Ambassador Program

Cashwell Shamblin

Art History

Hello! My name is Caswell Shamblin, and I am a third-year art history major pursuing a certificate in graphic design! I love the School of Art and Art History for its versatility and allowance of exploration. I have enjoyed researching for the school through the Undergraduate Research Department, as well as writing for the Art History Association’s Dinner + No Show publication. I am so excited for the year ahead of us in the SA+AH! My email is c.shamblin@ufl.edu!

Jonathan Hunter

Art History

Hi! My name is Jonathan Hunter. I’m a third-year Art History major with minors in Asian Studies and Classical Studies. Along with being an ambassador, I am also the co-vice president of AHA (which you should totally join!) and the vice president of UF Quiz Bowl. I’m super excited to be part of this program and this college!

I grew up about 40 minutes north of Gainesville, so UF was always my first choice of college, but art history didn’t enter the picture until right before I got accepted to UF. I spent most of high school generally unsure of what I wanted to go to college for, but in my senior year I took AP Art History and immediately knew I wanted to study this further. As I became more interested in art from antiquity, I decided to start the Classical Studies minor. The Asian Studies minor reflects my interest in Japanese culture. Someone else to talk to about the Classical Studies minor is former ambassador Mariana Garcia, who actually encouraged me to pursue this minor—definitely check her profile on this page and reach out if you want to hear from someone who has completed it!

Outside of the classroom, my hobbies include watching movies (like, a LOT of movies), exercising, and—more recently—learning new languages. In terms of advice, as basic and cliché as it may sound, the best thing you can do for yourself in college is to put yourself out there, talk to people, get involved, and don’t be afraid to be who you want to be. College is what you make of it—just be sure to make something meaningful for yourself. Don’t let that intimidate you, though, because there are so many people who can and will help you—like the amazing community in the SA+AH! This community has been such a wonderful part of my UF experience and has given me so many friendships and opportunities.

If you have any questions about anything here, the SA+AH in general, or just want to chat, feel free to contact me at jhunter2@ufl.edu or on Instagram @hunterjonathan679.

Oskar Garcia

Graphic Design

Hi there! My name is Oskar Garcia. I’m a third-year graphic design major from Weston, Florida. Along with my interest in design, I also enjoy birdwatching and photography. I’m an avid bird enthusiast and will always have a bird somewhere on my clothing. I’ll talk your ear off about birds and other wildlife—and I can recommend some great hiking spots!

I was accepted through the PaCE program and, while I was initially hesitant, my advisors and the ambassadors quickly cleared up my questions. In the PaCE program, I adapted quickly and enjoyed the flexibility it offered; ultimately, it was a positive learning experience.

I was drawn to UF because of the familiarity I felt during my tour. For such a big college, UF’s College of the Arts has a great sense of community. The ambassadors who gave me my tour left an amazing impression that convinced me UF was the right place for me. Moving away and starting college is a huge change, and I hope to create the same sense of comfort and belonging that the ambassadors gave me.

I look forward to working with SA+AH and contributing to our awesome community. Feel free to contact me at oskargarcia@ufl.edu.
You can also contact me in Spanish—it’s my second language!

Reed Mann

BFA Art

Hi! My name is Reed Mann and I’m a third-year Studio Art major with a certificate in Graphic Design and a minor in Set Design through the School of Theatre and Dance. I grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and come from a family full of Gators! My two greatest passions are music and design, and being in the BA Art program at UF has helped me explore how I can pursue both through my degree. I come from a painting background, but I’ve since shifted my focus to graphic design and printmaking, and I plan to work in the music industry after graduating.

I’m so excited to be an SA+AH Ambassador because the College of the Arts has been an incredible community for navigating UF’s large student population. Being in UF COTA has shown me the wide range of possibilities within the arts. The encouragement I’ve received to pursue my interests has given me a strong sense of direction, and I’m excited to help other art students find their path here at UF.

If you want advice—or just someone to hang with—please email me at reedmann@ufl.edu!

Adrian Cadena

BFA Art

Hi hi! My name is Adrian Cadena (they/them), and I’m a third-year Fine Arts major with a minor in Graphic Design and a focus in printmaking. I’m a transfer student from Carnegie Mellon University who grew up in Nashville, TN, and now lives in Florida. I’ve always loved art and enjoy exploring new mediums and aspects of the artistic process. I’m so excited to be a SA+AH Ambassador this year 🙂

As a transfer student, college has felt like a wild ride at times! But when I transferred to UF, the people here—especially the SA+AH community—were incredibly welcoming and supportive. As I continue exploring my path as an artist, I’ve grown confident that UF will support my growth and help me achieve my goals.

In my practice, I love making art in multiples, often combining printmaking and book-making. I also love stickers and have a collection of my own designs and traded pieces from other artists (I’m always down for a sticker trade!). My art tends to be playful but genuine, often touching on my identity as a queer Latino or small, beautiful details in the world around me.

Outside of class, you’ll find me at Alagarto Printmaking Club meetings, Queer Cultivation Club meetings (QCP), and Gator Salsa nights! I’m often biking around campus, listening to D&D podcasts, or hanging out with friends.

If you have questions, need advice, or just want to say hey, feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @boo.its.adrian
Email: acadena@ufl.edu

Marlie Hayes

Graphic Design

Hi! My name is Marlie Hayes and I’m a third-year Graphic Design major. I’m also minoring in Mass Communications and Nonprofit Organizational Leadership. I’m originally from Orlando, Florida, and the arts have always been a big part of my life! I went to an arts middle school where I fell in love with digital art and photography, and I knew I had to be creative for the rest of my life—especially in my career.

My time in the College of the Arts has been eye-opening and wonderful. I’ve learned so much from my professors and peers—not just about art, but about the world. Through my classes, I’ve also built strong friendships that make a big university like UF feel much more like a community. I love being able to explore different art mediums across classes and grow in unexpected directions.

Outside of class, you can find me playing water polo with the club team, reading, thrifting, or going on a walk.
If you have questions about SA+AH or just want to talk, feel free to reach out at marliehayes@ufl.edu or on Instagram @marliehayes!

Gillian Kinder

BA Art

Hi! I’m Gillian Kinder (she/her). I’m a second-year BA Art major and soon-to-be BA Biology dual major. I’ve been obsessed with arts and sciences—especially their overlap—since I’ve been sentient! Late in high school, I realized I didn’t have to sacrifice one passion to pursue the other, so here I am.

My goal is to become a Biological/Medical Illustrator. In addition to being an ambassador, I’m an officer for UF’s printmaking club, Alagarto, and a member of several other student organizations. In my free time, I love reading and being outdoors. I love the sense of community within UF’s College of the Arts and I’m so excited to be more involved this year!

I was just a freshman last year, so I definitely remember what it’s like.
Feel free to contact me on Instagram @gillian.kinder.

Carol Velandia

Art History + Political Science

Hi y’all, I’m Carol! I’m a senior studying Art History and Political Science, and I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful community in SA+AH. From fun clubs to great classes, I feel lucky to be part of this tight-knit corner of UF and I can’t wait to help more SA+AH students feel right at home!

As an art lover, I’ve had the privilege to intern with amazing artists, galleries, and museums like 4Most Gallery, the Harn Museum of Art, and most recently, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I supported the renovation and reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. I’m excited to continue supporting future generations of artists and art historians right here in Gainesville.

If you have questions about the art history program, internships, or life at UF, email me at cvelandia@ufl.edu. I hope you’ll take advantage of all SA+AH has to offer and make your mark!