By Kate Bernas
Ashley Strawser is no stranger to WSU or student affairs. Read more about her journey to acadermic advising and how it makes her uniquely qualified to support students in law studies.
KB: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position?
AS: I am a proud 2019 graduate of Wayne State University Law School's J.D. program. Prior to earning my J.D., I attended the University of Michigan - Dearborn where I graduated with high distinction. While there, I earned my B.A. majoring in Philosophy and Political Science and minoring in Psychology. My educational background relates to my current position by uniquely situating me to discuss legal programs with not only students hoping to pursue law school, but also those pursuing careers which heavily intersect with law. As an attorney, I have seen how the law touches every aspect of our lives and having gone through law school myself, I understand current students' experiences, concerns, and desires for learning about the law.
KB: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
AS: I found my way into higher education through a less traditional path. While completing my undergraduate education, I worked in the admissions office. When I later joined Wayne Law as a student, I began working in the admissions office here as well. Once I graduated, I practiced as an Assistant Public Defender before returning to the admissions world. From there, I transitioned into advising for the undergraduate and graduate legal programs where I have expanded beyond recruitment and admissions into advising, student affairs, career and professional development work, and more!
KB: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
AS: You can often find me dancing the night away, in a comfy corner with a book, or outside hiking and kayaking. I also love dogs, enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and recently ran my first marathon.
KB: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
AS: I am an avid traveler and have been to four of the seven continents with plans of traveling to my fifth continent later this year. Additionally, I am currently attempting to learn German, my fourth language. I am a native English speaker, was taught Japanese in elementary, middle, and high school, and pursued French in college.