Ashley A. Smith
Follow @ashasmithnewsAshley A. Smith covered community colleges, for-profit schools and non-traditional students for Inside Higher Ed. She joined the publication in 2015 after covering government and K-12 education for the Fort Myers News-Press in Florida for three years. Ashley also covered K-12 and higher education for three years at the Marshfield News-Herald in Wisconsin. She has interned with The Flint Journal, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. Ashley grew up in Detroit and is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University. She joined EdSource in July 2019.
All articles by Ashley A. Smith
After more than a year of enrolling students, Calbright College makes significant changes and learns from mistakes
After a year in operation, Calbright, California's online only community college, has revised its program and its vision.
Ashley A. Smith
November 17, 2020
Community colleges find an advocate in future First Lady Jill Biden
When she moves into the White House, Jill Biden will make history as the first First Lady to hold a job outside the White House — as a community college English professor.
Ashley A. Smith
November 10, 2020
More than half of California State University campuses saw enrollment gains this fall, despite pandemic
While colleges nationally are reporting drops in fall enrollment, more than half of the 23-campus California State University report gains. Chancellor Timothy P. White credits letting students know early that the system was going virtual this year.
Ashley A. Smith
October 26, 2020
California State University graduation rates show steady improvement amid pandemic
Despite a spring of virtual classes, students finished up their courses online resulting in higher graduation rates across the 23 California State University campuses.
Ashley A. Smith
October 23, 2020
California Community Colleges receive $100 million donation to help students facing financial hardships
The largest financial gift ever to the community colleges will help students experiencing financial hardships.
Ashley A. Smith
October 20, 2020
With most California college campuses virtual this year, a select few are in-person
While nearly all courses are being taught virtually across the California public college and university systems, some courses can only be taught in-person; but there’s nothing normal about how those classes are being held.
Ashley A. Smith
September 30, 2020
Incoming California State University leader to take the helm at a “special moment” to address inequality
Joseph I. Castro begins to identify his priorities as the new chancellor of the 23-campus California State University System in a Q & A. He’s the first native Californian, first Mexican American and first CSU president promoted to the position.
Ashley A. Smith
September 25, 2020
Next CSU chancellor pledges to improve graduation rates, despite the pandemic
CSU’s new chancellor says he will improve graduation rates despite the disruption of on-campus classes caused by the pandemic. Joseph I. Castro, president of Fresno State, says the pandemic inspired him to seek the chancellor job.
Ashley A. Smith
September 24, 2020
CSU trustees endorse repeal of affirmative action ban
The CSU’s Board of Trustees voted in favor of Proposition 16 which would repeal the ban on affirmative action for university hiring and admissions. It joins UC and the California Community Colleges boards, which have also come out in favor of affirmative action.
Ashley A. Smith
September 23, 2020
Joseph Castro, Fresno State’s president, selected as new CSU chancellor
CSU, the nation’s largest undergraduate system, made history today naming a Mexican American as the system’s first chancellor of color. The new chancellor is also the first system president to lead the 500,000 student system.
Ashley A. Smith
September 23, 2020
Fewer students attending California community colleges, early fall numbers show
California Community Colleges see an overall drop in fall enrollments with some colleges experiencing double digit losses, according to preliminary data.
Ashley A. Smith
September 21, 2020
Why San Diego State offers a model for how to approach a rise in campus Covid infections
San Diego State took a different path than Chico State, as the first of the CSU campuses to end in-person classes following increases in coronavirus infection.
Ashley A. Smith
September 11, 2020
CSU Chancellor announces 23 campuses to remain virtual for spring term
CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White cited anticipated increases in Covid-19 cases, a lack of testing and no coronavirus vaccine as why campuses won't return to normalcy anytime soon.
Ashley A. Smith
September 10, 2020
Chico State becomes first California university to close dorms after students move in
Chico State and San Diego State shut down in-person classes as coronavirus infections spread on both campuses attributed mostly to off-campus activity.
Ashley A. Smith
September 3, 2020
How California universities welcome students back to campus: testing, contact tracing, few in-person classes
California's universities are opening this week with few in-person classes but dorms will house students and some campuses will have testing and contact tracing.