Each year, the Graduate College awards the Excellence Award for Graduate Contacts to recognize the integral role of Graduate Contacts in supporting graduate students and graduate programs. This year’s award goes to Ashley Ramm (Psychology) and Ashley Negangard (Human Development and Family Studies).
Ashley Ramm has worked with the Psychology department for nearly 14 years. During her tenure in Psychology, the department has experienced growth in applications, the establishment of new master’s programs, and frequent leadership changes. Ashley has been unflappable through it all. Ashley’s DGS writes: “She keeps us on track, anticipates problems, and serves as an expert and trusted sounding board.”
“Ask Ashley” is the default answer to any graduate program-related question in the department because of the trust that students, faculty, and staff have in her institutional knowledge and professionalism. She is one of the first people student’s meet when they join the department, which allows her to build trust with students and become a resource they feel comfortable reaching out to. A student shared: “I think many of us would be lost without her, and I have, on more than one occasion, her of her referred to as ‘a lifesaver’ and ‘a legend.’”
Ashley Negangard has been working in Human Development and Family Studies for four years. One of Ashley’s greatest contributions to her department is through her focus on student wellbeing, community, and connection. Her DGS writes “Graduate education can be isolating, stressful, and overwhelming, and departmental climate can profoundly shape students’ experiences. Ashley recognizes this and intentionally creates opportunities for people to connect and feel that they belong.”
This human-centered focus is clear in her approach to program management. She constantly asks if there is a better, more equitable, or more student-centered way of accomplishing something, and makes every student feel seen and supported as they navigate complex institutional requirements. The students share that Ashley “exudes a sunshine-like presence that brightens the day of anyone she interacts with,” and her presence made such a mark that the students – unprompted – created an award to thank her during her first year in the department.
In addition to the winners, twelve nominees were celebrated along with members of the Graduate College’s Administrative Advisory Committee.
The nominees include:
Marci Blocher (Mathematics)
Lori Davis (Recreation, Sport and Tourism)
Troy Driskell (iSchool)
Julie Jenkins (Health and Kinesiology)
Amy Lamb (Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering)
Karen Nichols (Pathobiology)
Clint Reifsteck (Agricultural and Applied Economics)
Anna Sapozhnikov (Dance)
Linda Stimson (Education)
Read more about the award, including past winners.