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
Union and health care provider join to offer training to fill worker gaps in California health care
A new approach to educating allied health care workers is helping to redefine higher education to quickly move and meet demand.
Ashley A. Smith
August 31, 2021
Cal State's incoming freshman Class of 2025 key to meeting system's graduation goals
Efforts by CSU to improve graduation rates face questions over the long-term effects of the pandemic, especially on this year's freshmen.
Ashley A. Smith
August 30, 2021
California universities reopen in person; will delta variant push students back to Zoom?
The Cal State, UC campuses are prepared to keep students and staff as safe as possible during the pandemic, but uncertainty continues to exist.
Ashley A. Smith And Michael Burke
August 23, 2021
How Daisy Gonzales went from foster care to the top of the nation's largest system of higher education
California's new acting chancellor is optimistic for the future of the community colleges despite the coronavirus pandemic and enrollment losses.
Ashley A. Smith
August 11, 2021
With classes starting soon, thousands of Cal State students uploading Covid vaccination proof
Students and staff across California are showing proof of getting the Covid vaccine so they can return to campuses.
Ashley A. Smith
August 6, 2021
California State University to require Covid-19 vaccines for fall 2021 term
Decision to require vaccinations means system won't wait for FDA vaccine approval as the highly infectious delta variant fuels increase in coronavirus cases.
Ashley A. Smith
July 27, 2021
California Senate puts off discussion on whether to kill Calbright College
Calbright's board of trustees learns that the State Senate Education Committee will forgo a hearing on a bill to eliminate the college.
Ashley A. Smith
July 12, 2021
California community college transfer students face roadblocks to bachelor’s degrees
Students pursuing transfer are finding it too difficult to transition from community college to university and earn their degrees within four years
Ashley A. Smith
June 23, 2021
The pandemic cost transfer students vital time on campus: Some want it back
The pandemic cost transfer students internships, research opportunities, chances to work closely with renowned faculty, and even travel abroad.
Ashley A. Smith
June 23, 2021
Civil grand jury blasts Bay Area community college district board
Alameda County Civil Grand Jury report finds ineffective leadership by Peralta Community College District's board of trustees.
Ashley A. Smith
June 22, 2021
Former Gov. Jerry Brown defends Calbright College
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown defends the public online community college he envisioned would take on the for-profit sector.
Ashley A. Smith
May 27, 2021
Gov. Newsom proposes to make major investments in higher education
The May revision includes $48.7 billion for the state's higher education systems, including restoring funding cuts made last year.
Ashley A. Smith And Larry Gordon
May 14, 2021
California state audit criticizes Calbright College for mismanagement
Calbright College, California's online-only community college, faces a tough fight in the Legislature following a state audit that found mismanagement but urged that Calbright get until the end of 2022 to serve adult learners.
Ashley A. Smith
May 12, 2021
Calbright College once again faces opposition that seeks to shut it down
Calbright College, California's online-only community college, fights for survival amid opposition from some lawmakers and a pending audit.