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
Searchable database: How much will colleges and universities get in new round of Covid-19 funds?
Covid-19 relief funds approved in December will deliver $21.2 billion to the nation's colleges and universities. More than $2.83 billion of that total will go to California institutions.
Ashley A. Smith And Daniel J. Willis
January 15, 2021
Windfalls will allow two CA private colleges to expand opportunities for women and students of color
Two private California colleges see multi-million dollar donations from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott that they plan to use for scholarships and programs to support students of color and women.
Ashley A. Smith
January 15, 2021
California’s higher education leaders pledge to improve transfers from community colleges
California higher education leaders pledge to improve pathways for students to transfer from community colleges
Ashley A. Smith
January 14, 2021
California college freshmen find alternatives to campus life in a virtual world
As first-time college students, freshmen had so many plans to join clubs and pursue interests outside of their coursework. But, then the pandemic hit forcing creative alternatives.
Ashley A. Smith
December 22, 2020
Fauci puts priority on getting teachers vaccinated and a return to in-person classes
CSU Chancellor White and Dr. Anthony Fauci optimistic about vaccinations and reopening in 2021.
Ashley A. Smith
December 18, 2020
Cal State looks to Sacramento to provide millions to implement ethnic studies
In his exit interview with EdSource, CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White urges the state Legislature to invest in the system with increased funding including funds to add a Legislature-mandated ethnic studies course.
Ashley A. Smith
December 4, 2020
Retiring CSU chancellor says pandemic changes can benefit higher ed
In a wide-ranging interview, outgoing CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White looks ahead to what higher education may look like for students and the systems once the pandemic is over.
Ashley A. Smith
December 4, 2020
College freshmen and high school seniors lagging in completing financial aid applications
The pandemic may be preventing many high school and college freshmen from completing applications for financial aid. At the same time, there are spikes in aid applications from upperclass and graduate college students.
Ashley A. Smith
December 3, 2020
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.