The ACE Rising Star Award honors communicators, instructors and researchers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and technical skills in their communication field, to their institution, and service to ACE. Award winners are early in their career and/or ACE membership. The award was created in honor of Frank Jeter, an early ACE member from North Carolina, who made significant contributions to the communication field and to ACE.
Ashley has served as the communications coordinator for the PIE Center since 2016. In this role, Ashley manages the public relations efforts of the Center, including online communication, social media, news media, branding, and develops research-based communication campaigns for state and federal clients through grant activities.
“The impact of Ashley’s work goes beyond the work she does at the PIE Center,” said PIE Center Director, Ricky Telg. “Most recently, Ashley developed an extensive toolkit to support Extension professionals and agricultural organizations inform their clientele and the employees about the COVID-19 vaccines.”
Ashley has a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. Ashley is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in agricultural communication at the University of Florida where her research focuses on the science communication and public relations activities of government and academic organizations.
When Ashley is not working or completing her dissertation, she is spending time outdoors with her husband, Chris, and their 120-pound Newfoundland Poodle, Tucker.
