About Admission Ambassadors

Mark Bland

Hey everyone! My name is Mark Bland, and I am a senior studying Government and Public Health. I am from Purcellville, Virginia, but William & Mary is my home away from home.

On campus, I stay involved with a wide range of activities. Some of my involvements include: President of the Class of 2016, Senior Interviewer, Orientation Area Director, and social fraternity member. I was also a member of the W&M D.C. Summer Institute for Leadership and Community Engagement as well as a student in the Winter Seminar on Urban Education through the W&M Washington Center. In my free time, you can find me running down Duke of Gloucester Street (DoG Street), checking out the latest exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, hanging out with friends on the Terrace, and (hopefully) winning my third intramural volleyball champion t-shirt.

This is my fourth year helping plan the Day For Admitted Students (cue ~sad~ graduation music). My own DFAS in 2012 was hugely important in my decision to come to W&M and this day continues to be one of my favorite events of the year! Please feel free to reach out with any questions about life at William & Mary, the college application process, or my experiences at William & Mary. Go Tribe!

Dominic Burkett

Hello everyone! My name is Dominic, and I am senior Government and History double major. I am from Chesapeake, Virginia, but I am proud to call William & Mary my home away from home. This spring I am excited to serve as your Student Speaker and Student Performance Showcase Coordinator!

I keep myself busy with a wide range of extracurriculars on campus. I am serving in my third year as an executive in the African American Male Coalition, a journalist for the Flat Hat, a member of the Counseling Center's Student Advisory Committee, and member of a Task Force on Health & Wellness focused on institutional language. I am also part of the Peace and Conflict Studies e-Internship Program. In my spare time you can find me at the Rec Center.

I have had so many experiences in athletics, unique programs, and my academics that have only made me love this school more with every opportunity. I would not have become who I am today anywhere else. I love talking about sports and hearing about peoples dreams and aspirations. Feel free to contact me at any point with questions about life and opportunities at William & Mary. Go Tribe!

Grace Covello

Hi guys! My name is Grace and I am a senior here at William & Mary! I transferred in the Fall of 2014 and I am majoring in Psychology. I am from Chesterfield, VA (20 minutes from Richmond) and have grown up there for the most part. I am so excited to be a Spring Intern for admissions and welcome the class of 2020!

In addition to being an intern I am an active member and leader in my social sorority, a site leader for College Partnership for Kids, a tutoring program for local public schools. Additionally I volunteer at Eastern State Hospital, which is the local mental institution. During my time here I have also been a part of the Cheerleading and Dance Team at William & Mary. I am very passionate about getting involved in the community and have learned many lessons through my experiences in the Williamsburg community. When I’m not volunteering you can find me walking around CW with friends or working out at The Rec.

William & Mary has been the best experience for me hands down. I have met wonderful people from faculty and staff to students who go above and beyond to offer guidance. Being surrounded by some of the brightest individuals has inspired me in so many ways. I am stoked to hopefully pass on that inspiration and welcome the class of 2020! If you have questions about anything don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Go Tribe!

Shannon Fischer

Hey guys! My name is Shannon and I am a freshman at William & Mary, trekking all the way from Boulder, Colorado (yes, I do like to ski, in case you were wondering). I have yet to declare my major, but I am hoping to study a combination of Government and History. In other words, I really love to read, write, and argue.

On campus, I love to stay active. I’m on the Women’s Club Soccer team, am a member of a social sorority, and a Tour Guide. As a part of the Spring Interns team, I am the Social Media Coordinator, working towards getting the Class of 2020 excited to join the Tribe. Eventually, I hope to become fluent in Spanish and study abroad in either Spain or Argentina. In my spare time, I love watching historical reenactments in Colonial Williamsburg, devouring skillet cookies at The Crust, doing yoga, and taking nature pictures (fortunately for me, we have a very photogenic campus).

Even in my short time here at William & Mary, I have really learned what it means to be a part of the Tribe. From the students to the faculty, William & Mary hosts some of the most caring, loving, and goofy people I have ever met. I can’t wait for the football games and morning Aromas brunches in my next 3 and a half years here on campus. Congratulations and I hope you choose the Tribe!

Paul Naisbitt

Hello everyone! My name is Paul and I am a senior at William & Mary, majoring in Biological Chemistry and minoring in Public Health. While I am an Air Force brat and moved 10 times before college, I consider Shreveport, Louisiana my hometown, as it is where I graduated from high school.

Besides being a Spring Intern and Tour Guide through the Admission Office, I am involved in many organizations on campus. I am an active member and leader in my social fraternity and just wrapped up serving as the President of the Interfraternity Council. As a graduating senior, my extracurricular activities are winding down, but I previously was a member of the Orientation Staff, a Resident Assistant in a freshmen hall, a student worker at the Sadler Center, and a caller for William & Mary Phonathon. In my free time, you’ll find me running throughout Williamsburg, practicing with the club gymnastics team, or hanging out with friends on the Terrace.

During my time at William & Mary, I have really found my home. While many standard factors went into my college selection process, the people at William & Mary are really what made me choose this university. Our students, professors, faculty, and staff are amazingly passionate, driven, and kind. My life has changed in so many ways thanks to the family I have been a part of here.

I am very excited to welcome the Class of 2020 to your new home!

Alex Yeumeni

Hi, I’m Alex and I am a sophomore double majoring in History and Africana Studies. I am originally from Douala, Cameroon, but I now live in Woodbridge, Virginia, and I am beyond ecstatic to be your Blog and Photography intern!

Outside of the classroom, I am a peer educator for the Center for Student Diversity, serve as an academic peer advisor, lead Community Outreach for ESSENCE Women of Color, and work as a Student Assistant in Special Collections at Swem Library. Talking about William & Mary with prospective students is one of my favorite things to do, so you can also find me hosting a student (or two) every semester at Autumn Blast and ESCAPE. In my free time, I enjoy reading cheesy historical fiction, the occasional Zumba class, and weekend outings with my friends.

Approximately two years ago, I came home to an envelope that changed my life. William & Mary has introduced to me to some of my closest friends, given me great mentors amongst my peers and the faculty, and offered me chance after chance to grow both within and beyond the bricks that line our campus. I am eternally grateful for this community and very excited to see what the class of 2020 will add to our legacy. Welcome to the Tribe!

Meet the past Admission Ambassadors.