Visitor Center Hosts Leadership Conference

The Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center hosted the inaugural Aggie Ambassador Leadership Conference on Saturday, April 17 at the Innovative Learning Classroom Building (ILCB). The in-person program was the first conference-style event hosted inside the ILCB’s large arena, which is Texas A&M’s newest and largest classroom seating 605 people.

The professional development event was designed for students who publicly represent Texas A&M University to visitors. As paid employees or volunteers, ambassadors share a commitment to positively showcase Texas A&M’s traditions, values, academics, global impact and world-class facilities to prospective students, their families, donors, former students and guests.

Kelli Hollinger, director of visitor experience, said, “By bringing together ambassadors from various academic colleges, recruitment offices or student organizations, we elevate the visitor experience on campus by making it more seamless.”

There were two major themes addressed: communication skills and consistent messaging. Mays Business School Professor Henry Musoma and John Krajicek, a motivational speaker, discussed emotional intelligence, professional presence, body language and making authentic connections. Musoma said visitors aren’t the only people who benefit from strong communication skills.

“Communication is a form of love,” Musoma said. “We communicate well when we venture to truly know ourselves.”

Liz Barnes, a member of Howdy Crew, the Visitor Center student tour guide staff, led a student panel where Aggies shared stories of how they felt connected with and supported by Texas A&M when facing a personal challenge. Additional presentations outlined the university’s strategic priorities and key enrollment information so that ambassadors deliver uniform, on-brand messages to visitors.

“The interactions that the Howdy Crew or other campus ambassadors have with visitors have incredible influence on a prospective student’s decision to apply or enroll in Texas A&M,” Hollinger said. “Ambassadors are critical to the university’s success.”

Shane Hinckley, vice president of brand development, reinforced the important role that tour guides play in showcasing Texas A&M’s brand to thousands of visitors annually.

“It’s not about selling Texas A&M,” Hinckley said. “It’s about helping a prospective student discover why Texas A&M would be positive for them.”

Hinckley also encouraged ambassadors to be honest and transparent about the challenges Texas A&M faces to create a more inclusive environment.

The inaugural ambassador conference is one of many new programs recently launched by the visitor center team. Other new offerings include virtual campus tours, Saturday tours, tours for incoming graduate students and new employee tours.

The visitor center team is a recipient of a 2021 President’s Meritorious Service Award.