September 12, 2022
The Montana Western Bulldog Ambassador Program supports the Admissions and Communications Offices with promotional efforts and recruitment each academic year. Following a selection process in which students are interviewed and submit application materials, Bulldog Ambassadors embody what it means to be a student leader and advocate for Montana Western by providing engaging ideas for social media campaigns that share the impact of Experience One, capturing photos of student life, and leading campus tours. The Montana Western Foundation provides $1,000 scholarships to each Ambassador for the academic year.
Shae Anderson
Born in Dillon, Anderson grew up in Bigfork, Montana, spending most of her summers creating cherished memories traveling with her parents to rodeos. She was very involved in sports during high school, continuing her basketball career at Spokane Falls Community College. After graduating with an Associate of Arts degree, family ties led Anderson back to Dillon. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. As a transfer student, Anderson’s experience at UMW has been an extremely positive one. She is excited for the opportunity to be more involved with the students, university and community as a Bulldog Ambassador.
“My goal as a Bulldog Ambassador is to not only use social media to spread the word about how great of a school UMW is, but also to provide a warm welcome to every student coming or considering Western,” Anderson said.
Abigail Eathorne
Eathorne was raised on her family ranch in Wyoming with her mom, sister and brother. She experienced growing up in a small town with a great community foundation where she participated in 4-H and gymnastics and helped on the ranch. Drawn to Montana Western by the block schedule, Eathorne wanted to stay at UMW because of the close-knit community atmosphere of Dillon. She is working towards completing her bachelor’s degree in business.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to be a Bulldog Ambassador to help current and future students connect with Montana Western and each other,” said Eathorne.
Kelsey Goddard
As a sophomore student-athlete, Goddard is no stranger to getting involved on campus. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she was immediately drawn to Montana Western’s Experience One program and block schedule that allows students to focus on one course at a time. Goddard is majoring in psychology with a minor in kinesiology. Serving as a Bulldog Ambassador has allowed her to be a role model and voice for both current and future students. One of Goddard’s main goals as an ambassador is to highlight what makes UMW unique by making genuine connections with students.
“I hope to share experiences with students around campus, meet new people, and promote university events to encourage students to get more involved,” Goddard said.
Raina Mortenson
Mortenson is currently a junior working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. Originally from Dodson, Montana, UMW has proven to be a great fit. She is actively involved on campus with the Athletic Department and serves as an Assistant Coach for Excellence and Success as a member of Montana Western’s ACES program, which focuses on student retention and mentorship. Her campus involvement extends to serving in the UMW peer educator program and with Healthy Colleges Montana in order to reduce the use and exposure of tobacco and other drugs while promoting the health and wellness of students. Her goal for being a Bulldog Ambassador is to demonstrate the impact of UMW’s immersive learning opportunities while making new connections and continuing her passion for photography.
“To me, being a Bulldog Ambassador means being a peer leader other students can come to, and someone for people to rely on,” said Mortenson.
Loran Murphy
Following in her parents’ footsteps as educators, Murphy is a senior majoring in elementary education with minors in special education and psychology. She is the oldest of three sisters from Ballantine, Montana. Murphy’s wide range of involvement on campus includes organizing and attending events and serving as an Orientation Leader and Resident Assistant for two years.
“I chose to be a Bulldog Ambassador to help capture the magic of Montana Western. I am very excited to participate in this program because of the various ways I can help make Montana Western grow while learning along the way!” said Murphy.
For more information about the Bulldog Ambassadors Program, please contact UMW Admissions Representative, Augustina Wofford: [email protected].
