Alumni Spotlight - Ashley Swinford '13

eNews Alumni Spotlight highlights alumni who give back to Frostburg in some way - time, talent, treasure or any combination. This edition of eNews features Ashley Swinford '13.

Current City: Cumberland, Md.

Current Occupation: Director of Marketing and Outreach, Allegany County Library System

Why did you choose to attend Frostburg State University?

I was undecided very close to the deadline to apply to colleges. I hadn't seen myself applying to local schools because I initially wanted to explore opportunities further from home. However, after a class visit to FSU where we just explored the campus and played basketball, I got to see what it would really be like to be a student there, and I was sold. The welcoming atmosphere, the friendly and supportive community, and the beautiful campus left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities and the strong academic programs made me realize that FSU was the perfect place for me to grow both personally and academically. The experience of that visit helped me see that staying closer to home could still offer the exciting and enriching college experience I was looking for.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

There were many good times, but my favorite memories are from the Marketing Club, especially our trips to marketing firms and conferences in New York City. These trips were incredibly enriching, offering a firsthand look at the industry and allowing us to network with professionals. Exploring the city, attending insightful presentations, and bonding with fellow club members created unforgettable experiences!

Which faculty and/or staff member influenced you as a student?

Dr. Lilly Ye, my professor and Marketing Club advisor, had a profound influence on me. Dr. Ye truly cares about her students and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, pushing me to engage more deeply with the subject matter and take on leadership roles within the Marketing Club. Her support and guidance were invaluable in shaping my academic and professional journey.

Another influential figure was Dr. David Rands, one of my professors from freshman year. He taught me to critically analyze the reasons behind and influences on media, books, news, and more. His approach to teaching broadened my perspective and honed my analytical skills. I still remember our final exam, which was an essay on the main theme or perspective of our history textbook. This challenging assignment taught me to think deeply and question underlying assumptions, skills that have been crucial throughout my studies and beyond.

What advice would you give to a student currently studying your major?

As a student in my major, I would advise you to prioritize building your network. In today's interconnected world, having a strong online presence and actively networking in your field is essential. Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in workshops to meet people in the industry and set yourself up for success. Remember, building relationships is the key to success in any field. The connections you make can open doors to opportunities, provide valuable insights, and even lead to mentorship or job opportunities. So, don't hesitate to reach out, engage with others, and nurture your professional network-even if you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, it's where growth happens!

Why do you give back (time, talent and/or treasure) to FSU?

I give back to FSU because of the profound impact the university has had on my life. FSUprovided me with not just an education, but a supportive community, invaluable experiences, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Giving back is my way of expressing gratitude and paying it forward. I want to ensure that future generations of students have access to the same transformative opportunities that I did. Additionally, being involved in giving back allows me to stay connected with the FSU community, contribute to its ongoing success, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Tell us about a class or activity at FSU that has had a surprising effect on your life.

One class or activity at FSU that had a surprising effect on my life was my decision to take an accounting course. Initially starting with aspirations of becoming a teacher and pursuing a history major, I found myself intrigued by the world of business and financial reports in the accounting class. This unexpected fascination led me to switch my major to Business Administration, ultimately altering the course of my life. It's a reminder that you never know where you'll find your passion, so always be open to new opportunities and experiences!

What is a cause dear to your heart?

A cause dear to my heart is supporting students through the Student Business Leaders Scholarship committee. As a founding member, I am passionate about helping students who have pride in the College of Business, in FSU, and in the Allegany County community. Being able to contribute to the success of fellow students brings me immense joy and fulfillment, making this cause incredibly meaningful to me.

What do you do for fun?

Being around so many great books at work, it's hard to find me without one! Thrillers, non-fiction, I read it all! I also love listening to music, Fleetwood Mac is my favorite, but my guilty pleasure is karaoke, I'm probably the best-worst singer in the world!

What three words can you use to describe FSU?

Beautiful, Welcoming, Community-focused

List any professional or personal accomplishments we can celebrat with you.

Leadership Allegany Class of 2024 Valedictorian

Master in Library and Information Science, May 2020

Ashley with her mom, Susan, at a Stevie Nicks concert in Nashville.