City announces first Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy cohort

Published:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Downtown Development Division

Contact:

Telia Butler - 270-393-3617

Location:

Bowling Green, KY

24 WKU students representing 16+ majors have been selected for the inaugural class

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – October 9, 2025 – The City of Bowling Green is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of the Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy, a free program connecting WKU students with leadership, community service, and professional development opportunities in Downtown.

Offering sessions featuring nonprofits, arts, entertainment, civic engagement, government services, business and economic development, and leadership, students meet community leaders, gain hands-on experience at venues and events, and complete a capstone project benefiting Downtown. The initiative also partners with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown businesses, and local attractions. Its goal is to strengthen “Down(town) to Gown” connections, encouraging WKU graduates to build careers and their lives locally, creating a growing alumni network of engaged young leaders.

Fifty-three applications were reviewed by a panel of City and WKU staff. Representing all five WKU Academic Colleges and more than 16 fields of study, we proudly announce the incredibly diverse group of 24 students (and their Majors/Minors) selected for the pilot class of Downtown BGKY Ambassadors:

• Allison Clark, Strategic Marketing, with Graphic Design

• Daryl Action II, Communication, with Graphic Design, Advertising

• Emma Harris, International Affairs, Chinese, English, with Psychological Sciences

• Rachael Erhman, Biology: Concentration in Ecology, Wildlife, Conservation

• Marissa Mudd, International Affairs and Political Science, with Criminology

• Su Meh, Accounting 

• Lyndsi Marcum, Strategic Marketing, with Global Business

• Kennedy Vogler, Biochemistry, with Biophysics, Neuroscience

• Bella Chittenden, Business Data Analytics, with Finance, Applied Data Analytics, AI

• Sarah McClanahan, Meteorology, with Emergency Management Disaster Science

• Xavier Spiess, Professional Legal Studies and English

• Filsan Aweys, Healthcare Administration

• Steven “Gage” Czirr, Sports Management, with Broadcasting

• Ella Knois, Hospitality Management

• Wyatt Wassom, Finance and Professional Legal Studies, with Business Economics

• Nico Lundy, Social Media Marketing, with Global Business 

• Emily Oden, Communication Sciences and Disorders, with Marketing

• Emma Huskey, Biology & Chemistry

• Kelci Morrison, Marketing: Concentration in Sales, Organizational Leadership, Managing Inclusive Organizations 

• Jackson Houchens, Marketing: Concentration in Sales

• Brandon Brion, Biology & Chinese, with Chemistry, Asian Religion & Culture, Biophysics

• Madison Gardner, Computer Science

• Veronica Butler, International Affairs, Chinese, Political Science

• Camila Zammaron, Biology, with Business Administration and Chemistry

Congratulations to all! The Academy kickoff and orientation is October 21. Keep up with Academy happenings and the students’ activities with Downtown businesses and events by following @downtownbgky on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Contact Telia Butler, telia.butler@bgky.org, 270-393-3617, with any questions.