JANESVILLE — Kearie Pulliam began her one-year term Thursday as Blackhawk Technical College’s Student Ambassador to the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

After a day of team-building and leadership development with students from the state’s 16 technical colleges, Pulliam was celebrated at a formal banquet Thursday evening in Wisconsin Dells with family members and leaders from the state’s technical colleges and WTCS.

Originally from Charlotte, N.C., and a graduate of Orville Platt High School in Meriden, Conn., Pulliam is majoring in Digital Marketing at BTC. Upon graduation, she is planning on attending a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s in digital marketing.

“I chose Blackhawk Technical College over a four-year university for affordability and connections. I wanted to be able to get a higher education without having to stress about financials and being in debt,” Pulliam said. “The smaller classroom environments at BTC allow me to get to know my instructors and peers on a more personal level than I would in a university classroom setting. The many learning methods BTC has to offer works with my busy day-to-day life.”

As part of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) District Ambassador program, one student from each of the state’s 16 technical college districts are selected to act as an advocate for vocational and technical education. Students serve a one-year term and are called upon to make special appearances, give presentations and participate in various events on behalf of the WTCS.

To be considered for this honor, students must be nominated by faculty or staff and complete an application packet. Students are then selected to participate in the interview process. During the interview, students deliver a presentation describing their personal journey and decision to attend a technical college.

Pulliam will represent Blackhawk Technical College at the state-level and will also participate in several events throughout the year.