University Ambassadors

The Visitor Center is staffed by some of Carolina's most accomplished students, who serve as University Ambassadors. These students lead campus tours and manage the information desk in the lobby of the center. The University Ambassadors are also proud to assist Coach Steve Spurrier recruit for the Gamecock football team. The students are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the University and are uniquely qualified to offer an insider's perspective on college life to future students. You can even e-mail questions to a University Ambassador.

Learn more about several of our ambassadors and their approach to leading tours.

Lee Dangleis

Lee Dangleis is a fourth year Accounting and Global Supply Chain and Operations Management double major with a directed study in Psychology. She is from Monson, MA., and is a recipient of the McKissick Scholarship. Lee began her freshman year as a Capstone Scholar and made her transition into the Honors College during her sophomore year. Lee has been a University Ambassador for the past three years, serves as a Presidential Ambassador, and is a Supplemental Instruction Leader in the Student Success Center.

“On my tours I always highly encourage students to study abroad if they have the opportunity to! My time studying at Richmond, The American International University in London, was one of the most amazing summers I’ve ever experienced. My classes were incredibly engaging and allowed me to explore my surroundings, especially my Introduction to Photography class. In six weeks I visited four countries and many towns in England. It was amazing, and now I have the travel bug! I can’t wait to go somewhere new!”

“I love stopping in the classroom on my tour to talk about Supplemental Instruction and the Student Success Center. Being a Supplemental Instruction Leader has been one of my most rewarding experiences at Carolina. I am able to share my passion for calculus and accounting with students in a very small group setting. As a Supplemental Instruction Leader, you get to know the students very well, and you share in their excitement of doing well on an assignment or test. Supplemental Instruction sessions are filled with energy, and students are able to get help in a very comfortable environment. This is only one resource of many offered on campus for students to get help in their studies. There is also the Academic Center for Excellence, the Writing Center, and our Language Labs.”

Hakeem Jefferson

Hakeem Jefferson is a junior Political Science and African American Studies major with a minor in Speech/Rhetoric from Gable, SC. Hakeem is a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipient and a Capstone Scholars Fellow. He serves as a Resident Mentor in Capstone House, the Secretary of Multicultural Affairs for Student Government, and the Treasurer of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. He has also conducted undergraduate research as a Magellan Scholar.

“I always begin my tours by telling prospective students and their families that when I was college hunting, I knew I wanted to attend a college that was small enough to allow me to build community but large enough to provide me with resources and opportunities that would allow me to succeed in my future career. The University of South Carolina is exactly that kind of university. Through my involvement in a number of campus organizations, I have been given the opportunity to meet great friends from diverse backgrounds and have learned a great deal about myself in the process.”

“I have met some of the most amazing people while at USC and been afforded countless opportunities from this great university. As a freshman I was awarded the Magellan Scholars research grant, and with my research partner and a professor from USC, I examined the issue of race and the impact it had on one of our nation’s most historic elections. The location of the University of South Carolina in a capitol city has allowed me to become very active in the political process as I learned firsthand how to run a winning campaign. I used some of the skills I learned to run my friend’s successful campaign for Vice President of the student body at USC.”

“I have made memories at USC that will last a lifetime, and I am excited to share those memories and my love of USC each time I have the opportunity to give a campus tour.”

Devon McGee

Devon McGee is a senior in the Moore School of Business, double majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in Renaissance Studies. Devon came to the University of South Carolina from Alpharetta, GA., as a Capstone Scholar and a recipient of the McKissick Scholarship. While serving as a Presidential Ambassador and the President of University Ambassadors, he is activity involved in other organizations on campus and in the city of Columbia, including Student Government, the Palmetto Institute, and the Moore School of Business Case Competition Team. Devon was also a recipient of the Capstone Scholars Passport Travel Grant for his study abroad in the University of Wollongong, Australia, during the summer of 2008.

“My favorite thing to talk about on my tour is the tight knit Gamecock community. Once you first step foot on the campus, it is evident that people here are so much more helpful and friendly than anywhere else in the world. Everyone from the students to the faculty to the administration has one goal in mind: to educate all the students at Carolina to the best of their ability. I have worn a USC shirt around the world, and it always seems to me that people will come up to me and express how they have had a wonderful experience with the university as a visitor, football fan, or a proud alumni.”

“The University of South Carolina is renowned for how many resources it offers its students. Through the Moore School of Business alone, I have been offered assistance to go on academic trips to places as unique as Australia, Montreal, and Malaysia. The faculty is also extremely helpful, with professors occasionally inviting students over to their houses for meals with their families.”

“When choosing a school for the next few years, think outside the proverbial box. There are so many students, including myself, that have said, ‘Before visiting, I never thought I would end up here.’ But as soon as you get the opportunity to see the campus, research your program and wander around the beautiful city of Columbia, you will realize what an incredible place the University of South Carolina truly is!”

Famatta Mensah

Famatta Mensah is a junior from Cincinnati, OH., with majors in Accounting & Finance and a directed study in Sport & Entertainment Management. She is a recipient of the McKissick Scholarship as well as the Putnam Accounting Scholarship. Famatta served as the Vice President for Capstone Residence Hall her freshman year. She is currently the President of Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity and was also recognized by GEICO as a worthy candidate for the GEICO Achievement Award.

“I really enjoy being a University Ambassador because it gives me a chance to get to know students from various aspects of the university. We have students from all grade levels, all across the country, and in the various colleges here at USC. It’s just another great way to connect to others different from you.”

“Coming from a small high school, I was a little bit concerned that I would not get the close interaction with faculty or my peers as I did in high school. The faculty has assisted me in receiving many scholarships and awards and, most importantly, have served as mentors for me. Additionally, I have been able to take advantage of some of our over 300 student organizations, and I have made some of my closest friends through those experiences. As I walk throughout campus, especially when I am giving a tour, I always see familiar faces as well as get an opportunity to meet new people.”

“I love being at USC because there are just so many opportunities for me as a student. Anything that I could possibly want at a university can be found here. I have gained internship, leadership, and research opportunities; mentors; and a diverse group of friends. All of these things help mold and shape me in becoming a well-rounded individual.”

“My advice for incoming students is to just get out there and take advantage of what USC has to offer. You truly get as much out of your college experience, and life, as you put in.”

Laura Musselman

Laura Musselman is a junior Marketing & Finance major with a minor in Spanish. From Fayetteville, GA, she is a recipient of the McNair Finalist Scholarship and Andersen Windows Scholarship. Aside from University Ambassadors, Laura also participates in the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, Cocktails A cappella group, the Emerging Leader’s Program, Women’s Mentor Network, Alpha Lambda Delta, University Chorus, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

“On my tours I love to point out the Study Abroad office and encourage students to consider studying abroad wherever they choose to attend college. I studied abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica, the summer after my freshman year and found it to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Learning the language was so much more personal when combined with the culture and home life of a Costa Rican family. I can’t wait to study abroad again!”

“I love to share the close-knit Gamecock community with visitors. At first I was scared that I would feel like a number at such a large public university, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had really just gained thousands of new family members. Everyone is filled with Gamecock spirit at football and basketball games, which leads to a true feeling of community. USC is the embodiment of southern hospitality to me, and it’s such a relief to be surrounded by faculty and students who are genuinely interested in and care for the lives of their peers.”

“With over 300 student organizations, I like to encourage students to explore their interests and find people who are interested in similar things. I joined a business fraternity and enjoy the camaraderie and mutual interests I share with students who are majoring in the same field I am. Joining the on-campus women’s A cappella group was also a great experience because we got to travel all over the southeast and meet students from different universities as well.”

Kaleb Unverfehrt

Kaleb Unverfehrt is a third year International Business and Economics student with a minor in Spanish. From Newton, NC., he is a recipient of the Cooper Scholarship. While serving as a University Ambassador, Kaleb is also a Resident Mentor, President of the Men’s Club Volleyball Team, and a Career Ambassador for the Office of Career Management in the Moore School of Business.

"USC is a school that is full of surprises. On the outside a student might think it doesn’t stand out from any other major institution found throughout the country. However, after a closer look, the University of South Carolina has top-ranked programs in many fields of study. The options available to students to get involved are mind-blowing in number. From Intramural Sports to Study Abroad to Greek Life – you name it, USC has it. I really appreciate that USC offers countless opportunities for students to get involved."

“On my tours I encourage students to take their education into their own hands. Anyone can sit in the back of a classroom and show up on test day, but there are numerous opportunities and resources for students if they want to become more involved. Our Academic Centers for Excellence are just one example of the resources available to students if they are in need of extra academic help. Students can also take classes as electives to supplement their major. I took a Geology course titled Global Process and Environmental Change, which is a very applicable topic affecting business today. In essence, students receive a holistic education rather than simply taking classes they need for their major."

“Our region of the country is especially known for one aspect: Southern hospitality. The warm temperature directly corresponds with the personalities of the people who live here. Everywhere you go there are people to meet and friends to be made. All our students take on this characteristic and exemplify the Gamecock Spirit. What better place to go to school than one where academia abounds and where all the resources to be successful are at your fingertips?"