COE Student Ambassadors

The COE Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students who are dedicated to serving and representing the University of Memphis College of Education.

Student Ambassadors provide campus tours and serve as Official UofM College of Education representatives at various campus, college and community events. COE Student Ambassadors also serve within the COE Recruitment and Retention Office (including the front desk) where they act as a first point of contact to visitors, both by phone and in person.

Apply to be a COE Student Ambassador >

Join the COE Student Ambassadors

Represent the College of Education during university events and through social media
Welcome guests, prospective students and their families to the College of Education
Learn and share information about the UofM and the College of Education
Lead group or individual campus tours for prospective students and guests
Work with diverse populations and provide tips on being a successful student
Demonstrate the COE's values and mission as you represent the College
Assist the COE Office of Recruitment and Retention in daily operations and serve in other duties as assigned
Attend required trainings
Complete a minimum of 12 hours of service per semester

As a COE Student Ambassador, you will develop a wide range of leadership and communication skills that will benefit you while you are a UofM student and after graduation. You will gain deeper knowledge about the College of Education and UofM while networking with other students, COE faculty and staff, and our partners. School districts, educational non-profits and graduate degree programs are looking for more than just academic success; they want community involvement and service. Serving as a COE Student Ambassador will help you stand out from the crowd.

Qualifications

COE Student Ambassadors are required to:

Be currently enrolled in the College of Education at the University of Memphis as an undergraduate student
Be currently enrolled in at least 12 credit hours
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
Commit to serving for one academic year commitment. (Fall-Spring)
Demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
Exhibit leadership, initiative, dependability and enthusiasm
Commit to the COE's Core Values
- Diversity, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Service

COE Student Ambassadors. . .

Are driven by diversity and inclusion
Are committed to excellence
Are positive
Excel at communicating with others
Provide excellent customer service
Are open to learning new things and sharing their knowledge with others
Have Tiger Spirit . . . Go Tigers Go!!

COE faculty and staff are invited to nominate COE undergraduate students for the ambassador program by filling out this form>.

For questions or more information, contact, Keith Hembree, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, at khembree@memphis.edu.

Meet our Current Student Ambassadors

	Jenna Crist Major: Teaching All Learners, Minor in Child Development Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023 Hometown: Germantown, TN What is your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM? All of the professors I have had so far have given me really helpful insight and feedback on my teaching practices, as well as a lot of helpful tips and strategies that I intend to use in the future. What are your career goals after education? After graduation, I want to continue my education and get a masters in education, and begin teaching in an elementary school! I also have plans on getting my masters in administration and going on to become a principal or other administrator. What are you involved in on campus? In addition to being an ambassador for the College of Education, I have also been an ambassador for the Honors College and the Diversity Ambassador Program. I am also the Vice President of Operations for Alpha Delta Pi, President of Order of Omega, and the representative for the College of Education in SGA. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE? My one piece of advice for someone coming into the College of Education is to keep all of your notes and assignments! A lot of things that you do will be helpful for you to look back on later, and maybe even give you some ideas on what to do in your classroom! What is a fun fact about you? I performed at mass in St. Peter's Basilica in high school!
	LaNerra Gray Major: Teaching All Learners – Special Education Interventionist Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2024 Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM?: The consistency of having classes with the same people. Since my freshman year, I have had classes with the same students, and honestly it’s been the best seeing them and myself grow in our future careers. What are your career goals after graduation?: My plans after graduation are to become a Special Education Teacher at a high school, whether as the assistant or lead teacher, while attending Graduate School to secure my Master’s degree. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education?: Don’t be too shy to talk to the person next to you. They could potentially become your best friend. Also keep notes, this is a must I can’t count how many times I’ve had to use notes from previous courses in present classes. Ask questions and don’t be embarrassed to do so! What are you involved in on campus?: College of Education Ambassador and Student Success Programs What is a fun fact about you?: I love, love, love Harry Potter.
	Brianna Farmer Major: Teaching All Learners Anticipated graduation date: May 2023 Hometown: Memphis, TN What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM?: My favorite part about being in the College of Education is the encouragement and family-based foundation embedded in the department. There are individuals here, from the staff to students, that motivate you through the task at hand. Also, I enjoy the fact that I can share my journey with fellow people who have an interest in the field of education. What are your career goals after graduation?: Upon graduation, I plan to obtain a job in the neighborhood I grew up in, Whitehaven. Here I would be doing a service to my community through educating the youth. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education?: Don’t let stress overcome you and the decisions you make now and in the future. You should take everything you do one step at a time. What are you involved in on campus?: I am currently a member of the amazing group of River City Partnership scholars and the first-generation scholars. What is a fun fact about you?: I enjoy experiencing new adventures and exposing myself to various cultures. I especially enjoy doing this when it comes to trying new food. I have created a Pinterest board full of different cultures and food to try.
	Nicholas C. Finnie Major: Early Childhood Education Anticipated graduation date: 2025 Hometown: Oakland,TN What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM?: The camaraderie between students, faculty and even potential students is a force that I’ve never witnessed. The COE gives me a strong sense of me belonging to something that is much larger than myself. What are your career goals after graduation?: My goals after graduation are to become an early childhood educator and enroll in a master's program for educational leadership. I plan to become a administrator after gaining classroom experience. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education?: Definitely take advantage of all the opportunities and networking that the COE offers. Step outside of your comfort zone and bring your uniqueness, nerve and talent to the student and faculty body. What are you involved in on campus?: I am involved in River City Partnership & I am a Man… I teach program What is a fun fact about you?: I’ve attended more drag racing events than high school football or basketball games
	Lindsey Harris Major: Teaching All Learners Anticipated graduation date: May 2023 Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM?: I love the community that the College of Education brings to the University of Memphis. What are your career goals after graduation?: I hope to become a 3rd or 4th grade teacher in Memphis Shelby County Schools. I would love to teach Language Arts and Social Studies. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education?: Form relationships with people in your major. Having friends that are trying to accomplish the same thing as you are a true gift. Y’all will be able to support each other and keep each other focused on the end goal! What are you involved in on campus?: River City Partnership What is a fun fact about you?: I have a bearded dragon, named Gizmo. I hope he can be my class pet one day!
	Bralyn Horton Major: Teaching All Learners Anticipated graduation date: 2023 Hometown: Memphis What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM? My favorite part overall is the close-knit community that we have. We have support and guidance, and we push each other to stay on track and finish strong. I never feel alone and I appreciate every experience that I am a part of. What are your career goals after graduation? After graduation, I want to become an elementary or secondary SPED teacher. My favorite subject is math, but I want to be prepared to teach all subjects and be a versatile educator What are you involved in on campus? River City Partnership > and the I AM A MAN . . . I Teach program > What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE? Use your resources. The faculty and staff in the COE have helped me and allowed me to gain many opportunities and build upon some meaningful experiences. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions and create a bond with your peers. What is a fun fact about you? My hobbies include cooking/culinary and tie-dying.
	Allison Smith Major: Teaching All Learners major with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2023 Hometown: Memphis What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM? The support I receive from my professors and the administration. I am truly having the best experience and am thankful for great professors/administration! I am also thankful for the friends I am making along the way. It is great to have a group of people experiencing the TALN program with you, we support each other! What are your career goals after graduation? I am aspiring to become an Elementary School Teacher. I also plan on going back to Graduate school to obtain my Masters! What are you involved in on campus? Adult Student Association (ASA), University of Memphis Student Chapter of Council for Exceptional Children, University of Memphis Student Chapter of the Literacy Association of Tennessee and Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni (Lambuth University PC 2004) What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education? Be cognizant of the support that is offered within the COE. There are so many people willing to help you succeed, you just have to ask! Focus and study hard! Find people you can rely on that are in your program with you, it helps to have people to support you and vice versa! What is a fun fact about you? I am a Star Wars nerd and love everything Baby Yoda! I also love to karaoke!
	Jaelyn Walker Major: Integrative Studies with a Secondary Math Concentration Anticipated Graduation Year: 2025 Hometown: Brighton, Tennessee What's your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM? The atmosphere is so welcoming, it makes it easier to ask questions comfortably. What are your career goals after graduation? I plan to take that summer for myself (as a treat) and then start teaching in the fall of 2025. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE? Don't be scared to speak up or ask questions about anything, your professors and advisor are here to help you! What is a fun fact about you? Every summer, I spend a month in California with my best friend
	Mekyland Williams Major: Teaching All Learners, Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis at the UofM Lambuth campus Anticipated graduation date: May 2024 Hometown: Michie, TN What’s your favorite part of being in the College of Education at the UofM?: I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes and professors in the College of Education! All my professors have been extremely helpful and encouraging throughout my time in college. What are your career goals after graduation?: After graduation, I want to continue my education to obtain a Master of Arts/Educational Specialist to become a school psychologist. During my studies, I will begin teaching in an elementary school. I also plan on obtaining a certification in Autism Studies. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the COE College of Education?: One piece of advice I would give to someone starting in the College of Education is to save all of your notes and resources to begin developing your own teaching philosophy. Begin finding your “why” for teaching and hold on to that throughout your career! What are you involved in on campus?: In addition to being an ambassador for the College of Education, I’m involved in the Tiger Leadership Institute and the psychology club on the Lambuth campus. What is a fun fact about you?: In my free time, I enjoy watercolor painting and archery.