In February 2023, College President William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H., announced the formation of the Student Ambassadors to the President Program. As part of the program, Latimer convened one-hour meetings with a diverse group of students to foster dialogue about the needs of the College, shared opportunities for growth and improvement, and collaboratively discussed the community’s collective goals for the future.

Throughout the academic year, the student ambassadors participated in active discussions with Latimer as well as Chief of Staff Vincent Tunstall, with all students demonstrating a willingness to share their feedback, ideas, and insights on topics of importance to the College.

“The opportunity to sit down and spend this time with the Student Ambassadors has been invaluable," notes Latimer. "All the participants were open, direct, and thoughtful and I cannot overstate my appreciation for the participation and insights of these outstanding CHC students. I look forward to continuing the Student Ambassadors to the President Program this academic year and to meeting with –and learning from– even more students in the weeks and months ahead.”

One of the participants in the program was Cherylanne Watkins, a junior at the College currently studying mathematics with a minor in computer science. In becoming a student ambassor, Watkins took on an active role in planning the students’ Inaugural Ball and was selected as the student speaker for the Presidential Inauguration ceremony in September.

"When I first came to Chestnut Hill College, I wasn't anticipating the way this place would change my life," noted Watkins in her inaugural message. "In choosing to attend this college, my peers and I found that acceptance was easily given, and we were all openly and warmly enveloped within Griffin Nation. I, like so many of my peers, am proud to call Chestnut Hill College my second home!"

Watkins and her peers in the ambassador's program, speak highly of the time spent with College leadership, sharing that she and her fellow students appreciated the opportunity to interact directly with the president, and to have their voices heard and respected on issues that are important to the CHC students and broader CHC community at large.

After this year’s meetings, Watkins felt that she and her classmates had a better sense of the role of a college president and were also able to understand the complexities that go into making decisions and implementing programs on a college campus.

The Student Ambassadors to the President Program is open to all students. Interested in becoming part of the team? Email adbul-malikh1@chc.edu for more information.