08/9/99
Ohio University junior Jeremy Shorr of Aurora, Ohio, was elected chair of the newly created Student Ambassador program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Shorr, a linguistics major, is the son of Alan and Debbie Shorr of Aurora.
The Student Ambassador program was designed to provide outreach programs, services and information to high school seniors interested in attending Ohio University and to students currently enrolled in the college.
The Student Ambassador organization is comprised of five student-led committees that address students' first-year experiences, academic affairs, cultural affairs, external relations and professional development.
"I feel that the student ambassadors really have an opportunity to make an impact on the campus," Shorr said. "I want to help provide this valuable service to the students and I look forward to helping lead the organization to its full potential."
Erek Perry, assistant to the dean for recruitment and retention in the college, will advise the Student Ambassador program.
"With Jeremy's leadership, we look forward to the difference that this group will make in helping to meet the varying needs of students in the university community," Perry said. "The position offers several challenges and Jeremy will do an outstanding job getting the organization up and running. His effective leadership style, adaptability and managerial skills will be major assets to the success of the organization."
The ambassadors will coordinate recruitment and retention programs. To assist in recruitment, they will organize campus visits for high school students who have been admitted to Ohio University. They also will contact students by e-mail and telephone to answer their questions and to give them a student's perspective of the university.
Members also will assist in organizing academic advising socials for students and faculty in the college and create programs to aid professional development.
Some of the goals for the first year of the organization include building a library of internship and job listings for Arts and Sciences students and helping incoming freshmen adjust to the university, Shorr said. Junior Nichole Griffin, a history major from Cleveland, will act as the program's historian.
"The program will serve as an example of students helping students," Griffin said. "The students will benefit from the student perspective we can offer and the chance to network with other students beyond their class."