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Presidential Ambassadors

The Presidential Ambassadors program is a scholarship opportunity for students who display leadership skills and pride in being Lander students. These traits are gauged through an interview process and displayed by the student through high academic achievement. As the face of Lander University, the Presidential Ambassadors are often the first people one meets when visiting the school. The Presidential Ambassadors give tours to prospective students, welcome visitors who are attending performances, and work in the Office of Admissions. They are an exceptional group of students, and you can meet all of them on this page.

Mackenzie Areheart
Classification: Junior
Hometown: West Columbia, SC
Major: Early Childhood Education

At Lander I am involved in Chi Sigma Christian Sorority, Teaching Fellows and LAEYC. When trying to decide where to go to college I knew I wanted a small, personable school where I could get involved, enjoy learning and make lots of friends. I definitely picked the right school!

James Belton
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Camden, SC
Major: Chemistry

At Lander, I am involved in Kappa Alpha Psi, American Chemical Society and Orientation Leaders. Lander was my first choice because, like my hometown, I found qualities here that made me feel very comfortable.

Lindsay Blanton
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Major: Mass Communications

On campus, I am a Resident Assistant for Brookside and Thomason, a Presidential Ambassador and Chi Sigma Christian Sorority president, as well as a Student Government senator. Lander is home to me. I chose Lander because of its fantastic campus and extremely friendly faculty and staff. I have become very involved on campus and love to say Lander is my school. Lander is the perfect place for me.

Monzleisha Renee Brown
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
Major: Nursing

I am a member of the Lander University Student Nurses Association (LUSNA). I chose Lander because it was not too big or too small. The campus was just right which made me feel at home. I never had to worry about getting lost because everyone on campus was so friendly. Lander has one of the top nursing programs. I know that at Lander I will get a top quality education and be prepared for the workforce.

Kandice Bryant
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Honea Path, SC
Major: Accounting

Lander has provided me with the opportunity to take amazing classes, meet wonderful people and become involved. I am active in Phi Mu, SGA, LPBS and Jazz Ensemble. Coming from a small school, I was looking for a college with smaller class sizes. At Lander I have found great teachers that go out of their way to advance me in my major.

Sarah Chaney
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Ninety Six, SC
Major: Nursing

I am a member of Phi Mu Sorority, a secretary and member of the National Panhellenic Council. I also keep the scoreboard for the volleyball team. I was an EXPO leader this summer and I am a student worker in the Student Activities office. I came to Lander because I wanted to be close to my family.

Ashley Clark
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Powdersville, SC
Major: Nursing

As part of one of the top nursing programs in the state, I spend a lot of time in the library! When I’m not studying, I attend Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and Chi Sigma meetings. Every winter I lead a clothing drive called Heart Warmers for homeless families. I love the friendly atmosphere at Lander, and I have made so many memories that I will never forget!

Breanna Cook
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Lexington, SC
Major: Elementary Education

I was drawn to Lander because of its small campus that made me feel at home. I have involved myself in University Singers, Old Main Singers and as a tutor in the Writing Center. I love Lander and know that it is the school for me!

Hakeem Drayton
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Sumter, SC
Major: Sociology/ Criminal Justice and Dance

I chose Lander because it has a small-class atmosphere. It has the major I always wanted, and I’m very happy to be a part of the Lander Dance Company, which I call my second family. I know Lander is the place to further my education and elevate me to the next stage in my life.

Nicole Drew
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Whitmire, SC
Major: Nursing

When looking at colleges, I toured Lander’s campus and knew it would become my second home. I chose Lander because of its excellent nursing program and all of the nice people I saw and talked to. I am a member of Lander University Student Nurses Association (LUSNA). Coming from a small high school, I enjoy Lander’s small class size and how every professor I have knows who I am.

Anna Finkbeiner
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Greenwood, SC
Major: Mass Communications

Because of Lander’s comfortable size, I feel very welcome here. You can walk around campus and always see someone you know, and your professors really know who you are. I am a member of the Blue Key Honor Society.

Lauren Fricks
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Ware Shoals, SC
Major: Nursing

I chose Lander because of the small-school atmosphere and the amazing nursing program. Lander has given me so many opportunities to be involved. I am a participant in Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I have met so many wonderful people at Lander. It’s like my “home away from home.” I am so glad I chose Lander and I am excited to see what else Lander has in store for me.

Clarissa Gaines
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Anderson, SC
Major: Exercise Science

I decided to come to Lander because it felt like a family away from home. Everyone is nice and welcoming here. The professors are very helpful and strive to make their classrooms the best possible. I am a part of PEES Club, and I am an Expo Leader. I also came to Lander because I saw multiple opportunities to advance myself at the university. I am extremely happy that I chose Lander University.

Erin Garland
Classification: Junior
Major: Seneca, SC
Hometown: Nursing

At Lander, I work in the athletic offices and am in Phi Mu sorority. My dad attended school here. When I came and visited the campus, I fell in love. My hometown is only an hour away, so being at Lander was far enough away but close enough to home at the same time. I absolutely love Lander and everything about it.

Mia Greer
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Belton, SC
Major: Health Care Management

Lander University is my home away from home. Choosing Lander was the best decision because of the wonderful attention I receive from all of my professors. I love how I can always rely on them for help inside and outside the classroom. All of the activities that Lander offers really help the students to feel comfortable. My future is being prepared because of this great University!

Vicktoria Hernandez
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Lexington, SC
Major: Chemical Engineering

Lander has so many opportunities it’s sometimes hard to take advantage of them all! A small campus and close community made my decision to come to Lander easy. It was the only place that I applied, and I couldn’t resist the dual education program with Clemson. When I graduate, I will have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lander and a chemical engineering degree from Clemson. Lander is overflowing with opportunities!

Corbin Huntley
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Hendersonville, NC
Major: Health Care Management

Lander has opened many doors for me. I am a sister of Phi Mu and a Lander University Competition Cheerleader. I decided to come to Lander because I wanted to be involved and meet new people. I love the comforting feeling of knowing I can always get help on campus. I never have to go far to find someone willing to go out of their way to ensure that I have a great experience here at Lander University.

Mihajlo Kozjak
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
Major: Econ/ Finance

For an international student, finding a place that feels just like home is nearly impossible. But, at Lander University, that is exactly what I found. Small size of classes, professors who know your name and warm community made my college start way easier. I chose Lander because of its business program that has AACSB accreditation, which puts the school of management at the top of business schools in the world. I am a CEO-elect of Lander Professional Business Society, president of the Lander Soccer Club, and I also work at the Department of Business Resource Center and Greenwood Lander Performing Arts.

Emily Lowery
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Forest City, NC
Major: Special Education

Choosing Lander has been one of best decisions I have made thus far. I am so glad to be part of a family tradition of coming to Lander. I fell in love with the campus and the small class sizes. Here at Lander I am a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha and a student worker in the Academic Success Center. I am also a Fast Track Mentor. Lander has opened so many new doors for me, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Tori Major
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Anderson, SC
Major: Nursing

I came for a tour at Lander during my senior year of high school, and I knew at that point that Lander was the school for me. Lander has an amazing nursing program that drew me in even more. I enjoy the small class sizes and being able to communicate with my professors at any time.

Victoria McDonald
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Cheraw, SC
Major: Early Childhood Education

I chose Lander University because it has small class sizes, which gives students more one-on-one time with professors. When looking for a college to attend, I mainly focused on a good program, and Lander was an easy decision for my future. I am proud to call Lander home. I am a third-year competition/spirit cheerleader and a student worker in the Office of Admissions.

Hannah Merritt
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Piedmont, SC
Major: Nursing

I chose Lander because of the great nursing program. I love the size of the school and the many activities that Lander offers. I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and I love being here in Bearcat Country.

Jamie Morris
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Anderson, SC
Major: Elementary Education

I am the Lander Equestrian Team- Western Captain. I am a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Teaching Fellows and Intramural Sand Volleyball. I chose Lander because it was close enough to home without being in my backyard. There were only eleven schools that offered the Teaching Fellows scholarship and Lander won me over with the Equestrian Team.

Lorenzo Myers
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Hampton, SC
Major: Elementary Education

At Lander I am involved as an EXPO leader, and a Homecoming King nominee. I chose Lander because of the great atmosphere and the high standards one expects from a prestigious university. Lander exemplifies many qualities of a great university such as a high graduation rate, a variety of extracurricular activities and helpful faculty and staff members. Lander is my university!

Claire Parks
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: North Augusta, SC
Major: Business/Marketing

I am truly glad to be a part of the Lander University family because I know I am on the right track to success. Every day at Lander there are many events and activities I look forward to, and my list of these things is always growing! I knew from the start that getting involved on Lander’s campus would not be hard to do. I am grateful for the opportunities to continually meet new friends and make connections, explore more of Greenwood, and prepare myself for my career. These opportunities motivate me to help continue Lander’s strong sense of community for years to come. Go Bearcats!

Paige Railey
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Major: Art Education

I am a Resident Assistant, I am a sister in Chi Sigma Christian Sorority, and I am also a member of the Lander Dance Company. I chose Lander because of the small classes and beautiful campus, but I love Lander because of the opportunities, friendly faculty and all the people I have met.

Katie Reeves
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Major: Elementary Education

I came to Lander because I liked the size of the school – not too small or too big. The size allows you to have a personal relationship with your professors, and they really do know you by name. It is also easy to meet people. All of the classes are within walking distance and it is a safe environment. The Greenwood community is also very supportive and respectful of Lander students. I am a member of the FCA Leadership Team.

Kenneth Roach II
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Camden, SC
Major: Sociology

I am involved in Impact, serve as vice president of Minorities on the Move, a Resident Assistant and a Student Government executive officer, and I am first runner for 2012 Homecoming king. I chose Lander because of its high reputation in both academia and sports. The Department of Political and Social Sciences is consistently ranked high in the state. The high-quality education, great staff support, carefully designed curricula and an extensive alumni network played a major role in my decision to attend Lander. I could not imagine going anywhere else.

Rhett Sapough
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Barnwell, SC
Major: Business

I chose Lander because of its great business program. Also, the campus is beautiful and reminds me of home. The classes are smaller which gives me a personal relationship with my professors. The hospitality of all the faculty makes it a pleasant stay. I am treasurer of Chi Alpha Omega, CEO-elect of the Lander Professional Business Society and worship leader for the Lander Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Rebecca Sessions
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Mauldin, SC
Major: Mass Communications

My parents met each other at Lander so I have visited the campus many times over the years. Lander has always felt like home to me so there was never any doubt that I would attend as well. Lander and Greenwood as a whole, are very welcoming and friendly. I don’t get lost in a sea of faces like students at larger universities. Lander University was definitely the right choice for me! Go Bearcats!

Erica Shuler
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Honea Path, SC
Major: Elementary/Early Childhood Education

I chose Lander University not only because of the excellent education program but also because of the friendly atmosphere, teacher to student ratio and location. While at Lander, I have participated in many activities and organizations around campus. I am a member of Chi Sigma Christian Sorority, a Resident Assistant and a Student Worker in Financial Aid and Office of Admissions.

Meagan Smalls
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Huger, SC
Major: Accounting

I chose to come to Lander University because of the small teacher to student ratio. I love that Lander is a smaller university and the professors are very helpful and welcoming. I also like having general education classes because it helps to expose me to all of the different programs that are offered here at Lander. The activities that are hosted by Student Activities are also very fun and exciting to attend.

Alexandra Jane Smith
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: North Augusta, SC
Major: Elementary Education

I lived in the same house my entire life. I am the youngest child in my family and that has taught me how to deal with certain situations. I am very outgoing and care about everybody. I love helping people. Lander University is a great school. I chose it because of its size, campus and how friendly the faculty and staff are.

Marquise Speaks
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Laurens, SC
Major: Education

I came to Lander University because its College of Education produces some of the best teachers in the state of South Carolina, and it is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Lander offers great value, small class sizes, qualified professors and a small intimate campus. I have gained beneficial experience as president of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. In addition to education, I am involved with Student Government and Lander Presidential Leadership Academy. I am an EXPO Leader, Student Worker and Cheerleader. I am also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Baptist Collegiate Ministries. At Lander I have been able to study at an enhanced level by being an Honors International student. Lander is a small school that allows for great interaction with so many different people, which has helped me establish better communication skills.

Shaniqua Staples
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Major: Exercise Science

I am a student worker for GLPA, and a member of the PEES club. I chose Lander not only because they offered my major, but also because the small size makes the school feel more like a community. Being able to walk around and recognize familiar faces makes me feel secure and safe. The professors are patient and will work one-on-one with students who need extra help. From the welcoming people of Greenwood to the fun environment at Lander, this is the best place to spend your college days!

Cole Strickland
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Florence, SC
Major: Theatre

Lander is a great fit for me because of its family-like atmosphere and superb performing arts program. Lander has given me many opportunities to get involved on campus such as: BCM and as Plegemaster of Chi Alpha Omega Fraternity. My plans are to attend seminary at Wake Forest University, which Lander has prepared me for. Lander is a small university with big ideas. Go Bearcats!

Aaron Talmage
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Major: Political Science

Lander was the only school I could see myself attending. Knowing that teachers care about my education as much as I do was comforting. Knowledge at Lander is at your finger tips and should be grasped by the handful. The school is now a home to me, and my family here grows every year.

Dentaveous Walker
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Union, SC
Major: Mass Communications

I chose Lander University because it is a school that is rich in history, and it is a small school that focuses on education. I really enjoy the atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to more years on this campus.

Janza Walker
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Inman, SC
Major: Business Administration: Accounting; Pre-Law Minor

I chose Lander University because it is home away from home. The friendly faces and hospitality make it seem like you are a part of a big family. It is also a small university that allows room for growth as a student as well as a person. I was able to get involved by becoming a member and treasurer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Resident Assistant in the Housing Office, a member of LPBS, an EXPO Leader and a student worker in the Admissions Office. Lander has given me the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and build a future based on the values I have.

Amanda Whaley
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Major: Nursing

Lander offers so many great opportunities to be a successful college student, that I knew Lander was the correct choice. I hope to be a nurse practitioner by furthering my education.

Kayla Williams
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Pelzer, SC
Major: Nursing

As a senior nursing major at Lander, I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The smaller class sizes have really made a difference in my college career. As a student at Lander, I feel like more than just a number, and professors are always willing to provide help if I need it. I love Lander and I love being a part of the Bearcat Community. I am a member the Blue Key Honor Society and Lander's Student Nurses' Association (LUSNA).

Kayla Lynn Williams
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Westminster, SC
Major: Exercise Science

I am involved at Lander as a Resident Assistant, a member of the PEES Club, a student worker in the Alumni office, and participant in Intramural sports and the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM). I chose Lander because of the small atmosphere. I loved the beautiful campus and how everyone was so friendly and I fell in love with it when I toured.

Haley Wilson
Classification: Sophomore
Hometown: Clinton, SC
Major: Early Childhood

After touring multiple schools, I immediately knew that Lander was the perfect school for me. I fell in love with the overall atmosphere, one that is both personal and caring. The small class size allows for students to feel comfortable participating in class and givies them the chance to truly learn. Everyone at Lander is willing to help in every way possible. Lander was an easy choice for me, providing the full college experience without traveling too far from home. Lander offers many organizations and clubs for student involvement. From the caring professors to the overall atmosphere, Lander truly becomes an easy choice.

Morgan Wingler
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Boiling Springs, SC
Major: Mass Communications

I chose Lander because of the small campus – it felt like home. I am vice president II of Zeta Tau Alpha. I volunteer at the Lander Equestrian Center, working with disabled adults.

Rayshawn Trapp
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Blair, SC
Major: Elementary Education

This is my Lander because it is a small, state-supported school that I can call my “home away from home.” The professors and staff know me by name, and they show a personable side.

I am fortunate to be involved in two major organizations on campus: the Presidential Ambassadors program and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. These programs have greatly enhanced my Lander experience by providing great campus memories and lifelong friends that I can always count on.

Emily Ashley
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Laurens, SC
Major: Business, Health Care Management

I chose Lander because of all of the great opportunities this University has to offer. I wanted a school that provided excellent educational opportunities as well as extracurricular opportunities, and that is just what I found at Lander. I am a member of the Lander Professional Business Society, University Programming Council, and a student worker in Student Accounts.

Ja’Nae Middleton
Classification: Junior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Monck Corner, SC

I chose Lander because it was like a home away from home. I’m from a small town, and Greenwood made it easy for me to adjust. Lander also has an awesome education program. All of my professors have known me by name and I love that. At Lander, students can easily build relationships with their professors. Lander has also helped shape me as a person. It has allowed me to enhance my leadership skills for my future as a teacher.

Ronnisha Willis
Classification Junior
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Columbia

I originally chose Lander because of the small size and the high demand nursing program. Once I decided to officially attend Lander; I knew that I had made the right choice by my first experience as a freshman at Expo. The faculty, staff, and upperclassmen students made me feel right at home. I have become more social and have increased my leadership skills by being involved in the Presidential Ambassador Program, Gospel Choir, and Lander University’s Student Nurses Association. Lander provides such a friendly and comfortable atmosphere that allows much success for the students. The classroom size is perfect for a successful learning environment. I love how my professors are able to remember my name and I am not just a number. I wouldn’t trade my experience here at Lander for the world.