Ashley Denton: Award-Winning Communicator, Former Disney Intern, NCC Graduate
Ashley Denton, of Nashville, was born and raised in Nash County. After pursuing her educational dreams, she returned to the area following community college and university graduation.
“I chose Nash Community College because I was a little unsure where I wanted to attend college and exactly what field I wanted to study,” Ashley Denton said. A homeschool graduate, Denton shared that her oldest brother graduated from the NCC College Transfer Program and he had a great experience, so she thought she would try it as well.
Saving money on tuition for the first two years of college also heavily influenced her decision to attend Nash. “And, I liked the idea of starting my college experience on a small campus,” she said.
While enrolled at NCC, Ashley was involved in the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She explained how being involved in extracurricular activities helped her grow as a person and a student, and bolstered her university applications.
“I loved my experience at Nash. I enjoyed that the campus was small, but did not lack quality instructors or resources,” she said. “I liked the flexible class options and particularly enjoyed being able to take classes online when needed, especially over the summer. The courses were challenging and they more than prepared me for additional higher learning.”
Upon graduation from Nash Community College in 2007 with an Associate of Arts degree, Ashley Denton attended East Carolina University earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Relations. She later obtained a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership with distinction and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both from Liberty University.
Today, Ashley is an award-winning communicator employed as Nash UNC Health Care’s Communications/Marketing Specialist. In her previous role with Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools (NRMPS), she was one of only two NRMPS employees to receive the Superintendent’s Spotlight on Success Award and was selected as the Best of the Best Blue Ribbon Award in Photography recipient by the North Carolina School Public Relations Association. During her tenure there, the NRMPS Communications Department won state and national awards.
Additionally, Denton participated in a professional internship with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings where she coordinated wedding ceremonies and receptions and marketing at the Walt Disney World Resort.
“I would tell students to seriously consider Nash Community College as a first option for starting their college education,” she said. “Nash provides a strong foundation for those seeking to transfer to another institution to continue their post-secondary education.”
Denton said she feels that much of her success and who she is as a person today can be credited to several instructors at Nash Community College. She recalls many staff members who helped her find her way at NCC. From her English instructor who quickly picked up on and cultivated her love for writing, to her math instructor who helped her succeed even though she admits the subject was not her strong suit. “Mrs. Peacock knew I was struggling and always offered her time and help. I will never forget the day she took time after class to show me the math resource lab on campus and to introduce me to the staff members in there and explain the resources available to me. NCC has some of the best instructors you will find anywhere.”
“NCC employees have a special way of connecting with students and not only preparing them academically but instilling confidence in each student needed to succeed in their chosen field,” Denton said.
