Learn about the Dean's Ambassadors Program CHHS Student Leadership Development
The College of Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Ambassadors Program (formerly Dean’s Leadership Council) fosters student success, engagement, service, and leadership among our students. This program empowers dedicated and passionate students to represent CHHS and Colorado State University in various capacities, enhancing the student voice and their representation, recruiting prospective students, advancing philanthropy, and celebrating the impact of student leaders.
The Dean’s Ambassadors Program is a high-level volunteer experience for students who will serve as representatives of the college while receiving valuable mentorship and engaging in service opportunities. With the development of a community of student leaders, the overall student experience within the college and students’ personal, professional, and academic growth are enhanced.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements to apply for the Dean’s Ambassadors Program
- Must be pursuing a degree from a College of Health and Human Sciences academic unit and have completed at least one full semester in that program.
- Have and maintain for the duration of membership a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate/graduate student in person on the Fort Collins campus for the entire academic year (August through May).
- Must commit to one academic year of service including attendance at all CHHS mandatory events.
Apply to Become a Dean’s Ambassador!
The Dean’s Ambassadors Program is now accepting applications through Nov. 30 for the Spring 2025 semester. Applications are due Saturday, November 30 at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Apply to become a College of Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Ambassador through Microsoft Forms.
CHHS employees can request to work with the Dean’s Ambassadors! Please use this form to submit your request: Dean’s Ambassadors Request Form
2024-25 Dean's Ambassadors Program Members Meet the Dean's Ambassadors
Brandon Barnhorst
Construction Management major, graduating Fall 2025
Campus activities/involvement: Member of AGC, VDC competition team, and CSU bridge-building competition team
Hobbies/interests: Riding dirt bikes, river rafting, and chainsaw carving
Career Goals: My career goals are to work as a field engineer and ultimately superintendent. D.A.P has helped me along the way by improving my elevator pitch for career hunting as well as helping to improve my leadership skills.
Favorite D.A.P. memory: This is my first semester with D.A.P., but my favorite event so far was our non-verbal leadership training camp.
Emily Hogsett
Family and Consumer Sciences Education major, minor in Human Development and Family Studies, graduating Spring 2025
Campus activities/involvement: Advocating for CSU’s FCS and education programs, and treasurer for an on-campus Christian group called ChristLife.
Hobbies/interests: Active member in church choir, Weld County 4-H cake decorating leader, paddleboarding, taking photos, playing board games, building puzzles, reading, and hanging out with family and friends
Career Goals: After graduating from CSU, I plan to become a high school Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher. This will allow me to teach students life skills such as cooking, relationships, healthy choices, and nutrition. Through my time in the D.A.P., I have been able to grow as individual through personal development. These experiences will help me to be a better teacher and advocate for my students. I have also been able to make connections with individuals in the field of FCS, which help me to network and create connections
Favorite D.A.P. memory: One of my favorite events to help with are the Choose CSU events. These events are fun since they provide opportunities to interact with high school students who are interested in coming to CSU. Another favorite memory was our time at the Dean’s house since we got to play games and celebrate the end of the school year with the Dean and other faculty
McAllister Johnson
Human Development and Family Studies major, graduating Spring 2026
Campus activities/involvement: Part of Fraternity and Sorority Life – Chi Omega, Associated Students of Colorado State University, and an Admissions Ambassador
Career Goals: I want to be an occupational therapist and D.A.P. has connected me with people that are invested in me getting to that career goal. D.A.P has also pushed me to work on my communication skills which is so important for working with people in any profession.
Favorite D.A.P. memory: The moments in between our events where I got to know my fellow team members. The people who are a part of D.A.P. are some of the coolest people I have ever met and the community and connection D.A.P. fosters is what keeps me coming back.
Myah Luther
Health and Exercise Science major, Exercise Science Concentration, graduating Spring 2026
Campus activities/involvement: President of the Health and Exercise Science Club
Hobbies/interests: Lifting weights and staying active
Career Goals: My goal is to teach at a university and work towards getting my Ph.D. after graduate school. D.A.P. has helped me network and create important connections that have helped further my academic success
Favorite D.A.P. memory: Since this is my first semester in the program, I’m not sure what my favorite is yet. I am looking forward to Choose CSU most and working with prospective students!
Corey O'Keefe
Health and Exercise Science major, Exercise Science concentration and Dance double major, graduating Fall 2024
Campus activities/involvement: University dance concerts, executive assistant for the Institute for Entrepreneurship
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, playing pickleball, and studying with friends at local coffee shops
Career Goals: I aspire to be a physical therapist for dancers of all ages, with a specific passion for collegiate programs that was discovered during my time with the Dean’s Ambassadors Program.
Favorite D.A.P. memory: Working graduations, speaking at monthly “Chose CSU” events, and attending the weekly meetings with such a kind and uplifting group
Gretchen Pohl
Health and Exercise Science major, Exercise Science Concentration, graduating Spring 2027
Campus activities/involvement: Club Ultimate Frisbee team, Intramurals, HES Club, Rehab Therapy Club, Athletic Training Tech with the athletics department, Campus Ministry
Career Goals: My career goal is to be a physical or occupational therapist. The Dean’s Ambassador Program has helped me to build connections with others as well as develop professional skills to reach this goal
Favorite D.A.P. memory: I am new to this program as of this semester, but so far I have loved working with the other ambassadors and getting to know them. I am looking forward to helping out at more events in the future
Emily Reddy
Hospitality and Event Management major, graduating Fall 2025
Campus activities/involvement: Vice President of the Hospitality and Event Management Club and involved in different sections of the Food Science Human Nutrition programs.
Hobbies/interests: Anything hands-on and creative, whether it be cooking, painting, or designing.
Career Goals: After graduating from CSU, I plan to attend the Culinary Institute of America to further my food science and culinary arts education. In the long run I hope to work in the private chef industry for a while, before eventually owning my own business. D.A.P has greatly helped me in building connections and confidence in myself and my abilities, as many of the experiences I’ve had through D.A.P have helped me improve upon important skills in the professional world.
Favorite D.A.P. memory: One of my favorite memories so far has actually been my first meeting with everyone in D.A.P, as it was such a warm and welcoming experience that immediately taught me so much about the program! I’m looking forward to many more memories and great events!
Anna Shikuma
Social Work major, graduating Spring 2025
Campus activities/involvement: Working on campus with the school newspaper, The Collegian.
Hobbies/interests: Reading for fun, exercising outside, and trying new food places
Career Goals: My career goals include going to graduate school and obtaining a master’s in Social Work so that I can work in hospitals and schools as a social worker and clinical counselor. D.A.P. helped me grow towards this by providing a mentorship with a CSU alumna who connected me further to people within my major and helped me grow my experiences with what I want to do later on.
Favorite D.A.P. memory: Parents’ weekend festivities, meeting mentors at donor events, and sharing laughter before doing panels at choose CSU events.