School of Nursing Recognizes New Ambassadors for Upcoming Academic Year

05/08/2025

By Brett Buckner

Jax State’s School of Nursing has named its Nursing Ambassadors for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. The nine ambassadors are volunteer students who have completed at least one semester of upper-division nursing and have at least one year left in the program. 

The Nursing Ambassadors are: 

• Ivore' White 

• Eymiah Ellington  

• Danielle Williams  

• Alivia French  

• Katelyn Miller  

• Savannah Helms  

• Kiran Norton  

• Chandler Postell, and  

• Mimi Roland.  

"These students serve as the examples of professionalism and leadership within our nursing program," said Betsy Gulledge, Chief Nursing Administrator and Associate Dean for the School of Nursing. "Their time is already so limited and compressed with nursing school, but they commit to serving their school at events such as the White Coat Ceremony, Preview Day, accreditation site visits, and new student orientation." 

 Jenna Hardin, a senior nursing student, was selected as an ambassador for the 2024-2025 academic year. "I see my role as helping bridge the gap between students and faculty, between uncertainty and confidence, and between where someone is and where they're headed," said Hardin, who is entering her final semester this summer. "Whether it's supporting recruitment events or encouraging peers, I try to be someone who represents the heart of our program with integrity, kindness, and consistency." 

Mattilen Nelson was selected in April 2024. She encourages these new ambassadors to appreciate the honor and make the most of the opportunity. "Conduct yourself as a role model for others and be authentic," said the 22-year-old who will graduate this summer. "Take every single opportunity you can to represent the program in any capacity. "It truly is so fun to get to meet new people and share your experiences with others. Always remember, you have so much support from our wonderful JSU Nursing faculty, so never be afraid to ask questions or seek advice."  

Hardin encourages the incoming ambassadors to use their roles to help others feel like they belong. "You were chosen for a reason," she said. "Your presence, your story, your ability to lead in your own way. Some days you may question if you're doing enough, but just showing up, genuinely and steadily, can have more impact than you realize." It doesn't take a spotlight to be a good leader. "The way you carry yourself now reflects the kind of nurse you're becoming," Hardin said. "And that presence? It follows you into every patient room, every shift, and every moment that matters." 

 To be selected as a Jax State Nursing Ambassador, students must: 

• have completed at least one semester of traditional undergraduate classes in the nursing program 

• be rising to their second, third, or fourth semester 

• have at least two semesters left in the program. 

• have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 
• be in good standing without any ethical, academic, or clinical infractions 

Applicants must complete the application process and schedule an interview by the application deadline. The selection process includes a completed application, essay question, two nursing faculty recommendations, and an interview. Students chosen as ambassadors are notified prior to the completion of the spring semester.