There’s a lot happening at Shawnee State University these days, from plans to bring football to Portsmouth and restore Spartan Stadium to new leadership appointments aimed at strengthening the university’s academic programs.
The latest addition is Dr. Ashley Carlson, who has been named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Carlson comes to Portsmouth with years of experience in higher education, including leadership positions at universities in Colorado and Montana.
As dean, Carlson will oversee academic programs in the arts and sciences, work with faculty, and help make sure students are getting an education that prepares them for jobs or further schooling after graduation.
That means looking at what students are learning, whether programs are keeping up with changes in the workplace, and how the university can better connect classroom education with real-world experience.
Carlson says Shawnee State’s mission is especially meaningful to her because she was the first person in her family to graduate from college.
“I was very impressed with Shawnee State and its mission from the start,” Carlson said. “As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of a university that gives all students the opportunity to build a better life through access to a quality education that helps them achieve their career goals.”
Big Changes Underway at Shawnee State
Carlson joins the university during an interesting period in its history.
Plans to establish a football program and restore Spartan Stadium have generated excitement about what those developments could mean for both the campus and the Portsmouth community.
A football program could bring additional student-athletes to Shawnee State, while a renovated stadium could provide a new gathering place for sporting events and other activities. Supporters are also hopeful the developments will mean more visitors and business for the surrounding community.
But athletics aren’t the only area where Shawnee State is making changes.
The university recently announced Aimee Welch as Executive Director of the Shawnee State University Foundation, which raises and manages money for scholarships, academic programs, and other student needs.
Together, the leadership appointments and athletic developments reflect efforts to strengthen the university’s appeal to prospective students while improving opportunities for those already enrolled.
New Dean Brings International Experience
Carlson most recently served as associate provost at Western Colorado University, where she also became the first interim dean of its School of Arts.
Before that, she spent much of her career at the University of Montana Western, starting as an English professor and eventually moving into several major leadership positions.
Those jobs included overseeing the English department, leading the Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and serving as interim provost and vice chancellor of academic and student affairs.
She also brings international experience to Portsmouth.
Carlson was selected as a Fulbright Scholar, a prestigious international academic award, which took her to Madagascar to conduct research and teach at the University of Antananarivo.
Shawnee State President Eric Andrew Braun said Carlson’s experience will help the university adapt its academic offerings to meet changing demands.
“Dr. Carlson understands the need to advance academic programs so they keep up with rapidly evolving student and employer demands,” Braun said.
He added that her leadership will help connect students with quality education, practical work experience, and career opportunities after graduation.
Carlson earned bachelor’s degrees in English and French from Chapman University and went on to earn both a master’s degree and doctorate in English from the University of New Mexico.
As Shawnee State looks toward new athletic opportunities, improvements to campus facilities, and continued efforts to attract students, Carlson will be responsible for an equally important part of the university’s future: making sure students receive an education that helps them succeed long after they leave Portsmouth.