Who better to introduce future students to UNC Asheville than current students?
Meet the Ambassadors
Questions about UNC Asheville campus life, adjusting to college or where the best snacks are on campus? Ask the University Ambassadors! Email us at ambassadors@unca.edu.
D Thompson
Hiya! My name is D (yes, like the letter), I use they/he pronouns and I’m in my fifth year here at UNC Asheville as a BFA painting major with a minor in drama. I also work as a house electrician for the theater here on campus and am the student…
Jessie Nilsen
Hey I’m Jessie (she/her). I am a fourth year health and wellness promotion major and am the captain of the dance team here on campus. In my free time, I like to rollerblade in the River Arts District!
Gillian Gavenus
Hello! My name is Gillian Gavenus (she/her). I am a 4th year environmental studies major. My favorite thing about UNC Asheville is how beautiful the campus is, especially in fall! Outside of classes, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and trying new restaurants in Asheville.
Jadyn Stein
Heyo! My name is Jadyn (she/her) and I am a 4th year at UNC Asheville! I’m majoring in psychology and getting a teaching license in middle school social studies. My favorite thing about UNC Asheville is the flowers and plants that bloom in the spring!
Phoebe Carnes
Hello! I’m Phoebe (she/her), and I’m a biology major and environmental studies minor. I am a member of the Reynolds Lab here on campus, and I do work with Caribbean boas and elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! My favorite parts of campus are the spectacular undergraduate research…
Grant Silver
What’s up! My name is Grant Silver, my pronouns are he/him and I am a second year student majoring in mass communication. My two favorite things about UNC Asheville are the professors and the on campus residence halls. Outside of class, you will see me attending shows at our local…
Gemma Mohan
Hi there, my name is Gemma Mohan (she/they) and I am a fourth-year English major concentrating in creative writing. My favorite things to do at UNC Asheville are to walk in the botanical gardens and nap on the quad in my hammock. Around Asheville, I like to visit the River…
Owen James
Hi, my name is Owen James. I am a third year Religious Studies and Spanish major. During my free time I am probably eating oatmeal or walking through the beautiful botanical gardens that border our campus. My favorite thing to do in Asheville is to get a special tea blend…
Sky Seal
Hi! My name is Skyler or Sky Seal (she/her) and I’m a senior year creative writing major here at UNC Asheville. I’m originally from the Outer Banks and my favorite part of UNC Asheville is definitely the beautiful mountain scenery. If I’m not in class or giving a tour, I’m…
Madison Spangler
Hey everyone! My name is Madison Spangler (she/her) and I’m a sophomore here at UNC Asheville. I study English with a concentration in Creative Writing! My favorite thing about UNC Asheville is the professors! All my professors care about who I am as a person and care about my academic…
Faith Varela
Hello! My name is Faith Varela (she/her) and I am a second year economics major with a minor in creative writing. My favorite thing about UNC Asheville is how pretty campus is, especially in the fall. When I'm not in class I like to spend time with friends and hang…
Drew Scott
Hi, my name is Drew Scott and I’m a senior psychology major in my last semester. In my free time I write about Appalachia and run the UNC Asheville Trans Student Union.
Guinevere Thorn
Hi! My name is Guinevere Thorn (she/her) and I am a first-year Music Technology major. I’m a member of the AfroMusics and Prog Rock Ensembles, as well as UNC Asheville Hillel. In my free time I go to lots of concerts in Asheville and look for bears in the woods.
Darien Allen
Hello! My name is Darien Allen (he/him) and I am a third-year chemistry major. My favorite things about UNC Asheville are the outdoor opportunities and inclusivity. The people here are all weird in the best ways! If I’m not in class you can find me sitting on the beautiful quad…
Becca Leveille
Hello! My name is Becca Leveille (she/they/he) and I am a first year Biology Major and Teaching Licensure. My favorite things about UNC Asheville are the small class sizes and the community. I am in the Wind Ensemble and the Pep Band, and they feel like family to me. I…
Eva Kaplan
Hello! My name is Eva Kaplan (she/they) and I am a first year Music Technology student. On campus, you can find me at Shabbat dinners with Hillel or learning dances with the K-pop club. Off campus, I am always finding new places to hike, trying out new restaurants, and going…
Tata Martinez
Hi my name Tata Martinez (she/her) I am a third-year, creative writing major and Spanish minor. My favorite thing about UNC Asheville campus are the events and clubs we have, there’s always something to do when you’re bored. When not in class, I’m usually in Highsmith doing homework or hanging…
Kayla Bach
Hello! My name is Kayla Bach (she/her) and I am a first year Mechatronics Engineering major. My favorite things about UNC Asheville are the beautiful campus and the amazing teachers. When not in class you can find me leading my club Planned Parenthood Generation Action or Highsmith student union.
Natalie Garcia
Hello! My name is Natalie Garcia. I use she/they pronouns. I am a Mass Communication major with a minor in Creative Writing. Some of my hobbies include photography and story writing. One of my favorite things about UNC Asheville is the student spirit at basketball games and the fact that…
The University Ambassador Program is designed to help special groups, prospective students and their families become familiar with the campus and the atmosphere of UNC Asheville. Current students lead tours and answer questions about the school and campus life so visitors get authentic, informed answers to their questions.
The ideal Ambassador is a student who is enthusiastic about UNC Asheville, enjoys meeting new people, and facing new challenges. They look forward to the unexpected and love keeping up with the ever-changing university. Ambassadors are committed to and involved in the livelihood of the campus, participating in other on-campus activities and organizations. They are outgoing and comfortable speaking to a wide-range of people and in front of large groups.
Campus tours are an integral part of the campus visit program for the Office of Admissions. University Ambassadors lead daily scheduled tours for prospective students and their families, and special group tours for elementary, middle, and high school students. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to participate in special campus events at the request of the Chancellor or other members of the UNC Asheville community, including fundraising events, installations and commencements, Open Houses, and more.
Ambassadors attend a training session at the beginning of the semester and work with several experienced Ambassadors during the first few actual tours. Both the Campus Visit Coordinator and the Student Ambassador Director keep all Ambassadors informed and connected throughout the year regarding any changes that occur in any aspect of the university community.
Apply to Be a University Ambassador
Complete the University Ambassador Application and send a letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member to ambassadors@unca.edu, or drop it off at the Admissions Office in Brown Hall. An Admissions Representative will be in touch if you are chosen to interview. Interviews are usually conducted shortly before the end of each semester.
