Would you like to be a WVU Presidential Student Ambassador? Launched in the spring 2019 semester, the program promotes the values and ideals of WVU by cultivating and advocating for a campus environment rooted in leadership, service, inclusivity and academic excellence.
Beginning in the spring 2020 semester, students initiated PSAs from the PSAs, having since recorded over 550 speeches offering a variety of peer advice to share with prospective and current WVU students. Topics include college advice, WVU things to know, academic resources, student engagement, ways to stay healthy, substance safety and recovery, and Gen Z. PSAs also have served as volunteers for a number of University events, including the Festival of Ideas, State of the University address and Homecoming.
Dr. Carolyn Atkins, Professor Emerita, teaches the two required courses associated with the PSA program, and both require public speaking. The 10 students selected in November will be part of Cohort 12. They must be available to enroll in WVUe 280, Presidential Student Ambassadors – Leading and Serving, which will be taught on main campus during the spring 2024 semester on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m. During the fall 2024 semester, they must enroll in WVUe 281, Presidential Student Ambassadors – Speakers Bureau (1 credit hour), which is arranged. Both courses are Honors courses; however, students do not need to be enrolled in the Honors College to be Presidential Student Ambassadors.
If you are a freshman or sophomore student with a 3.7 cumulative average and you are interested in leadership, service and public speaking, consider asking one of your professors to complete the Nomination Form by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10. Late nominations will not be considered.
All qualified nominees will be notified after October 10 to submit the online PSA application by 5:00 pm Wednesday, October 18, 5:00 p.m., to be considered for the program. Late applications will not be considered.
Interested students who are not nominated also may apply but are required to submit two letters of reference from faculty members in addition to the application. Students can preview the application here to prepare in advance of the deadline.
Applicants who were not nominated by a professor or who do not submit two letters of recommendation from their professors will not be considered.
To learn more about the program, visit https://ambassadors.wvu.edu/. Contact Carolyn.Atkins@mail.wvu.edu for information.