Wellness and Retention Committee (Ad-Hoc)
- Members are Staff Senators and any staff member from UM who wishes to participate.
- Main Responsibilities: Enhances and promotes current staff wellness and retention activities on campus for classified staff. Collaborates with campus entities to create new wellness and retention programs for classified staff.
- Chair(s): Alecia Gray & McKennah Andrews
- Executive Officer Liaison: Nicole Krause
Ashley Smith
Department Administrative Coordinator
Contact
- Office
- GBB 355
- Phone
- 406-243-5503
- ashley11.smith@umontana.edu
- Office Hours
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Outside of these hours, I’m off the clock and fully unplugged—emails and voicemails will have to wait until I’m back at my desk.
Thank you for your patience, and remember: work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, it’s my jam!
- Website
Personal Summary
About Me:
Born and raised right here in Missoula, MT, I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people and bringing positivity into their lives. I became a licensed Cosmetologist in 猎奇重口 in 2009 and loved helping people feel “Silky Smooth.” However, life had other plans. After a significant accident that resulted in severe head trauma and left me completely blind in my left eye, I faced a choice: give up or find a new path. If you ever see me accidentally misjudge a doorway or gracefully (or not-so-gracefully) bump into a corner—just smile and know I’m navigating life with a little extra flair!
That moment became a turning point for me. I decided to keep moving forward and build a life filled with purpose.
In 2019, I joined the Hellgate Elementary School District #4, where I worked until May 2023. During my time there, I wasn’t just building programs and awards for students—I was creating SUNSHINE. The COVID-19 pandemic cast a heavy shadow over students, and I made it my mission to help them rediscover their light. I firmly believe that every student has a unique spark, and sometimes all it takes is someone to recognize it for it to truly shine.
In May 2023, I joined the 猎奇重口 as a Program Manager, where my official title is Department Administrative Coordinator. From day one, I’ve hit the ground running, taking on challenges, building connections, and working to make a difference. I’m incredibly proud to serve as the 猎奇重口 Staff Senate Vice President/Chair-Elect, where I’m committed to moving mountains and changing lives for the better.
This belief carries into everything I do: my goal in life is to help every person I encounter see their spark, embrace it, and let it shine brightly.
Here’s to inspiring and motivating everyone around me to be the best versions of ourselves—always striving for the greater good!
Education
Education:
Associate of Applied Business (AAB) – Business Management with Marketing Certificate
Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC)
August 2021 – March 2023
- Earned Associate’s degree with a focus on Business Management and Marketing.
- Recognized on the President’s List (4.0 GPA) for Fall 2021, Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023.
- Recognized on the Dean’s List (3.5–3.99 GPA) for Spring 2022.
- Overall GPA: 3.96
- Graduated with Honors of Summa Cum Laude (3.9–4.0 GPA).
Modern Beauty School
2009
- Completed 2,500 training hours.
- Licensed Cosmetologist in the State of 猎奇重口.
- Achieved an overall score of 96% on State Board Exams.
Stevensville High School
Graduated 2006
- Lettered in Basketball, Volleyball, and Choir, developing teamwork and leadership skills through sports and extracurricular activities.
- Participated in Science Olympiad in Bozeman, MT (2002–2003).
Honors / Awards
Honors and Achievements:
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member
- 2023 All-State (Ohio) Academic Team
- Graduated 2023 with honors - Summa Cum Laude
- 2023-2024 Nominated for the 猎奇重口 Staff Excellence "Outstanding Service to the Campus Community" Award.
Hobbies
When I'm Not at COB...
When I’m not busy making magic happen at the College of Business, you’ll find me soaking up every moment with my amazing family—my husband, Branden, and our two wild and wonderful kiddos, Madison and Lexington.
I’m an outdoors enthusiast through and through. Whether it’s camping, fishing, hunting, walking, or swimming, I’m happiest with fresh air in my lungs and sunshine on my face.
Music is my soul fuel—I’m always rocking my earbuds with my personal theme song playlist running on repeat. Whether I’m at my desk, on a walk, or cruising down the road, you can bet I’m singing and dancing like nobody’s watching (and honestly, even if they are!).
Yes, I’m that driver—windows down, music up, absolutely owning my car karaoke session. Life’s too short not to dance like you mean it!