Ashley A. Smith
Ashley A. Smith covers higher education and other student success reforms for EdSource. She joined the publication in July 2019 after covering community colleges, for-profit schools and non-traditional students for Inside Higher Ed, in Washington D.C. Her work has appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press, the Marshfield News-Herald, The Flint Journal, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. Ashley grew up in Detroit and is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University. In 2020, Ashley was selected to join the first class of journalists in the ECMC Foundation Higher Education Media Fellowship at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, to report on career and technical education.
All articles by Ashley A. Smith
With freshman applications up but transfers down, Cal Poly Pomona faces enrollment challenge
The pandemic and other factors reduced transfer applications across the California State University system.
Ashley A. Smith
April 8, 2022
California’s online community college faces third attempt to shut it down
Calbright College, California's online community college, faces a third attempt to shut it down amid charges that it has received millions in state funding and awarded certificates to only 70 students by the end of 2021.
Ashley A. Smith
March 24, 2022
CSU's interim chancellor becomes second woman in state history to lead the 23-campus system
Former CSUN President Jolene Koester was selected to replace Joseph I. Castro as interim California State University chancellor until a permanent replacement is found.
Ashley A. Smith
March 23, 2022
In wake of Castro resignation, Cal State launches investigations of system's handling of sexual harassment complaints
After saying they had been left in the dark, CSU trustees launch investigations stemming from former Chancellor Joseph Castro's mishandling of sexual harassment complaints while at Fresno State.
Ashley A. Smith
March 22, 2022
Cal State faculty petition demands Legislature investigate sexual harassment across system
Cal State faculty members are pushing for California lawmakers to launch a separate probe into how allegations of sexual harassment are handled, saying they have no confidence in the system's plan to investigate itself.
Ashley A. Smith
March 17, 2022
California selects colleges for first round of grants to expand affordable student housing
California selects colleges to recommend for first round of grants to expand affordable student housing.
Ashley A. Smith
March 3, 2022
CSU trustees order independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations at Fresno State
California State University has ordered an independent investigation of how sexual harassment allegations are handled. A scandal at Fresno State recently led to the resignation of the system's chancellor.
Ashley A. Smith
March 1, 2022
CSU chancellor welcomes investigation into allegations he mishandled sexual harassment case at Fresno State
CSU Chancellor Joseph I. Castro has support of board of trustees chair; legislators call for investigation
Ashley A. Smith
February 4, 2022
CSU panel recommends eliminating the use of SAT and ACT exams for admission
CSU trustees signal their intent to join the huge wave of universities dropping SAT and ACT exam requirements for admission.
Ashley A. Smith
January 27, 2022
Covid blamed as fewer California high school students file FAFSA applications
Financial aid applications from California high school seniors lagging with about a month before priority deadline.
Ashley A. Smith
January 26, 2022
California's Assembly Higher Education Committee chairman reflects on last term
California Assemblyman Jose Medina sat down with EdSource to reflect on his years as Higher Education Committee chairman and outline his priorities for his last year in office.
Ashley A. Smith
January 3, 2022
New report: California must address imbalance of too many eligible students and not enough slots at UC and CSU
A new report urges California to take steps to create more spaces at UC and CSU for qualified students, especially Black and Latino students who are underrepresented among enrolled students.
Ashley A. Smith
December 14, 2021
California State University adopts new approach to entice students back
With the pandemic resulting in enrollment loss across the CSU system, Chancellor Joseph Castro embraced a new strategy to get students to come back.
Ashley A. Smith
November 29, 2021
Lifting the veil on college admissions amid the pandemic
EdSource roundtable panelists discuss how the college admissions process has changed amid the pandemic.
Ashley A. Smith
October 27, 2021
CSU graduation rates steadily improve despite pandemic; equity concerns remain
CSU reports an uptick in graduation among first-time and transfer students despite the coronavirus pandemic but concerns remain to improve rates for low-income and students of color