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Pensacola State College Student Ambassadors for 2026-27, from left: Gabe Nees, Hannah Flannigan, Hope Lashley, Caroline Mitchem, Nicole McWilson, Emory Sellers, Karen Ramirez and Matthew Letavich.
New student orientations and the first days of classes are exciting for students starting the new academic year at Pensacola State College. They can also bring feelings of anxiety from information overload, the search for classrooms and campus resources, and the introduction of new teachers, classmates and coursework. The PSC Student Ambassador Program is designed to ease that stress by helping welcome students and visitors to campus throughout the year.
For the 2026-27 academic year, returning student ambassadors are business and management majors Hope Lashley and Gabe Nees, engineering major Nicole McWilson and nursing major Hannah Flannigan. New ambassadors are early childhood education majors Caroline Mitchem and Emory Sellers, dental hygiene major Karen Ramirez and cybersecurity major Matthew Letavish.
Student ambassadors represent the college during campus tours, student recruitment events, commencement ceremonies, alumni activities and other special events. They receive a full scholarship covering tuition, books and fees and must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to service to qualify.
Each year, applicants are selected for the program based on academic achievement, letters of recommendation, leadership experience and community involvement. They must be high school graduates from Baldwin, Escambia or Santa Rosa counties; be admitted to PSC; and commit to attending classes during the fall, spring and summer terms.
Sellers, a Gulf Breeze High School graduate, spent five summers as a camp counselor for Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation and views the Student Ambassador Program as another opportunity to serve others. “I’ve taken dual enrollment classes since my junior year of high school and thought attending Pensacola State was the best next step and that becoming a student ambassador would be a great way to start college,” she said. “I love to work with my community, and I’m excited to start this journey.”
McWilson, a Washington High School graduate, sees the program as an opportunity to become involved on campus while strengthening her academic resume for her future goals of attending the University of Florida and earning a master’s degree.
Student ambassadors Caroline Mitchem and Nicole McWilson, greet new students during Pirate Path new student orientation sessions at Pensacola State College.
“I chose Pensacola State College because it was going to be my best foot forward with my college career,” she said. “I became a student ambassador because this scholarship really aligned with my views, and I knew that it would help me in the future.”
Student Ambassadors play an important role in helping prospective students learn about educational opportunities at PSC and helping new students get off to a good start.
Mitchem, from Jay High School, encourages new students with the following advice: “Give yourself grace as you start college, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to meet new people.”
The ambassadors are available to assist with campus events and departmental activities throughout the year. Request a PSC Student Ambassador by completing the Student Ambassador Request Form. For more information, contact Cyndi Fairfield in Student Affairs at ext. 1554.