UAEC Ambassadors

Ambassadors are current UA Early College students who were chosen to represent UA Early College in their schools and communities. They will be able to provide information to prospective parents and students, attend events with UA Early College Staff, and share their own experiences in UA Early College.

Below you can “meet” UA Early College’s 2024-2025 Ambassadors!

DeJaii Anderson – Hueytown, AL; Senior – Hueytown High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Utilize your resources to understand the content in your courses and read instructions thoroughly (more than twice) to ensure clarity on assignment expectations.

Nia Armour – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – American Christian Academy

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC Class so far has been Intro to Public Speaking with Yonina Witman. This class was my favorite because it went beyond just lectures, I was able to learn and put into habit what I learned. I now use what I learned in my high school classes to make excellent grades.

Addie Arnold – Northport, AL; Senior – Tuscaloosa County High School
Addie Arnold

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Time Management is your best friend and don’t be afraid to reach out to your support here at UA to help with that.

Gladys Bautista Ceja – McCalla, AL; Senior – Mcadory High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC class so far has been Psychology because of all of the fun and challenging work

Lauren Behm – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – Northridge High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory was completing my first real class. I took English 101 and I had to work very hard to achieve an A. It taught me a lot about UAEC and how to take a college course.

Caitlyn Berry – Eufaula, AL; Senior – Eufaula High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Organization is key! Have all due dates written down so you do not forget them, and space out your studying. When you try to study everything all at once, you can easily forget important things so space out topics. 

Annison Blackburn – Franklin, TN; Senior – Franklin High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory is my Summer on Campus experience. I loved having the opportunity to experience what college is like and that I had the opportunity to make some good friends along the way.

Kindall Blankenship – Gardendale, AL; Senior – Gardendale High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

My favorite UAEC memory was completing the UAEC 200 course. I was so excited to have completed my 1st course. This course helped to prepare me for my future courses.

Christian Bowens – Tuscaloosa, AL; Junior – Northridge High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

SP101 because I enjoyed attending Zoom meetings and speaking with Spanish speakers worldwide! It helped me immensely improve my Spanish speaking skills!

Macy Brooks – Stevenson, AL; Senior – North Jackson High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC class so far has been Film History and Criticism. I have always loved movies, and this class taught me all about the factors that go into creating one and focused on how to analyze films as well.

Emma Gene Brown – Butler, AL; Senior – Patrician Academy

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

My study tip for new UAEC students is to plan out your schedule by creating calendars and alarms so you can make sure to get your work done on time.

Charlee Chandler – Rehobeth, AL; Junior – Rehobeth High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory has to be getting the opportunity to give my persuasive speech about why NASA deserves more funding for my public speaking class while I was at NASA as an intern. My professor made everything so accessible and encouraged me to explore my interests

Riley Chandler – Gardendale, AL; Senior – Gardendale High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory would be finding out that I made the UAEC Honor Society and celebrating with my parents

Cameron Collins – Sanford, NC; Senior – Southern Lee High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Public Speaking! It helped me SO much! I got such good information from it, and stuff that I can use daily!

Zyreuna Cousette – Aliceville, AL; Junior – Aliceville High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Always stay ahead of your assignments and never hesitate to ask questions. Keeping up with your work ensures you stay on track, and asking for clarification when needed shows your dedication to understanding the material. These habits are key to achieving academic success!

Kadence Davies – Douglas, AL; Junior – Douglas High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite class available through UAEC has been HY103 with Dr. Radcliff. I enjoy his teaching methods, and the material covered in that course, history is one of my favorite subjects and I enjoyed the way the different topics were covered in that course.

Taylor Dortch – Southside, AL; Senior – Southside High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory is meeting my first college friend Perry through this program.

Drake Dunning – Columbiana, AL; Senior – Cornerstone Christian School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Psychology 101 because I learned so much about human behavior.

Lainey Edmonds – Hoover, AL; Junior – Shades Mountain Independent Church Academy

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Do not rush or hurry to complete an assignment that isn’t your best work or even best attempt.

Janelle Ford – Boaz, AL; Junior – Sardis High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory was turning in my last assignment for HY 103, my first class. I felt accomplished and relieved at the same time!

Saleah Bruinton – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – Northridge High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC class so far has been my women’s studies class. It has given me a chance to learn more about what women have gone through and what they are continuing to go through.

Blakely Fowler – Bessemer, AL; Senior – Bessemer Academy

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

During summer 2024 I am taking anthropology and in fall 2024 I am taking English 101

Gabriela Franco – Douglas, AL; Junior – Douglas High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Anthropology 100-600 The Study of Humanity was the first college course I took and was my favorite. I was able to use all the things that I had learned in the UAEC College Readiness course in this course. The course itself was very interesting.

Evan Frantom – Tuscaloosa, AL; Junior – Central High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC class so far was Spanish 101. I got the opportunity to take this class in person and it was amazing. I was able to connect with the other students and see what a real on campus class was like.

Jessica French – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What’s your best study tip for new UAEC students?

My best study tip is to do the work as soon as it’s posted and if you’re able to work ahead do it.

Taylor Gardner – Boaz, AL; Senior – Boaz High Schooll

What’s your best study tip for new UAEC students?

My best piece of advice for new UAEC students is to not procrastinate. With the new sense of freedom in your courses it can be easy to get off track and fall behind. Set a study schedule for each day so that you always stay on task.

Kayla Graves – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What’s been your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory would be the University of Alabama’s campus tour. I loved the campus and we were able to explore the limitless opportunities available at The University of Alabama.

Sunni Harkley – Gardendale, AL; Senior – Gardendale High School

What’s your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite UAEC class has been English 101. During my time in this class, I grew stronger in my writing skills and explored different writing styles. I also favor this course the most because the discussion questions were not only fun to answer but helpful to me for writing prompts!

LaNiyah Hedgemon – Mc Calla, AL; Senior – Mcadory High School

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

Summer 2024 – Computer Science, Fall 2024 – Women Studies

Courtlyn Hoover – Richmond, KY; Senior – Madison Central High School

What’s been your favorite UAEC memory?

Being able to get a head start on my collegiate academic career. By having this experience, I feel it’s been able to aid in preparing me for being a college student!

Madelyn Hudson – Gardendale, AL; Junior – Gardendale High School

What’s your favorite class so far and why?

I have enjoyed all of my classes but I have really enjoyed my CS 102 and COM 123 classes. CS 102 was a great class that taught me a lot about tips and tricks with the different programs. COM 123 was an amazing class that got me out of my comfort zone and helped me with my public speaking skills.

Dom Hylton – Rutledge, TN; Senior – Grainger High School

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

I took Precalculus Algebra and African American Studies in Summer 2024.

LaShari Jones – Calera, AL; Senior – Calera High School

What’s your best study tip for new UAEC students?

My best advice for new UAEC students is to communicate with your professors. You could ask for ways to improve, or even extra credit possibilities, and the professors will help you.

Calvin Kim – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – University Church Christian Academy

What’s been your favorite UAEC memory?

Introducing myself in my Chinese 202 class and having my classmates find out I was a high school student. It was a fun memory with lots of laughs.

Jaden Lacy – Steens, MS, Senior – Columbus Christian Academy

What’s your favorite class so far and why?

Public Speaking, because the professor was fun and made the class easy to grasp and understand. Some of my best SOC memorizes were made there.

Payton Landers – Sylacauga, AL; Senior – Sylacauga High School

What’s your best study tip for new UAEC students?

My best tip to new UAEC students is to study whenever you have the chance. Don’t wait until the last minute to try and complete assignment(s) because you most likely won’t finish in time.

Kyla Lemons – Gardendale, AL; Senior – Gardendale High School

What’s your favorite class so far and why?

I have loved every class that I have taken with UAEC so far. My favorite would have to be Intro to Psychology! The class is very interesting and I feel more knowledgeable every day. The professor gives great lectures and makes the assignments engaging and fun!

Madeline Lovett – Guin, AL; Senior – Marion County High School

What’s been your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC memory is Summer on Campus. I made so many friends and learned how to manage dorm life and in-person classes (plus yoga class at the rec!).

Aislynn Lowe – Denver, NC; Senior – Lincoln Charter School

What’s been your favorite UAEC memory?

When I was participating in the UAEC Summer on Campus one night we had line dancing and karaoke and my friends and I had so much fun learning the line dances and singing. I personally sing Mr. Brightside by The Killers.

Bayley Maddox – Bessemer, AL; Senior – Bessemer Academy

What’s your best study tip for new UAEC students?

Always stay ahead when you can! Not worrying about internet/ computer issues and giving yourself time to take breaks is helpful!

Fernando Marquez – McCalla, AL; Senior – Mcadory High School

What’s your favorite class so far and why?

Taking History 104 has been my favorite class so far because of the fascinating topics I’ve learned about. My teacher explained the material really well and always answered any questions I had, making the class more enjoyable and exciting.

Francesca Mccloskey – Harvest, AL; Senior – Life Christian Academy

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

Tamia McMillian – Camden, AL; Senior – Wilcox Central High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

The best study tip I would give to new UAEC students is to plan ahead. Buy a planner don’t cram everything into one day. Take a break and step away from your work for a couple of minutes try the 30-30-30 method.

Niamh McNaughton – Tuscaloosa, AL; Junior – Central High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Into the Wild with Dr. Melton (AMS 323) was the best experience I’ve had with UAEC and my favorite class. Being in person allowed me to fully connect with the material, as well as the professor and students.

Callie Meadows – Monroeville, AL; Senior – Monroe Academy

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

My best study tips for new students are to take your time and learn to manage your time for each class. Also, focus on only one thing at a time.

Kezia Mickens – Birmingham, AL; Senior – Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

You have to rely on yourself to do the work. No one else is going to motivate you. So do assignments as they come to stay on top of things, and even try to get ahead. Due dates come more quickly than you would think.

Will Peterson – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – Central High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Definitely my motion picture history and criticism class. It took a passion of mine and made me think critically and learn in-depth about movies. And now I can’t help but analyze movies whenever I watch them.

Madison Quinnie – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

It’s best to complete your work closest to when it’s assigned than struggle to complete assignments the day of or the day before. This way, you’re more engaged in the learning process and you’re ready to learn more!”

Landon Rawson – Northport, AL; Senior – Tuscaloosa County High School

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

Summer: EN 102, then Fall: BSC 114 and BSC 115

Logan Rawson – Northport, AL; Senior – Tuscaloosa County High School

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite UAEC class so far was History 104 because of how great my professor ,John Ratliff, was and how the class was laid out.

Eva Reams – Sylacauga, AL; Senior – Sylacauga High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

The best advice for new UAEC students is to definitely learn how to time manage. Completing assignments on time and to your best ability is crucial!

Morgan Rogers – Mechanicville, NY; Senior – Augustine Classical Academy

What UAEC courses have you taken recently?

By far my favorite UAEC class is CJ 100. The course was informative, engaging, and quiet fun. Also, the professor did excellently in generating discussions and managing the final mock trial assignment

Cassidy Romine – Buhl, AL; Senior – Sipsey Valley High School

What’s your favorite UAEC memory?

My favorite UAEC Memory was getting to interview one of my favorite teachers at my high school for an assignment in English-101

Deyon Rudolph – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

My best advice for new UAEC students is to keep a planner whether it is digital or paper. It is crucial to write down all of your upcoming assignments so you don’t get behind. Another tip I would suggest is to take advantage of your free time because it is way better to be ahead in your courses than behind. If possible I would highly suggest completing things a week ahead.

Trey Rutter – Gulf Shores, AL; Senior – Gulf Shores High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Don’t procrastinate! Do your work as early as you can.

Madeline Schultz – Tuscaloosa, AL; Senior – University Church Christian Academy

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

Public Speaking – I felt so much more confident in general after taking this course, and learned rhetorical skills that helped me make a 4 on the AP Lang exam! Highly recommend!

Caroline Seese – Mobile, AL; Senior – McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Use a planner, whether digital/paper, or both! Time management is key for success. Communicate with your professors and your Peer Coaches, they’re here to help!

Haylon Self – Lowndesboro, AL; Senior – Lowndes Academy

What’s your favorite UAEC class so far?

My favorite class so far is definitely Public Speaking! This came as a surprise to me, because I did not enjoy public speaking prior to this course. The course taught me helpful tips and tricks on how to give a quality speech. Public Speaking gave me the confidence I needed to deliver many local and statewide speeches this past year, such as community events and AISA Student Government Association.

Abby Weekley – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What UAEC classes are you currently taking?

I will be taking Criminal Justice and Motion Picture History and Criticism in the fall of 2024.

Margaret Welty – Hartselle, AL; Senior – Hartselle High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

My biggest study tip is to always stay up to date on your assignments because that is the easiest way to make great grades and stay focused. Always be sure to contact your professor if you have any questions because they are there to make you a better and more well-rounded student.

Jacelyn Wiggins – Mobile, AL; Senior – Murphy High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Do not procrastinate. Do your assignments as soon as they are given to you and if you can work ahead. If you know you are busy on an assignment’s due date, work ahead

Ashley Zarate Ibarra – Alabaster, AL; Senior – Thompson High School

What’s your best study tip or advice for new UAEC students?

Always make sure to make your calendar. Whenever the professor gives you the syllabus it is important to have a calendar with all the due dates. This allowed me to work ahead of my assignments.