MOUNT OLIVE — Being a University of Mount Olive Ambassador is a well respected position. Student Ambassadors serve the institution by participating in various events hosted by the institution, such as lectures, receptions, dinners, and concerts. They represent the institution on a high level and are the well-known faces of the University.

“We represent a wide range of majors and students,” said Brittany Daniel, class of 2019 and an agriculture major from North Carolina.

Ambassadors are selected based on a detailed application and interview process. The selection committee looks for dedicated students who are academically sound, involved in campus and community activities, knowledgeable about UMO and its history, and who conduct themselves with poise and friendliness. Student Ambassadors can be selected at the end of their freshman, sophomore, or junior year. Their terms continue through to their graduation, provided that they fulfill their commitments to the program, maintain good student conduct, and remain in good academic standing.

“This continuity of membership has been an important part of the success of the program, providing mentoring to new members and allowing continuing ambassadors to cultivate strong relationships with Board of Trustee members and community members alike,” said Mary Kerstetter, Ambassador Advisor. “The group develops close bonds, both internal and external, that extend beyond graduation.”

The current group of Ambassadors includes: Ruth Babutila from Africa, Brittany Daniel from North Carolina, Tim Dobson from Australia, Chelsea Van Dijk from the Netherlands, Casey Fiechter from Kentucky, Danielle Heymach from New York, Alexis McNeil from Maryland, Gayla Olvera from North Carolina, Jackson Pickard from North Carolina, Robert Poole from England, Elise Tanner from Florida, Jessica Sellers from North Carolina, and Jeffrey Yasalonis from Pennsylvania.

“We serve wherever we are needed, to ensure that guests have a positive experience during their time on campus,” said Casey Fleitcher, a junior biology major and women’s volleyball player. “We are the first faces that many people see that are associated with UMO,” said psychology major Gayla Olvera.

“Being an Ambassador is not only an honor, but also strengthens my communication skills for developing into a better leader and distinct employee in the future,” said Jackson Pickard, an agriculture major.

“My favorite part about being an Ambassador is networking and meeting new people. It’s a life skill that is imperative to have,” said Alexis McNeil, a track athlete and psychology major.

Ambassadors gain many life skills while performing their duties. They learn to improvise, think on their feet, and improve their speaking skills. As an added benefit of the program, each spring the Ambassadors travel on a four- day trip with UMO President and Frist Lady Phil and Mary Kerstetter. The group recently traveled to Charleston, SC over spring break. They visited places such as Fort Sumter, Charleston City Market, and Isle of Palms Beach. They also had the chance to walk around downtown Charleston and explore the wonderful, historical places it had to offer.

“Having the chance to represent the University of Mount Olive at special events and interact with different people is truly a great experience,” said Danielle Heymach, a cross country and track athlete who is majoring in English with a focus on communications. “Getting to travel with the President and First Lady of the University and getting to have that personal relationship is also a memorable part of the Ambassador program.”

UMO Ambassadors pause for a photo on the UMO Campus from left on back row: Jackson Pickard, Ruth Babutila, Jeffery Yasalonis, Chelsea Van Dijk, Robert Poole, Danielle Heymach, and Tim Dobson. Front row from left: Alexis McNeil, Elise Tanner, Brittany Daniel, Casey Fietcher, Gayla Olvera, and Jessica Sellers.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ambassadors.jpgUMO Ambassadors pause for a photo on the UMO Campus from left on back row: Jackson Pickard, Ruth Babutila, Jeffery Yasalonis, Chelsea Van Dijk, Robert Poole, Danielle Heymach, and Tim Dobson. Front row from left: Alexis McNeil, Elise Tanner, Brittany Daniel, Casey Fietcher, Gayla Olvera, and Jessica Sellers.

UMO Ambassadors toured Fort Sumter, S.C. as part of their spring break trip to Charleston, S.C. left side of sign from left: Elise Tanner, Danielle Heymach, Alexis McNeil, Ruth Babutila, and Gayla Olvera. Right side of sign from left: Jackson Pickard, Chelsea Van Dijk, Brittany Daniel, and Casey Fietcher.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Fort-Sumter.jpgUMO Ambassadors toured Fort Sumter, S.C. as part of their spring break trip to Charleston, S.C. left side of sign from left: Elise Tanner, Danielle Heymach, Alexis McNeil, Ruth Babutila, and Gayla Olvera. Right side of sign from left: Jackson Pickard, Chelsea Van Dijk, Brittany Daniel, and Casey Fietcher.