UA College of Engineering Selects Ambassadors

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama recently selected 20 students as the 2012-2013 Ambassadors of the College of Engineering, or ACEs.

The College created the student ambassador program in 1996 to promote professionalism and enthusiasm for the College. The group consists of about 20 members selected each academic year through a competitive interview and application process.

One of the primary functions of the group is to provide tours of the College of Engineering’s facilities to prospective students, families and alumni. ACEs are responsible for helping with events, such as Engineering Day, and they visit high schools to discuss engineering as a future career choice for potential students.

ACEs also assist the Capstone Engineering Society with alumni and pre-game events, while serving as public relations hosts and hostesses for the College. With the Capstone Engineering Society and the Career Center, ACEs recently helped start a mentoring initiative called Mentor UPP that matches incoming freshmen engineering students with upperclassmen to help the new students adapt to college life.

The following students were selected:

Kaylee Frances Bearden, a junior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Brig and Tina Bearden of Birmingham and a 2010 graduate of Spain Park High School. Bearden was elected secretary of the Ambassadors.

Shellby Christian Benefield, a sophomore in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Chris and Angela Benefield and a 2011 graduate of Etowah High School.

Shelby Cochran, a junior in aerospace engineering, the daughter of Tony and Wendi Cochran of Albertville and a 2010 graduate of Albertville High School. Cochran was elected events chair for the Ambassadors.

Jordan Elizabeth Easter, a senior in mechanical engineering, the daughter of Robert and Charlotte Easter of Pell City and a 2009 graduate of Pell City High School.

Ashton Danielle Greer, a senior in civil engineering, the daughter of Don and Debbie Greer of Kingsport, Tenn., and a 2009 graduate of Sullivan Central High School.

William Edward Guin, a senior in civil engineering, the son of Greg and Dawn Guin of Winfield and a 2009 graduate of Winfield City High School. Guin was elected information chair of the ambassadors.

Matthew Robert Hardman, a senior in electrical engineering and physics, the son of Rob and Tab Hardman of Hoover and a 2009 graduate of Hoover High School.

Mac Bragg Hendrix, a junior in chemical engineering, the son of Mark and Tonya Hendrix of Hartselle and a 2010 graduate of Hartselle High School. Hendrix was elected recruiting chair of the ambassadors.

Grace Kathryn Hoover, a senior in chemical engineering, the daughter of Joe and Linda Hoover of Dallas, Texas, and a 2009 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy.

Tyler James Mathews, a senior in civil engineering, the son of Hugh and Regina Mathews of Jacksonville, Fla., and a 2008 graduate of Bartram Trail High School. Mathews currently serves as president for the Ambassadors.

Sara Elizabeth Meadows, a sophomore in electrical engineering, the daughter of David and Joanne Meadows of Prattville and a 2011 graduate of Prattville High School.

Rachel Ann Mitchell, a senior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Rick and Carol Mitchell of Tuscaloosa and a 2008 graduate of Hillcrest High School.

James Eamonn O’Dwyer, a junior in mechanical engineering and Spanish, the son of Ed and Susan O’Dwyer of Alpharetta, Ga., and a 2010 graduate of Milton High School. O’Dwyer has been selected as president-elect and will begin serving as president in the spring.

Charles Mardis Phillips II, a senior in civil engineering, the son of Marty and Pam Phillips of Vestavia Hills and a 2009 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School.

Logan Timothy Ream, a senior in mechanical engineering, the son of Gary and Eunice Ream of Norcross, Ga., and a 2008 graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Bentley Rodrigue, a senior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of Scott and Margaret Rodrigue of Wyoming, Ohio, and a 2009 graduate of Wyoming High School.

Claire Maria Schaffer, a senior in chemical and biological engineering, the daughter of James and Rita Schaffer of Cullman and a 2008 graduate of St. Bernard Preparatory.

Travis Sims, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, the son of Mark and Jill Sims of Oneonta and a 2011 graduate of Oneonta High School.

Justin Lee Waters, a senior in mechanical engineering, the son of Jimmie and Edith Watters of Huntsville and a 2009 graduate of Lee High School.

Erin West, a sophomore in chemical engineering, the daughter of Paul and Paula West of Terre Haute, Ind., and a 2011 graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has more than 3,300 students and more than 100 faculty. In the last eight years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater, Hollings, Portz and Truman scholars.