Texas Tech University

Engineering Ambassadors History

                 

In 1984, shortly after assuming the position of Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Mason H. Somerville created the Engineering Ambassadors. The first group of Ambassadors began their duties in 1985; the group consisted of 16 students, each personally selected by their departmental chair. Their mission was simple — recruit students to the College of Engineering and act as student representatives for the college. Since those early days, the Ambassadors have had some mountains and valleys to cross and have ultimately been successful. The Engineering Ambassador group, as it is known today, is a focused service organization serving not only the Office of the Dean, but each department within the Whitacre College of Engineering.

As with any student organization, the Engineering Ambassadors needed funding. This funding was originally provided by corporate sponsorship and lasted for three years. However, by 1988, it was clear that the group needed greater financial stability. For this reason, the College of Engineering turned to its Distinguished Engineers to provide the financial backing that the Ambassadors needed.

Beginning in 1988, the Engineering Ambassadors changed to the present committee selection process for choosing new Ambassador membership. In 1989, the organization's bylaws were written and the Ambassadors adopted the current vice president/committee structure. In addition to these changes, the group made further changes towards its membership selection process by targeting second-semester freshmen. This approach gave new members more time to become familiar with the operation and expectations of the organization, thereby improving their future potential for leadership within the group.

The impact of the Engineering Ambassadors on the Whitacre College of Engineering has been quite substantial. In addition to the original goal of recruiting, the present group also helps with phone-a-thons to raise scholarship funds, publishes a biannual newsletter, and works to stimulate interest in the math, science, and technology areas among students within the local area, as well as in primary and secondary schools.

 

For more information email us at wcoeengineeringambassadors@gmail.com