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The Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University has launched the Rusche Ambassadors Program, a student leadership initiative designed to enhance recruitment efforts, elevate the visitor experience and strengthen student engagement within the college. Pictured are the 11 students selected for the program along with their program advisor, John Chambers, back row, far right.

The Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University has launched the Rusche Ambassadors Program, a student leadership initiative designed to enhance recruitment efforts, elevate the visitor experience and strengthen student engagement within the college.

“The Rusche Ambassadors Program exemplifies how the Rusche College of Business advances its mission of ‘learn, launch, lead,'” said Dr. Jason Reese, interim dean of the college. “Through this experiential learning initiative, students develop meaningful leadership skills while gaining practical experience. The program not only supports students in launching their own careers but also strengthens the college’s ability to tell its story to prospective students and external partners throughout the region.”

Rusche Ambassadors serve as representatives of the college at recruitment events, including college tours, high school visits, college fairs and other outreach activities. During these events, they provide prospective students and their families with a firsthand look at the academic programs, facilities, culture and opportunities available in the Rusche College of Business.

“After three years of being an RCOB student, I feel like I truly know this community and what makes it special,” said Rory Price, a senior entrepreneurship major from Edgewood who was selected for the program. “I had people who showed me how impactful this place could be for me, and I want to be that same supportive presence for prospective and future students who are exploring what Rusche can do for them.”

In addition to Price, the following 10 students representing a variety of business disciplines and backgrounds were selected for the program:

• Annie Johnston, junior economics major from Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Brandon Joest, sophomore international business major from Houston
• Bre Stephenson, junior accounting major from La Porte
• Erin Lewis, sophomore finance major from Houston
• Kai Hudson, sophomore accounting major from Canton
• Kainen Leon, sophomore general business major from Fort Worth
• Kendall Kindred, sophomore marketing major from Dallas
• Reed O’Grady, senior management major from Weatherford
• Sofia Ramirez, junior finance major from Baytown
• Zala Ule, business graduate student from Koper, Slovenia

Ambassadors participate in comprehensive training at the beginning of each semester, including a full-day retreat focused on professionalism, communication and public speaking. The retreat also features an in-depth overview of the college’s majors, minors, certificates, experiential learning opportunities and student support services. This training ensures ambassadors are well prepared to represent the college accurately and confidently.

“The Rusche Ambassadors serve as the first point of contact for many prospective students and families,” said John Chambers, program advisor and recruiting and marketing specialist for the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship. “By equipping students with the knowledge to confidently share information about our programs and resources, we are creating a more engaging and informative recruitment experience while also investing in the development of our current students.”

Beyond recruitment, Rusche Ambassadors support student retention and success. They also represent the college at events with corporate partners, donors, alumni and community stakeholders. In these settings, ambassadors serve as professional representatives of the college and help strengthen relationships with external partners.

The program also emphasizes leadership development and professional growth. Through their involvement, ambassadors gain hands-on experience in communication, customer service and university representation, all of which translate directly to future careers in business and leadership roles beyond graduation.

For more information about the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob. To schedule a tour of the college, visit gosfa.com/RuscheTour.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Allied Health Studies will host the inaugural Allied Health Professionals Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

The conference brings together students and professionals from fields across occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, dietetics and other allied health fields for a day of interdisciplinary growth. Through expert-led workshops and real-world scenarios, attendees will explore modern, team-based patient care while building valuable connections across the allied health community.

The conference will include evidence-based practices across various fields, including sessions on informed consent in patient care, artificial intelligence applications in nutrition, reproductive health and exercise, media engagement for practitioners and more.

“The Department of Allied Health Studies is thrilled to offer the inaugural Allied Health Professionals Conference at SFA,” said Sarah Drake, clinical instructor in the Department of Allied Health Studies. “This conference creates a shared space for students, educators and allied health professionals to connect across disciplines. Through dynamic panel discussions, networking opportunities and a robust sponsor expo with over 10 booths, the event reflects the collaborative spirit and growing impact of allied health in our region. We would like thank our generous sponsors and the university for making this event possible.”

Building on the success of last year’s East Region Winter Seminar, offered by the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, organizers anticipate that more than 200 registered attendees will benefit from the interdisciplinary approach to health.

Registered dietitians and speech-language pathologists can register for $75 through Feb. 4. Faculty members and professionals not receiving continuing professional education credits may register for a half day at $25, or a full day for $35. Registration is free for students.

To register, visit gosfa.com/AHPC. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/alliedhealth/ahpc or contact Drake at drakes@sfasu.edu.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications