Meet the Ambassadors

Inclusive Excellence

Madison Bailey

Major:  Social work 
Minor: Child advocacy and psychology 
Hometown: Gurdon , Arkansas 
Additional Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc, volunteer action center 
Fun Fact: I am obsessed with shopping!! 
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging means feeling accepted and valued for who I am, connecting with others on a deep level, and being part of a supportive community. 

Inclusive Excellence

Katie Camp

Major: Biology 
Minor: Human Development and Family Sciences 
Hometown: Mountain Home, Arkansas 
Additional Organizations: Greek Life- Tri Delta 
Fun Fact: I am obsessed with English Cocker Spaniels 
Thoughts on Belonging: I have a strong passion for a sense of belonging. To me, belonging is when each individual has a sense of self worth. This means when individuals feel that they have a group or a peer to always turn to. This can be someone to listen, someone to give a hug to on a hard day, or just someone to share similar interests with. Belonging is such an important feeling. As a student that is pre-medical, I have learned that social and peer interactions are so crucial for one’s mental health. With this, I believe that everyone should be able to get the opportunity to feel included. 

Inclusive Excellence

Kaytlin Dwyer

Major: Anthropology 
Minor: Indigenous Studies; Communications 
Hometown: Springdale 
Additional Organizations: Chi Omega; FLF; Student Guide at the Cord Student Success Center 
Fun Fact: I am an Irish dancer and will be competing at Nationals this summer 
Thoughts on Belonging: I have seen how important it is to give people a voice, and an inclusive environment is at the forefront of making others feel comfortable. It is essential to help others build self-confidence because we all have opinions and ideas that could help benefit society. Outreach is key in making sure that each person feels included. A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere directly correlates with excellent morale and involvement. It is only through welcoming others and encouraging a diverse range of opinions and people that we can create change to benefit all. The University of Arkansas is already one of the most inclusive and diverse places I have seen, with outstanding programs to help students feel connected. I plan to get more involved and support the U of A campus by further increasing cultural understanding among students and faculty, helping to develop a sense of belonging among students, and expanding overall community morale and involvement. 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Cynthia Ferlin

Major:  Biology
Hometown: The Bahamas
Fun Fact: I love Harry Potter
Thoughts on Belonging: “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world 

Inclusive Excellence

Natalie Franklin

Major: History 
Fun Fact: I work with a cat rescue and foster program 😊 
Thoughts on Belonging: College is a fantastic place to explore the groups you want to belong in. There is a significant epidemic of loneliness among young adults, and that can only be combated by having the bravery to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others. UARK has such an incredible range of diverse people to experience community with, which is an essential part of developing as you explore your own identity and grow as a person. 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Caleb Jones

Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Mcalmont, Arkansas
Additional Organizations: Kappa Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Success Center Mentor, Premed Hogs, and ASG
Fun Fact: My favorite breed of horses is the Tennessee Walker
Thoughts on Belonging: "As a student ambassador for the University of Arkansas, I am honored to embody the spirit of belonging by fostering connections, embracing diversity, and championing inclusivity within our campus community. Together, let's create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive." 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Alekhya Kavi

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities, Computer Science
Hometown: Conway, AR
Additional Organizations: ICA, Honors College Ambassadors
Fun Fact: My favorite fruit is pineapple but I eat it with a little salt sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is very important for college students and cultivating it is key in making everyone feel at home. Everyone wants to feel safe and to relate to others around them because it makes them feel part of something. 

Inclusive Excellence

Will Lambley

Major: Communications
Hometown: Owasso, OK
Additional Organizations: Baptist Collegiate Ministry
Fun Fact: I love to meet new people! 
Thoughts on Belonging: I believe everyone should go out of their way to make sure others feel like they belong. 

Inclusive Excellence

Breanna McCall

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Bentonville, AR
Additional Organizations: NSFP Orientation Team Leader, Honors thesis research assistant in the ASCAN lab, Neuroscience RSO
Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is making keychains and jewelry out of clay!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging looks so different for everyone which is why I want to make sure everyone has access to any resources, clubs or other groups that make them feel most at home 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Matthew McGoldrick

Major: Communications
Minor: History
Hometown: Houston
Additional Organizations: Student Society of management, baptist collegian ministry, empowered program
Fun Fact: I love deep sea fishing
Thoughts on Belonging: Love helping others 

Inclusive Excellence

Abbi Melton

Major: Social Work
Minor: Legal Studies
Hometown: Midlothian, Texas
Additional Organizations: Chi-Omega, Honors College
Fun Fact: I have lived in 12 different houses and am the Chaplain of my sorority!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging to me means finding a community where you feel loved and valued as you are. When I moved to Arkansas, I found a community of people who made me feel like I was always supported. They are encouraging, kind, genuine, and have helped me grow into a better person. If given the choice all over again, I would choose this university every time because of the community I have found here. I believe everyone deserves to find a place where they feel as if they belong. 

Inclusive Excellence

Jayakumari Nair

Major: Arabic, Middle East Studies, Asian Studies
Minor: Chinese
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Additional Organizations: Diversity and Inclusion Student Council (DISC)
Fun Fact: I have 2 cats, Ten-C and Q (their names are from Star Trek!)
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is being in a space where you are welcomed and valued, you are respected as a human being no matter how different you are or your background, and you are empowered to create a welcoming community for others. 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Ashlynn Oyemola

Major: Criminology and Sociology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Fun Fact: My last name means royalty and wealth in Nigeria.
Thoughts on Belonging: I believe everyone no matter their race, class, or social status deserves to feel as though they belong! Furthermore, being unique is what allows us to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community here at the University of Arkansas! 

Inclusive Excellence

Taksh Patel

Major: Physics
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Additional Organizations: Treasurer of Society of Physics Students, Fulbright Peer Mentor, Physics Research
Fun Fact: I used to build model bridges and houses out of popsicles in my free time

Thoughts on Belonging: I think belonging does not only mean one's cultural beliefs or traditions are respected in their community. It can also mean finding the right clubs, friends, and fulfillment in their career. A sense of belonging can mean various things depending on one's point of view. 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Olivia Ramirez

Major: Communications
Hometown: Edwardsville IL
Additional Organizations: Delta Gamma/ Lambda Pi Eta/ Order of Omega
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Rome
Thoughts on Belonging: Everybody belongs whatever it may be you belong somewhere 

Inclusive Excellence

JP Rutherford

Major: Criminology
Minor: Psychology and Sociology
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Fun Fact: I moved to Springdale when I was 14
Thoughts on Belonging: Everyone belongs somewhere, but the journey to finding out where that is more important 

Inclusive Excellence

Charlee Scruggs

Major: Biology
Minor: Nutrition
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Additional Organizations: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society, and Women in Medicine
Fun Fact: I love to golf!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging means finding a group of people, organization, or environment that will hold you accountable and support you in all your endeavors. Especially in the college environment, it is important to have people that will support you when you succeed and also when you don't. A sense of belonging fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows for overall well-being and motivation to accomplish your goals. 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Shelby Stone

Major: Double Major with International Relations and Global Studies with a Transatlantic and European concentration and Political Science
Minor: Double Minor in History and Legal Studies
Hometown: Conway, Arkansas
Additional Organizations: VAC, Honors College Ambassador, and Fulbright Honors College Peer Mentor
Fun Fact: I tried out for the girls' golf team in high school despite never having played golf before. I made the team and even received a varsity letter from my school.
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is a fundamental human need, crucial for fostering meaningful connections and discovering people who genuinely understand and resonate with us. This sense of belonging is not merely a pleasant addition to our lives but a delightful privilege that enriches our existence. It allows us to form deep, supportive bonds with individuals who enhance our confidence, inspire us to explore new horizons, and provide a reassuring foundation that bolsters our sense of security and self-worth. Through these connections, we experience a profound sense of community and mutual understanding, which is vital for our emotional and psychological well-being, and allows us to thrive and grow into our own identity. 

Inclusive Excellence

Jada Voltz

Major: Social Work
Hometown: Fayetteville AR
Additional Organizations: Sustainable Fashion Club and Black Student Association
Fun Fact: I’ve been to 3 different countries
Thoughts on Belonging: A person gets a feeling of belonging when they are able to truly be themselves despite their differences. 

Inclusive Excellence

Reina Watanabe

Major: Environmental Science and Spanish
Hometown: Houston
Additional Organizations: Urec outdoors, VAC, CSES Club, Ultimate Frisbee
Fun Fact: I have studied abroad in Uruguay and Ecuador
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is important and vital to our university campus because it gives students the space to feel confident and heard while pursuing their academic and professional interests 

 

Inclusive Excellence

Anthony Zaffater

Major: Biology
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Additional Organizations: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Fun Fact: I love to Ski!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is about finding the people in your community that make you feel valued and appreciated for who you are.