Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, Jacksonville State University’s School of Nursing has announced its new cohort of Nursing Ambassadors for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Nine exceptional nursing students have been selected to represent the program at official functions and serve as mentors to incoming students.
The newly appointed Nursing Ambassadors are Ivore’ White, Eymiah Ellington, Danielle Williams, Alivia French, Katelyn Miller, Savannah Helms, Kiran Norton, Chandler Postell, and Mimi Roland.
“These students serve as the examples of professionalism and leadership within our nursing program,” said Betsy Gulledge, Chief Nursing Administrator and Associate Dean for the School of Nursing. “Their time is already so limited and compressed with nursing school, but they commit to serving their school at events such as the White Coat Ceremony, Preview Day, accreditation site visits, and new student orientation.”
The Nursing Ambassador program selects volunteer students who have completed at least one semester of upper-division nursing courses and have at least one year remaining in the program. Ambassadors must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be in good standing without any ethical, academic, or clinical infractions.
Current ambassadors who are graduating this summer offered advice to the incoming group. Jenna Hardin, a senior nursing student selected as an ambassador for the 2024-2025 academic year, reflected on her experience.
“I see my role as helping bridge the gap between students and faculty, between uncertainty and confidence, and between where someone is and where they’re headed,” said Hardin, who enters her final semester this summer. “Whether it’s supporting recruitment events or encouraging peers, I try to be someone who represents the heart of our program with integrity, kindness, and consistency.”
Hardin encourages the incoming ambassadors to use their roles to foster belonging. “You were chosen for a reason,” she said. “Your presence, your story, your ability to lead in your own way. Some days you may question if you’re doing enough, but just showing up, genuinely and steadily, can have more impact than you realize.”
Mattilen Nelson, who was selected in April 2024 and will also graduate this summer, advises the new ambassadors to embrace every opportunity. “Conduct yourself as a role model for others and be authentic,” said the 22-year-old. “Take every single opportunity you can to represent the program in any capacity. It truly is so fun to get to meet new people and share your experiences with others.”
Nelson also emphasized the supportive environment provided by faculty. “Always remember, you have so much support from our wonderful JSU Nursing faculty, so never be afraid to ask questions or seek advice.”
The rigorous selection process for ambassadors includes a completed application, essay questions, two nursing faculty recommendations, and an interview. Students chosen as ambassadors are notified prior to the completion of the spring semester.
The ambassadors will begin their official duties with the start of the fall semester, representing the School of Nursing at various campus and community events throughout the academic year.
For more information about Jacksonville State University’s School of Nursing and its programs, visit www.jsu.edu/nursing.
