Five students from across UCCS have been selected to pursue principle-based ethics projects in partnership with UCCS ethics fellows during the Spring 2026 semester. These students will engage in ethics opportunities, gain program-based work experience and develop valuable leadership skills.
“We’re thrilled to introduce five remarkable students as ethics ambassadors this spring,” said Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, Director of the UCCS Ethics Initiative. “Joining a dedicated cohort of returning ambassadors, their passion for integrity and leadership will spark meaningful conversations and inspire peers to think critically about ethics, driving positive change across campus and beyond.”
The Student Ethics Ambassador program is offered through the UCCS Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program in the College of Business and provides students with the opportunity to earn up to $1,500 per semester while working on principle-based ethics projects at UCCS.
Students selected for the ethics ambassador program are paired with an ethics fellow in their field of interest to create ethics programs, conferences and curriculum to be delivered to UCCS and the greater southern Colorado community. Ethics ambassadors are given unique opportunities to network with industry professionals and compete in state- and nationwide ethics events to demonstrate critical thinking skills in business ethics. Each student works collaboratively with their ethics expert to share resources and initiatives with students, educators and the business community.
Each student ethics ambassador receives a nomination from UCCS faculty or staff and submits a statement detailing how they intend to utilize ethics to support their academic and career goals.
New Spring 2026 UCCS Student Ethics Ambassadors and Ethics Fellows include:
- Walat Gozeh, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Advisor: Megan Mueller, Program Director of the Career Development Center, College of Business and Administration.
- Katie Painter, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy/Political Science, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Advisor: Jennifer Jensen, Teaching Professor of Philosophy, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
- Abdul Shakur Illiyasu, Ph.D., Cybersecurity, College of Engineering and Applied Science. Advisor: Sang-Yoon Chang, Associate Professor, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Applied Science.
- Connor Sullivan, Bachelor of Science, Finance, College of Business and Administration. Advisor: Megan Mueller, Program Director of the Career Development Center, College of Business and Administration.
- Lindsey Terry, Master of Social Work, College of Public Service. Advisor: Catherine Simmons, Professor of Social Work, College of Public Service.
These students will join returning ethics ambassadors in Spring 2026:
- Cienna Daniels, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, College of Business and Administration. Advisor: Paul Yankey, Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Business and Administration.
- Matthew Price, Master of Science in Athletic Training, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Advisor: Margaret Hunt, Principal Instructor & Clinical Education Coordinator, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
- Christopher Vinci, Master of Business Administration, College of Business and Administration. Advisor: Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, Professor and Director of Ethics Initiative, College of Business and Administration.
The student ethics ambassadors bring perspectives from a variety of majors and industries, and each has put ethics at the forefront of their educational goals.
Student Voices
“I firmly believe in the idea that business and ethics should be tightly integrated and that shared processes for these ideas are more than beneficial for our community and the world as a whole. I continue to look for ways to remain ethical in my life, maintaining my curiosity for the world and my work ethic here at UCCS.” — Connor Sullivan
“The UCCS Ethics Initiative offers a meaningful avenue to strengthen my ethical foundation while contributing to a program that empowers students and uplifts the community by which UCCS is surrounded. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support this mission, learn from a dedicated Ethics Fellow and help create a curriculum that encourages principled leadership on this campus and beyond.” — Walat Gozeh
“I believe I will make a strong addition as a student ethics ambassador for the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. I would like to serve as an ambassador who promotes a culture of respect, integrity, and thoughtful decision-making across campus. Through this opportunity, I can share in the learning process of current and future UCCS students as we navigate some of life’s most important questions—those of doing what is right.” — Katie Painter
“This opportunity allows me to represent my program and the social work profession while advancing my education and building relationships that support my future goals.” — Lindsey Terry
“The opportunity to participate in the UCCS Ethics Initiative’s Student Ethics Ambassadors Program represents a strong alignment between my academic focus and my commitment to cultivating ethical responsibility in an increasingly complex technological world. My interest is driven by the Initiative’s mission to enhance professionalism and ethical decision-making within the UCCS campus while extending this dialogue to the greater southern Colorado community.” — Abdul Shakur Illiyasu
The Student Ethics Ambassador program begins each August and January. Applications for Fall 2026 will open in April. Find more information about the program here.
About the UCCS Ethics Initiative at the College of Business
The UCCS Ethics Initiative at the College of Business is a resource for principle-based ethics education, serving students, educators and the business community since 2010. The UCCS Ethics Initiative supports the Southern Colorado Education Consortium (SCEC) for higher education institutions in the southern half of the state. The program includes a wide variety of events and programs for educators, students and business members throughout southern Colorado. Find more information online.