NEWS

UA Ambassadors of the College of Engineering

Heather Lightsey

September 8, 2011

The University of Alabama has recently chosen 18 students to represent the college as 2011-2012 Ambassadors of the College of Engineering.

The ACEs, a program that was established in 1996, is a student ambassador program that works to promote student recruitment and alumni affairs within the College of Engineering. The group consists of 18 members that are selected each year through a competitive interview and application process.

Tyler Mathews, a senior majoring in civil engineering and president of the ACEs, said the ambassadors provide tours of the College of Engineering to prospective students and their families.

“The tours help to show the daily life of an engineering student, as well as any other student on campus,” Mathews said. “It also helps show that engineering as a profession is very normal and reachable.”

The ACEs are also responsible for helping with events on campus such as Engineering Day, in which 1,000 high school juniors and seniors come to tour the College of Engineering. They also help with career fairs at various high schools.

Will Guin, a junior majoring in civil engineering, said he is excited to begin his first semester as an ambassador.

“I have went on a few tours with older ambassadors as a learning opportunity,” Guin said. “It’s been great so far.”

ACEs also assist with varying alumni events, such as helping with pre-game tents and golf tournaments that serve as fundraisers for the College of Engineering.

Kevin Whitaker, associate dean for academic programs, said ACE is a great organization and college leadership board.

“They’re young professionals,” Whitaker said. “That’s who we look for. We want folks who can represent the College [of Engineering] well.”

Mac Hendrix, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, said he is excited about his first semester as an Ambassador and showing the future plans for the College of Engineering.

“We’re all excited about the direction the College is going,” Hendrix said. “With the addition of the new wing, we hope to bring in a lot more students.”

Mathews shares Hendrix’s excitement.

“The construction by the [Ferguson Center] is all for the College of Engineering. In our college, we’re growing and getting new everything,” Mathews said. “It’s an exciting time for us.”

List of 18 ACEs:

Kaylee Frances Bearden

Shelby Cochran

Kelsey Nicole Dunn

Jordan Elizabeth Easter

Patricia Leigh Gilmore

Ashton Danielle Greer

William Edward Guin

Matthew Robert Hardman

Mac Bragg Hendrix

Grace Kathryn Hoover

Elizabeth Ann Junkin