About the Board:
U in the Driver Seat (UDS) is a peer-to-peer safety program for college students. The goal of UDS is to raise awareness of driving impaired and prevent crashes involving college students. The program provides resources, information, and materials to empower young adults to spread the word among their friends and peers about the deadly act of driving impaired and encourage them to make smart choices and stay safe. UDS can only succeed with the involvement and commitment of college students, who are represented by the U in the Driver Seat Collegiate Advisory Board (CAB).
2018 – 2019 Collegiate Advisory Board (CAB) members
Krista Gehlhausen
Concordia University
Political Science
Krista is president of CTX Alive and a member of City of Austin College Student Commission and Concordia Student Government Association.
“I would like to become a CAB member because I’ve been involved with U in the Driver’s Seat in the past and would like to strengthen that relationship by doing more on campus with them, such as speakers, etc. We haven’t been as involved in the program as I’d like to be so I’d like to learn more about U and the Drivers Seat and what it offers.”
Esmerelda Gutierrez
Texas A&M Kingsville
Animal Science
Esmerelda has been a member of PEP Talk at Texas A&M University – Kingsville for two years and served as an officer for the 2017-18 school year. She was also involved with the Pre-Vet Club and Vet Tech Club.
“As a CAB member, I would like to let my peers know the dangers and consequences of drinking and distracted driving. I want them to be able to know that as peer educators, not as individuals, we are here for them and we just want everyone to be safe when they are out on the roads.”
Leslie Guerrero
The University of Texas Dallas
Health Care Studies
Leslie is a current Peer Health Educator for her university and helps tailor presentations on subjects including alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
“I want to help decrease the number of car accidents due to alcohol consumption among students in my university and I want to help create events that tackle the consequences of drinking and driving so the students are informed and are more responsible when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.”
Gladys Jarquin
The University of Texas at Dallas
Healthcare Studies
Gladys is a returning CAB member, a Peer Health Educator for the past two years, a member of the Student Health Association Committee, League of United Latin American Citizens and Molding Doctors.
“My goal includes encouraging those who do not drink to look out for their friends who do. I understand that sometimes people may not want to hear about alcohol education because they do not drink, but I think that removing this idea will help with the overall safety of the students. I want non-drinkers to also be a part of alcohol education in case they may know someone who needs help or if they change their mind about drinking, they at least have knowledge of the resources available.”
Selena Marroquin
University of Texas at Dallas
Healthcare Studies
Selena served as a CAB member during the 2017-18 school year, a Peer Health Educator and a counseling intern.
“I wish to be a CAB member to help my fellow students on campus and limit their risks to distracted driving and fatal car accidents. As a returning CAB member, I have paid close attention to our student body and have noticed areas of driving for our students that are in dire need of attention and education. I hope to raise awareness for distracted driving on campus.”
Jacob Martinez
Texas A&M University Kingsville
Electrical Engineering
Jacob is an officer of PEP Talk and a member of the Institute of Electronical and Electronics Engineers.
“In addition to myself learning more about the risks of alcohol involvement, I wish to spread this knowledge with my peers in order to decrease the rate of which we are involved in alcohol related incidents.”
Janett Martinez
Texas A&M University Kingsville
Sociology
Janett is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and PEP Talk, is a returning CAB member, and served as Chair of the CAB.
“As a CAB member, one is actively involved in the UDS Symposium planning and on-campus outreach and ensures a cohesive entity that student leaders, from various universities, can mutually benefit from. I wish to continue my CAB membership to provide educational program, content, and information provided by UDS and educate the Peer to Peer Education Program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK).”
Ernest Rangel
Texas A&M University International
Criminal Justice and Political Science
Ernest is a returning member to the CAB and past Co-Chair, and sits on his Campus Activities Board.
“I would like to join CAB because I like planning and I’m extremely organized. I really enjoyed this experience last year because I got the opportunity to know new individual’s from different universities.”
Alexander Soliz
Texas A&M Kingsville
Social Work
Alexander has been an active member of the peer education group PEP Talk for 3 semesters and is currently an officer for the organization.
“I want to educate and help people. Many of the people I have met in college either don’t know something or never knew the risks about drinking. My mom was a bartender for many years, so I heard many horror stories, and I want to help people not make the same mistakes.”
Yerendira Vazquez
Texas A&M Kingsville
Biomedical Sciences
Yerendira is a member of a Peer Education Program at her school. She has educated in various events involving distracted driving, driving under the influence, and drowsy driving.
“My passion has always been helping others in any way possible. I would like to not only teach students at my campus but also peer educators from different campuses. This will enable all of us to come together. I believe we all can save many lives by just teaching our students how to be safe behind the wheel.”
Check out past boards:
2017-2018 Collegiate Advisory Board
2016-2017 Collegiate Advisory Board
2014 – 2015 Collegiate Advisory Board