The Baker University Center atrium filled with giant green and white balloons
The OHIO Presidential Ambassadors

OHIO Presidential Ambassadors

About the OHIO Presidential Ambassadors

The members of the OHIO Presidential Ambassadors serve as official representatives of Ohio University and the Office of the President at various presidential events throughout the academic year.

The Presidential Ambassadors are a group of student volunteers who give their time and talents to advance the priorities and initiatives of the Office of the President. These students are loyal Bobcats and role models who represent what Ohio University has to offer. Students apply to serve for one-year terms and must re-apply at the end of each term for consideration.

President Gonzalez walks toward investiture
Dr. Lori Gonzalez, Ohio University's 23rd president

What Does A Presidential Ambassador Do?

  • Learn more about the mission, vision, history and interworking of Ohio University.
  • Engage with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends of OHIO.
  • Assist the Office of the President in furthering strategic initiatives.
  • Detail the student experience to various constituents and polish public speaking skills.
  • Elevate the reputation of OHIO by showcasing the tremendous talent of its students.
  • Represent Ohio University at special events on and off campus.

How Do Presidential Ambassadors Serve?

Ambassadors will have the opportunity to represent Ohio University and the Office of the President at various activities and events throughout the academic year. This could include serving as official student hosts for signature experiences with internal and external constituencies, such as:

  • Presidential events at home football games
  • Various Presidential events
  • Board of Trustee Engagements
  • Homecoming events
  • Donor and Alumni Events

You will also receive professional development training and hear from guest speakers at group meetings.

*Event attendance will be flexible and work around students’ academic calendar and other extra-curricular commitments.

An OHIO football player hoists his Bobcat helmet high

How to Become a Presidential Ambassador

The University is now looking for students to join the 2024-2025 OHIO Presidential Ambassadors Cohort!

How to Apply

Apply Now

Nominate a Student

To be considered for membership in this distinguished student group, students must be willing to meet the required time commitments and submit an online application. Applicants should meet the following:

  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student
  • The completion of at least two semesters of academic work at OHIO, by fall 2024
  • A reference letter from an Ohio University faculty member or advisor

Letters of recommendation should be emailed to Matt Thomson directly from the faculty member or advisor by email at thomsonm@ohio.edu.

The OHIO Presidential Ambassadors selection process is highly competitive. If students are chosen from the pool of applicants to progress to the next stage, they may be invited to participate in an in person interview to be held in April.

Application Deadline: April 12

Please note: Application materials must be submitted online via the Presidential Ambassadors page by the deadline on midnight, Friday, April 12, 2024.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Matt Thomson, Director of Presidential Events and advisor to the OHIO Presidential Ambassadors, at 740-593-0247 or thomsonm@ohio.edu.

Presidential Ambassador logo

Former Undergraduate Presidential Ambassadors

Class of 2023
Maria Benitez Iglesias
  • Hometown: Portsmouth, OH
  • Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
  • College: College of Arts & Sciences
  • Graduating Year: 2023
Class of 2023
Edward Brenya
  • Hometown: Ghana, West Africa
  • Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
  • College: Honors Tutorial College
  • Graduating Year: 2023
Class of 2022
Pat Daley
  • Hometown: Hartville, OH
  • Major/Minor: Integrated Media
  • College: Scripps College of Communication
  • Graduating Year: 2022
Class of 2024
Aanya Datta
  • Hometown: Calcutta, India
  • Major/Minor: Psychology
  • College: College of Arts & Sciences
  • Graduating Year: 2024
Class of 2022
Ellen Gill-Franks
  • Hometown: Lancaster, OH
  • Major/Minor: English (Pre-Law)
  • College: College of Arts & Sciences
  • Graduating Year: 2022
Class of 2022
Eli Hendrix
  • Hometown: Athens, OH
  • Major/Minor: Health Services Administration
  • College: College of Health Sciences and Professions
  • Graduating Year: 2022
Class of 2023
Abby Hutzel
  • Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
  • Major/Minor: Global Studies
  • College: Center for International Studies
  • Graduating Year: 2023
Class of 2022
Maggi Karagosian
  • Hometown: Covington, KY
  • Major/Minor: Journalism and Economics
  • College: Honors Tutorial College
  • Graduating Year: 2022