UMGC Student Advisory Council Biographies

I am Ashley Mize, a U.S. Air Force veteran and military spouse in the JBSA-San Antonio community. I am working towards a second Bachelor of Science in legal studies to help prepare me for a future JD program in Texas. I am very interested in educational law, family law, policies and procedures, and rules and regulations. While serving in the USAF, I worked as a Personnel (HR) and supported the Judge Advocate's office as a primary duty in Personnel. I have an MEd with an emphasis in ESL/bilingual studies from Texas State University and a bachelor’s degree in social science with a focus in anthropology from University of Maryland University College (now University of Maryland Global Campus). I have two language certificates from UMGC in Italian and German and am currently working towards the Spanish for business and the professions certificate.

I first served on the Student Advisory Council European division from 2017 to 2019. I was very involved with the onsite bases throughout Europe while educating others on the overall wellness of students who attended on the military installations. I reported the challenges students faced to the UMGC/STAC executive committee to help them understand how students can learn better. With my experience in STAC, I am excited to serve again and share my expertise in ways we can bring students together within the stateside perspective. I look forward to learning and expanding my knowledge of fundamental ways to improve the quality of education on a multifaceted educational platform.

I have seen how UMGC has grown over many years. UMGC holds a special place in my heart as I have helped advocate for the importance of distance education since 2017. Distance education can increase the reported numbers of students interested in attending to become more involved in the university from their perspective locations. Fighting for my right to high-quality education at UMGC presented me with new opportunities to learn in the ways that benefited me the most. I plan to continue educating and fighting for other students' rights at UMGC in improving their access to high-quality education that benefits them the most.