Q&A: Maddie Morgan Highlights the Rewards of Being an Ambassador

Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Ambassadors are students dedicated to promoting the Bailey College, and serving as a link between the college, faculty, students, alumni, family and supporters, industry and the local community.

But what do they really do?

Maddie Morgan, the 2026 Bailey College Ambassadors president and fourth-year mathematics major from St. Simons Island, Georgia, plays an important role in establishing the Ambassadors' presence on campus and in the community.

Carrying on the work of student Ambassadors that began in the college in 1999 at Cal Poly, Morgan oversees outreach, events and other programming. Along with fellow Ambassadors, she helps others understand what campus life is really like by providing an authentic student perspective.

Morgan offered a glimpse into life as an Ambassador in this Q&A below.

Q: What do Bailey College Ambassadors actually do?

A: First and foremost, the most obvious thing that we do, and the one that people see us doing the most, is giving tours to prospective students. But we also do many other things, both on campus and in the community. We coordinate various outreach events and opportunities. Recently, we had Ambassadors plant trees as part of a local conservation initiative. We volunteer at the Bailey College Student Research Conference every year. We also have all our members attend diversity and inclusion events. We also have social events within the club.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being involved?

A: Outreach opportunities, specifically in the community. It's great to be in the community and kind of get out of the bubble of Cal Poly. I remember one time we volunteered with the SLO Rotary Club, and I was able to talk to these old folks who have been here forever. And really connecting with the greater community in that sort of way definitely is a highlight for me.

Q: How did you get involved in the Ambassador program?

A: I applied during my second year. I had some friends who were applying, and I thought, “Why not?” I’ll see what happens. If I don’t get in, that’s fine. But since being accepted, it has been a blast.

Bailey College Ambassadors President Maddie Morgan

Q: What is your role as president?

A: I oversee all different aspects and the people who keep everything running. We have five committee chairs. They coordinate our activities related to social events, Open House, diversity and inclusion, outreach and tours. I oversee those people, making sure everything in their respective areas is going well. I do broader member-facing things. I lead our club meetings every week, as well as our weekly board meetings, and I just make sure everything is running smoothly. I’m there when people need me and fill in when needed.

Q: What are the requirements of a Bailey Ambassador?

A: So, they do change per quarter, just depending on what we have going on. But as a baseline, participation involves at least one tour, one outreach event, one diversity and inclusion event, one large social and one small social.

A large social refers to a larger group gathering, and small social means being paired with another Ambassador to hang out and get to know each other. And then, whenever Open House activities occur, an Open House requirement applies.

Q: How many Ambassadors are there right now?

A: We’re at 56.

Q: What does recruitment look like?

A: We start out with a written application. This year, the entire board sat down in one room for about six hours. And we went through every single application. And then we did an interview round. We ended up conducting 48 interviews total.

Q: How has being an out-of-state student shaped your experience?

A: When I first got to Cal Poly, I felt like a fish out of water. But now, giving tours and doing things within the community, I think, “Maybe there's someone else from out of state who's considering Cal Poly on one of those tours, and being able to connect with them and say, ‘I've been where you are. I was terrified when I got here, and everything worked out.’” I think that it’s really helpful in connecting with those people.

Q: What motivated you to run for president?

A: Well, I was always super involved, even when I wasn’t on the board, just attending anything I could. Originally, I was going to run for a smaller position. And I had a friend say, “Why not just run for president?” And then I ran, and for some reason, won. And it definitely has been an adjustment, but it’s been so rewarding.

Q: What have you learned through this role?

A: As an Ambassador, I’ve become more confident. As president, I’ve developed skills in leading and decision-making. Sometimes it’s not going to be everyone’s favorite decision, but it’s for the best of the group.