Meet the Ambassadors
Madison Bailey
Major: Social workMinor: 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.
Katie Camp
Major: BiologyMinor: 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.
Kaytlin Dwyer
Major: AnthropologyMinor: 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.
Cynthia Ferlin
Major: BiologyHometown: 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
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.
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."
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
Sophia Pan
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Art History
Hometown: Jonesboro
Additional Organizations: CSSA, CLLC
Fun Fact: Have traveled to 8 different places
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is a welcoming environment where individuals converge to form connections
and forge bonds with each other. It's about creating a space where everyone can share
their interests and have security, where we can all come together to learn about one
another.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.