Student ambassador Destanie Banks credits the MTSU Student Ambassador program for molding her into the leader she is today.

“This program has been the best thing to top off my college career, and I’d recommend it to anyone,” said the senior from Memphis, Tennessee.

The March 16 application deadline is approaching for those wanting to serve the university in a more meaningful way as part of the next group of ambassadors for 2018-19. To apply, visit http://bit.ly/2oCiFoz and click on the appropriate link at the bottom of the page.

In addition to welcoming guests from around the country and world, student ambassadors have the opportunity to support presidential, alumni, academic and athletic events across campus.

Banks, a first-year ambassador, said landing the position brought her out of her shell. And who can be in a shell when donning those signature bright blue ambassador blazers?

The latest class of MTSU Student Ambassadors dons the signature blue blazers that make them easily recognizable at events. (MTSU photo)

“Honestly, I’m a very shy person” said Banks, who is a music business major in the Department of Recording Industry. “This opportunity has allowed me to take on leadership roles I’ve never imagined taking on before.”

Banks noted that being an ambassador has improved her communication and networking skills.

“This university has given me so much over the years … I felt that it’d be a big responsibility for me to give back to the university,” she said, adding that being an ambassador “has a way of putting you outside your comfort zone, which is great because you get to meet new people.”

During the selection process, qualified students who have filled out an application will have an interview with representatives from the program and student ambassador adviser Michelle Stepp, associate director in the Office of Alumni Relations.

Ambassadors who maintain GPA and service hour requirements are paid a stipend at the end of each semester.

“Many times, student ambassadors are the only interaction an alumni visitor has with the student body, and they provide a warm True Blue welcome on behalf of the university while gaining valuable connections and networking skills,” Stepp said.

Student ambassadors are typically focused on external visitors while working events on behalf of President Sidney A. McPhee, the Alumni Association, MTSU Athletics and academic conferences held on campus.

For students who are unable to apply this year or do not make it to the next round, recruitment is held each spring semester.

For more information about the Student Ambassador program, contact Stepp at 615-898-2922 or michelle.stepp@mtsu.edu.

— Jayla Jackson (news@mtsu.edu)