About the program
The Presidential Ambassadors program at the University of New England is a leadership training program for a group of select students who work directly with President James Herbert and First Lady Lynn Brandsma, Ph.D., to champion the University to prominent partners including donors, alumni, governmental leaders, and friends. Presidential Ambassadors provide valuable insight into the UNE student experience to our partners at events, both on and off campus.
Meet the Presidential Ambassadors
2025–2026 Ambassadors
Nate Chickering, Medical Biology ’26
President
Nate, from Grantham, New Hampshire, studies Medical Biology while minoring in both Anthropology and Health, Medicine, and Society with hopes of attending medical school. On campus, he serves as the financial manager for the Undergraduate Student Government, where he oversees budgetary matters for the student body. He also volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician, providing emergency medical services to fellow students. Beyond his campus involvement, Nate works at Dartmouth Hospital in New Hampshire as an emergency department technician. Nate is also a forward on UNE's men's varsity ice hockey team. In his free time, when he's not studying, working, or on the ice, you can find him enjoying his time outdoors, hiking, or fly fishing.
Emme Perry, Biological Sciences ’27
Co-Vice President
Emme, from Windsor, Connecticut, is a Dean's List Biological Sciences major with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Business Administration. As Undergraduate Student Government President, she partnered with Food Allergy Research & Education to make UNE the first university in Maine to achieve Silver Status, with over 90% of dining staff trained in allergen safety protocols. This past summer, she was a research scholar at Northwestern University's Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research. As a Red Sneakers for Oakley Ambassador and President of UNE's College Advocates for Food Allergy Education, she advocates for safer campus dining and food allergy awareness. She interns for both Parkhurst Dining and the Division for Student Success and is involved with the Hooked-On UNE fishing club. She enjoys fly fishing, paddleboarding, and collecting sea glass along the Maine coast.
David Wilcox, Business Administration ’26
Co-Vice President
David is from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He is a Business Administration major, with an interest in the medical sales industry. He is a Dean’s List student and also a part of the UNE Athletics’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Much of his time at UNE is spent at the Athletic Forum, as he is a two-sport varsity athlete, playing defense for both men’s ice hockey and lacrosse teams. In his free time, he loves spending time with friends and family, watching sports, listening to music, and going to the beach.
Jacob Pellerin, Sport Leadership and Management ’26
Jacob is from Windham, New Hampshire. He is a varsity hockey player and a Sport Leadership and Management major, with minors in Business and Coaching. In addition to his studies, he is involved in several entrepreneurial endeavors, including The Underdog Brand. Jacob is dedicated to promoting the growth of hockey, with a special focus on expanding opportunities for women in the sport. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, exercising, and cooking.
Olivia Chase, Medical Biology ’26
Olivia, from Hartland, Vermont, is studying Medical Biology with a minor in Anthropology and plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation. She is a member of the Pre-PA Club and Student Athlete Advisory Committee and is a second-year captain on the Women’s Track and Field Team, where she competes in the throwing events, with the hammer as her specialty. She also works at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center as an electrocardiogram technician, and in her free time, you will probably find her in the gym, crafting up something in the kitchen, or exploring all Maine has to offer with her friends.
Brayden Bashaw, Medical Biology ’28
Brayden is from Auburn, Maine, and is a Medical Biology major on a pre-dental track. He plans to attend dental school and become a general dentist. He is a Dean’s List student and a member of the inaugural class of the University of New England’s Honors College. On campus, he is actively involved as a First Year Expert, Public Relations Advisor for the Pre-Dental Club, and member of the Club Baseball team. Outside of the classroom, Brayden works as a Dental Assistant at Saco River Dentistry in Buxton, Maine, and also as a professional photographer. Brayden is also the founder of Ornaments for Hope, a fundraiser he created to support Make-a-Wish Maine, which has successfully raised over $130,000. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, skiing, and golfing.
Sydney Bishop, Sport Leadership and Management ’27
Sydney, from Freedom, Maine, is a Sport Leadership and Management major with a minor in Business Administration. She aspires to pursue a career in the professional sports industry. On campus, Sydney works with Parkhurst Dining as a caterer and is an active member of Sober Space, a student organization that promotes wellness and provides fun, substance-free activities and resources for students. She is committed to being involved across UNE and supporting her peers in a variety of ways. She also takes pride in her family’s long history in Maine, particularly in Waldo County, and their tradition of military service. In her free time, Sydney enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and spending time with her cat, Magnolia.
Tyler Pelletier, Medical Biology ’28
Tyler, from Augusta, Maine, is a part of an accelerated Medical Biology-Medical Sciences track and aspires to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree after graduating from UNE. On campus, he serves as an Orientation Guide, treasurer of the Nutrition Club, and is a member of PULSE: UNE Medical Missions, Pre-Med Club, Ski Club, and Emergency Medical Services Club. He is also a research assistant in Ian Meng, Ph.D.’s Headache and Ocular Pain Lab. At home, Tyler works as a direct support professional, helping adults with learning disabilities assimilate into the community. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Kimman Power, Sport Leadership and Management ’27
Sarah Rossignol, Nutrition ’27
Sarah is from Litchfield, Maine, and is a Nutrition major with a Public Health minor. She hopes to attend graduate school to become a Registered Dietitian, combining her passion for nutrition science with community health. A Dean's List student, Sarah is highly involved on campus. She currently serves as the Activities Programming Board's membership and communications director, where she helps coordinate campus events and engagement. She also holds the position of Press Secretary for the Undergraduate Student Government, managing communications for the student body. In addition to serving as a Presidential Ambassador, she also works on campus as a Student Organization Manager, supporting student groups and their activities. In her free time, she enjoys spontaneous day trips or relaxing on the beach with a good book.
Former Presidential Ambassadors
Contact
For more information about the Presidential Ambassadors program, email presidentialambassadors@une.edu.
