College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education at UA Little Rock Celebrates Student Ambassador Program

The College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) at UA Little Rock is celebrating its 2023-2024 cohort of student ambassadors.

Six students in the college were chosen based on nominations from their department chair or school director. The cohort of student ambassadors included N. Myton El, Riot Goforth, Gwenith (Abba) McElyea, Andrea Perez Benitez, Tristyn Perrin, and Yvonne Rodriguez.

Through funding made possible by Martha and Warren Stephenson of Little Rock, student ambassadors are paid to represent the college at events. Additionally, the cohort meets monthly to learn from leaders across campus and discuss current student issues with the dean of the college.

“It is crucial for the college to have in-the-moment input from students about their experiences at the university, in the college, and their programs,” said Dean of CHASSE, Dr. Sarah Beth Estes. “Regular communication with ambassadors allows us to learn about emerging issues in real time. We are grateful to everyone who worked with our ambassadors this year, including leaders from Career Services, Counseling Services, and the Provost’s Office. This immersive experience enhances the leadership skills of ambassadors.”

Although a new cohort of students will begin the leadership portion of the program for the 2024-2025 academic year, current ambassadors who did not graduate in spring 2024 will have the opportunity to continue representing the college at various events throughout their time at UA Little Rock.

“The ambassadors have been a joy to work with this year as they have polished their skills in speaking in public and representing the college at different recruiting events,” said CHASSE Associate Dean for Curriculum and Student Success, Dr. Johanna Miller Lewis. “They were also ‘all in’ for the college’s face painting station at the eclipse event. This group of talented and dedicated students have set a new standard for excellence.”

With students from a variety of academic disciplines and backgrounds, the goal of the program is to offer students leadership opportunities and to gain a better understanding of the student experience.

Four of the six CHASSE student ambassadors graduated in May with exciting plans for the future:

• N. Myton El graduated with an interdisciplinary studies degree with concentrations in legal studies, philosophy, and finance. She plans to work towards law school next year, improve her business as a “mompreneur,” and work towards pursuing her masters degree in social work.
• Andrea Perez Benitez graduated with degrees in both psychology and criminal justice. Perez Benitez is working on a variety of certifications, including a court interpreting certification currently, while she decides if she wants to pursue law school in the future.
• Tristyn Perrin graduated with an applied communication degree and a graphic design technical certificate. She hopes to pursue a career in communications and/or conflict management and plans to return to school for a graduate degree.
• Yvonne Rodriguez graduated with degrees in both political science and sociology and a business certificate in business management. She plans to take a gap year where she will work as a court interpreter in Arkansas, then she will pursue law school.

“We have a brilliant team of student ambassadors this year, and we can’t wait to see how they apply their leadership skills and passion for advocacy out in the world,” said Sarah Haughenbury, co-facilitator of the student ambassador program and director of student services in the college. “We will miss our graduating ambassadors, but we know they will continue to make a positive impact wherever they go.”

The next cohort of CHASSE ambassadors will be chosen at the start of the fall 2024 semester. If you are a student pursuing a CHASSE major and are interested in participating in the college’s student ambassador program, please connect with your department chair/school director, or you can email chasse@ualr.edu.