The UT Ambassadors program is an integral part of UT’s Campus Visit Program in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Student members act as official tour guides of the university and liaisons between prospective students and their parents.
The competitive student organization accepted final applications for the program on Friday, Feb. 21, totaling several hundred.
Grant Minchew, a member of UT Ambassadors, said the program teaches valuable leadership skills.
“Joining the program opened the door into leadership through service on our campus,” Minchew said. “Even today, some students will come up to me and say, ‘Hey! You were my tour guide. Thanks!’ Those kinds of moments remind me why we do what we do … We try to encourage all members to have a leadership role in one way or another, whether that’s planning a social event or training younger members through regular campus tours.”
Before being accepted into the organization, students undergo a three round interview process with the assistant director of undergraduate admissions, Laura Stansell; admissions counselor Richard Spencer; and a group of current ambassadors who select the next class.
Minchew says the current ambassadors are a lively, special group of students enthusiastic about sharing their love for their school.
“The community among the members involved is hard to beat,” Minchew said. “Not many other places on campus boast such a diverse and hilariously ridiculous group of students. Many of them have become some of my very best friends. Also, it provides a way for us as students to be a part of making our university a better place for prospective students.”
UT Ambassadors applicants must be UT students who carry a minimum GPA of 2.5. Once accepted, ambassadors must work 40 hours each semester and conduct a weekly two-hour tour, and answer questions about all aspects of the university and the admissions process. Ambassadors must also participate in UT’s fall open house session when more than 1,500 students and parents visit the university. The organization usually maintains a 42-member staff.
Taylor Thomas, senior captain of UT Ambassadors, praises the role the program has had in his undergraduate career and encourages students to look into joining the program.
“The UT Ambassadors program is the best thing that has happened to me during my college career and quite possibly my life,” Thomas said. “The friends I have made, laughs I have had, students I’ve recruited, and passion for the university that I have been able to express all culminate into one unfathomable life-changing experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I think that’s a pretty good reason to look into it.”
Minchew agreed, saying that he is excited to see how the program will continue to develop in the coming years.
“As a graduating member, I am incredibly proud of the up-and-coming members we have,” Minchew said. “I have full faith that they will continue to serve prospective students, as well as each other, for years to come … We welcome all different types of personalities. Whether you’re the life of the party or more of a chill one-on-one type of person you can certainly be trained to lead tour groups. All we ask is for you to show your love for our school.”
