Athenian Ambassadors
Official Hosts of the universityThe Athenians are the official hosts for Athens State University. Ambassadors assist with campus and community events including the Fiddlers Convention, Transfer Orientation Day, Commencement, and Career Fairs. Athenians are chosen through an interview and application process in the spring semester, and they serve throughout the academic year (fall and spring).
To request the Athenian Ambassadors to assist with an event, please complete the Athenian Ambassador Request Form. All requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event.
If you are interested in applying to become an ambassador, you must activate your profile on Handshake:
Once you are an approved user and have a resume uploaded on Handshake, you will be able to search and apply for the Athenian Ambassador position.
For questions about the Athenian Ambassador program, please contact Amy Garrison at 256-233-8128 or [email protected].
2025-26 Athenian Ambassadors
Pictured L to R Front row: Ashley Powers, Elizabeth Donnelly, Natiria Griffin, Chiquittia Mahaley, Carley Bunn, Aspen Garder, Amber Clemmon
Back row:
Brianna Groce, Nakomi Birdsong, Katie Johns, Rylee Horn, Sharifah Abubaker, Gregory Shockley, Bree Black Bull, Joey Cobble, Arnold
Meet the Ambassadors
Sharifah
Head Ambassador
Hometown: Madison, AL
Major: Strategic Human Resource Management with Concentration in Integrated HRM
Campus Involvement: President SHRM, Bonner Leader, NSLS, Sigma Tau Delta
My favorite color is pink, I am outgoing, and I love sports! (Roll Tide)
Student Life at Athens State. If you have questions about getting involved, leadership opportunities, or balancing academics with campus life, I’d love to share my experience and help!
Brianna Groce
Hometown: Hazel Green, AL
Major: Early Childhood Education
Campus Involvement: Sigma Tau Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Sigma Lambda, Athens State Literacy Association
I am a Jeep driver, and giving me a rubber duck is the best way to make my day!
My journey to find what I truly want to do as my career.
Ashley Powers
Hometown: Rogersville, AL
Major: Human Resources Management
Campus Involvement: SGA President, student worker at the help desk.
Hobbies/Activates: Volunteering, spending time with my pets, reading, playing video games, doing jigsaw puzzles.
I’ve worked in the video game industry for 14 years.
Discover how you can make a difference in our community!
Joey Cobble
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Mathematics
Activities/Hobbies: Pokémon/Magic: The Gathering/COE work-study
I know tons of trivia facts, and I’m great at trivia. I am a Pokémon TCG regional champion.
Gregory Shockley
Hometown: Florence, AL
Major: Elementary Education
In high school, my name was “Grandpa Greg” because of how old-fashioned/spirited I am. I often carry a handkerchief and several pieces
Pretty much anything; I am an open book!
Natiria Griffin
Hometown: Decatur, AL
Major: Collaborative Education K-6
Campus Involvement: SGA Vice President
Activates/Hobbies: Taking photos, reading a good book, foodie at heart, exploring different cultures
I have two daughters!
Why I chose collaborative education as a career pathway.
Aspen Garder
Hometown: Ider, AL
Major: Graphic Design
Campus Involvement: Student Activities Assistant.
I make friends really easily.
Ask me what it is like in ACA Residence Hall!
Elizabeth Donnelly
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Graphic Design
Activities and/or Hobbies: SkillsUSA Competitor
My birthday is the same day in The Breakfast Club when they are all in detention!
My favorite memory.
Rylee Horn
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Supply Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Hobbies: Watching anime, gaming, bowling, and I love to help the Mana House whenever I have spare time.
I was born in Germany!
Traveling overseas or going to Asia!
Bree Black Bull
Hometown: Porcupine
Major: Psychology
Activities and/or Hobbies: I’m an active member of the Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad and enjoy serving my community. I also play in the ACL, love exploring new hiking trails, watching movies, and trying new foods whenever I get the chance. I enjoy meeting new people, making meaningful connections, and embracing new experiences wherever life takes me.
I’m always up for a new adventure, whether it’s hiking a trail, watching a great movie, or trying a restaurant I’ve never been to before.
My favorite hiking spots, movie recommendations, food suggestions, or what it’s like serving with the Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad.
Amber Clemmons
Hometown: Rogersville, AL
Major: Applied Business Management
Activates/Hobbies: I am a caregiver, and I also do DoorDash deliveries. I am also a substitute teacher for the Lauderdale County School District. I enjoy singing karaoke, playing video games, making jewelry, being with family, and Halloween.
I have over 100 types of decor and accessories that relate to Halloween. I also collect vintage Disney items
What made you go to college years after graduating high school?
Carley Bunn
Hometown: Hartselle, AL
Major: Graphic Design
Activities/Hobbies: A member of Kappa Pi. I love playing video games, roller skating, and long naps with my cat.
I am an avid roller-skater and have connected with a large skating community across North Alabama.
The importance of your mindset in work and in school!
Chiquittia Mahaley
Hometown: Athens, AL
Major: Advanced Manufacturing Management
Campus Involvement: Bonner Leadership Program
I went skydiving over the North Shore in Hawaii
My experience serving in the US Navy.
Katie Johns
Hometown: Hanceville, AL
Major: Homeland and Corporate Security
Campus Involvement: Pre-Law Society President, Active Minds President, Study Abroad Club President.
I am president of 3 student organizations.
My classes or the student organizations I am in
Nakomi Birdsong
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Business Administration
Activities/Hobbies: The Arts! I love crafting, hand sewing, needlepoint, painting, watercolor, hand lettering, playing instruments, singing, music!
I graduated with a high school diploma and two associate degrees this past May! My favorite artist is Morgan Wallen. I love fashion!
anything, and I will be completely honest! I mean anything! Some people say that just to tell, but I mean it
Arnold Garcia
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Biology
Activities/Hobbies: Student Success Center worker.
I have a twin.
My internship at Hudson alpha.
Todd Littlefield