When Heather Burns first arrived at Northern Kentucky University, she was a first-generation college student looking for a place where she could feel both challenged and supported. What she found was a campus community that felt just right.

"I was really drawn to having a full on-campus experience and being able to meet people from all different backgrounds but was glad I got to do so in classrooms with professors who knew and cared about the success of each individual student," she says.

Burns’ connection to NKU grew even deeper when she joined the Presidential Ambassadors (PAs)—a student leadership organization at NKU that is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. She first discovered the group through her college roommate.

"I saw my roommate giving tours of campus and participating in fun, impactful events, and I knew I wanted to get involved in that way too," she says.

After successfully making it through the interview process, Burns began serving as a PA to NKU President James C. Votruba. The role gave her a firsthand look at university leadership and helped her build connections that would shape the early stages of her career.

"Being a PA gave me access not only to great student leaders but to great campus leaders as well," she says.

Reflecting on her time as a student PA, Burns recalls memorable leadership conference trips, including one to Boston.

"We spent a few days in Boston, and it was rewarding to represent NKU at an event like that," she says. "One of the things we learned was how fortunate we were to have the close relationships we had with President Votruba—especially considering his incredible influence on NKU’s journey."

She also remembers an impactful visit to Frankfort.

"We were asked to go to Frankfort to help lobby for funding, and I remember how eye-opening that experience was," she says. "We met the governor, and all of us became Kentucky Colonels! It was really special to have our voices heard at such a high level."

In addition to her time volunteering as a PA, Heather was also a student worker in the Office of Admissions, which gave her some insight into how recruiting and marketing at NKU worked.

"I knew before I graduated from NKU that I wanted to work there after graduating," she says. "That was a priority for me."

As an alumna, Burns started in a contract position at NKU, eventually working her way into a full-time position as an admissions counselor and—in a full-circle moment—the staff advisor for the PAs. Throughout the following eight years, she helped the program more than double in size, growing from 30 to 65 students. She introduced new events, launched an annual retreat and helped create the now-beloved President for a Day contest.

Burns helped shape the organization’s culture during a time of expansion and high student involvement.

"We wanted it to feel like it was for everybody," she says. "As I was leaving NKU, it was very meaningful to pass the staff advisor torch on to two of my former students who were also PAs."

Burns eventually transitioned from NKU into the world of educational technology, where she now serves as the marketing manager for a global ed-tech company, overseeing marketing efforts in the United States. Still, her connection to NKU and the PAs remains strong.

"Being a PA was the gateway to so many good things in my life right now—my friends, my career and the gratitude I have for it all," she says.

As the organization celebrates its 40th year, Burns is looking forward to reconnecting with the people who helped shape her journey at one of her favorite annual traditions, the Lamplighters Award Banquet.

"Lamplighters is always a really moving time for students, not only because their work is recognized but because they are able to recognize faculty and staff from NKU who have made a difference in their lives," she says. "The PAs would not be as successful or as sought-after as they are today if it were not for the support of so many wonderful faculty and staff on campus—the students are special, but it’s the collaboration and support that allows its longevity."

Looking ahead, Burns is excited to see where NKU goes next—especially under the leadership of President Cady Short-Thompson.

"I hope to see students remain passionate about their involvement on campus, especially in an ever-evolving learning environment," she says. "And I hope NKU continues to be a source of pride in the region—this community has created such a special place."