Ambassadors Programs Receiving Reboot

Michelle Manfred, Thomas Nelson's Director of Information Services, is re-branding the Ambassadors programs and making some adjustments. What isn't changing is the vision of the programs, which began under the late Dr. John Dever, the College's president from 2011-20.

"He basically wanted to make sure we had students on campus greeting other students and taking part in events," she said of the original idea, which eventually expanded to two programs.

However, with the pandemic, things changed, and there wasn't as big a need for ambassadors. But shortly after Dr. Porter Brannon was named president of Thomas Nelson this year, she and Manfred discussed reinvigorating the programs, which were similar to what Brannon had at her previous college. Thanks to their efforts, and with a $5,000 grant from the Thomas Nelson Educational Foundation, the programs are getting back on track, just with new names.

In the Presidential Ambassadors program, students will act as liaisons between the College and prospective students and families; between the College and guests and alumni; and between the College and business partners or friends of the institution. They will receive training in public speaking, public relations and networking, in addition to learning soft skills that will help in job interviews and career advancement.

These students also will have more contact with the president. As part of the program, Brannon has agreed to meet with the students to offer leadership advice and act as a mentor.

"Dr. Brannon wants to groom them. She wants them to have their elevator speech ready whenever they meet people," Manfred said. "She wants to make sure they get some training and some leadership examples from people in the community."

The students in this program have to commit to working 10 hours a month for 10 months, and will be paid $10 an hour for a total of $1,000.

In the other program, there will be Student Ambassadors. They will help at events that are sponsored by Student Life and Leadership or the College itself. These students have to volunteer 15 hours a semester in order to receive $100 in tuition assistance.

Manfred said recruiting for the Presidential Ambassadors will begin soon. The goal is for the students to be ready to start in July since it's a 10-month program. Also, because the responsibilities include interacting with prospective students and sharing their Thomas Nelson experience, it's important to have the program in place in the summer, when the College receives a lot of inquiries.

Recruiting for the Student Ambassadors will start in the summer because they won't have to be ready until the beginning of the fall semester.

"(This) is just one of the ways in which Thomas Nelson is committed to the success of its students," Brannon said.

For students interested in either program, contact Michelle Manfred at manfredm@vpcc.edu.