Building community and leadership: the Graduate Ambassador experience

While graduate school is filled with opportunities for discovery and professional development, it can also be an isolating experience. Whether students enter immediately after earning their undergraduate degree or return after years in the workforce, the demands of coursework, research, careers and personal responsibilities can make it difficult to build meaningful connections beyond their academic programs.

A series of four images next to each other vertically. The first image on the left depicts a man standing in front of a stone building. The second image shows a woman speaking at a podium. The third is a group of four individuals smiling in front of a blue tent that says Boys and Girls Club of America. The fourth image is of a man smiling and holding a certificate. — Photos (left to right): Arif Hassan Zidan (Computer & Cyber Sciences, PhD) representing Augusta University during his internship at Harvard Medical School; Sherita Cash (Educational Innovation, EdD) moderates The Graduate School Alumni Panel; Emma Clarke (Psychology, MS), Wyatt Slocum (Neuroscience, PhD), Casandra Slocum (Neuroscience, PhD) and Ella Arnold (Medical Physiology, MS) volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta’s Burger Battle; Albert Okrah (Applied Health Sciences, PhD) celebrates completing a LinkedIn Learning certification pathway.

Recognizing the importance of community and graduate student engagement, The Graduate School launched the Graduate Ambassador Program in fall 2025. The program was designed to cultivate a dynamic and supportive environment that promotes academic excellence through leadership opportunities, professional development and lasting connections. Bringing together graduate students from across disciplines, Graduate Ambassadors strengthen leadership skills, foster cross-campus relationships and serve as representatives of graduate education within the Augusta University community and beyond.

“The Graduate Ambassador Program is uniquely designed to enhance the professional abilities and skills of graduate students and provided me with opportunities I never could have imagined outside of the program. It was an incredibly meaningful experience, and I would encourage any graduate student to apply.”
Arif Hassan Zidan, a 2025 Graduate Ambassador

Throughout the year, Graduate Ambassadors participated in a variety of professional development experiences tailored to the interests and strengths of the cohort. From exploring how to leverage their unique talents to engaging in meaningful conversations with Maggy G. Tomova, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, each session encouraged students to develop as leaders while learning from one another.

The impact of the Graduate Ambassador Program extended beyond campus as well. In 2025, ambassadors volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta’s Burger Battle, helping raise awareness and support for programs serving local youth. Through this experience, students connected with community members and local businesses while making a meaningful contribution to the Augusta community.

“Our student leaders demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when passion, service, and a shared sense of purpose come together,” said Sydny Murray, Professional Development and Career Planning Coordinator for The Graduate School. “Their willingness to embrace new opportunities, connect with prospective and current students, and engage with the broader Augusta community was truly inspiring. The inaugural cohort helped shape the program’s identity, and we look forward to seeing future ambassadors build on their legacy.”

As a new academic year begins, The Graduate School is excited to announce that applications for the next Graduate Ambassador cohort are open and will close Sept. 2. Students interested in expanding their leadership skills, building connections across campus and serving as advocates for graduate education are encouraged to apply.

For more information and application details, visit The Graduate School’s website.