benefit not only the university, but themselves as well.
"It's really encouraging to see them develop their leadership skills," White said. "I see my goal as a mentor to challenge them to be a better leader."
The Animal Science Student Ambassador program, started in 1999, selects two animal science majors as ambassadors to promote the animal science program each year. Student ambassadors receive a $2,000 scholarship ($500 each semester) and serve for two years supporting the animal science department's recruitment efforts.
For more information on the Animal Science Student Ambassador program, go to its website.