Getting to know Ashley Watson

When Ashley Watson worked in the University Communications Department as a graduate assistant in the Masters in Business Administration program, little did she know she would soon have a permanent role at USI. She is a bright, young mind full of both vibrancy and professionalism. In only 10 short months as marketing coordinator for Outreach and Engagement, she has already made her mark on both the department and the University, contributing a fresh innovative perspective and strong marketing principles. So, what should you know about Ashley Watson? Let's find out.

Tell me about what you do at USI.

I'm the marketing coordinator for Outreach and Engagement. It sometimes stumps people about what Outreach and Engagement does because there are so many different programs, but, basically, our job is to connect the community to the University's resources. I try to set up each of our programs for success from a marketing aspect, whether that's helping with them with strategy or marketing, public relations, or Web design needs. I help them remove road blocks for their end user so they are set up for success.

What are some of the biggest work challenges you face?

My biggest challenge also makes my job interesting. Because there are so many different programs, there's a need to segment each by its target audiences. There are basically four buckets: economic development, community engagement, lifelong learning and distance learning. Within those buckets we have many different audiences, so I try to specialize within each program and realize who the audience is, what they need, and how and what they want to hear.

Where do you see USI in 10 years?

When people ask me "What's great about USI?" I immediately go to "We're always growing." It's great to see. There's always something new to expand and fill the needs of our community. I think it will continue and we'll see evidence of that with the new strategic plan coming out later this year. I'd like to see the Westside and Evansville become a college town, supporting USI and everything we do, and helping the community feel like it's a part of USI.

What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

When I was a little kid, we were charged with cleaning up the house. You know how when candles burn, the top becomes liquid? I used to believe that the liquid could go down the drain just like water. It doesn't. I thought "Oh, I'll just get rid of that. We don't need that excess anymore." It was one of those three-wick candles. It didn't end well. That sort of foretold my future.  I'm into trying new things, new methods, seeing what does and doesn't work.

Being that your dad is a coach, did you play sports? (Ashley's father is Rodney Watson, USI Men's Basketball coach)

Yes. It's a hard task to grow up without learning the sport your dad coaches. I spent sick days in his office or holidays at tournaments. During summers I went to all the camps. I got to know the team and the coaching staff. We had players come over and help us move furniture around if we needed it.

By third grade, I learned that when you shoot a basketball, you "put your hand in the cookie jar." I played basketball all the way up to junior high, but eventually, I went to the dark side and became a member of the dance team and took ballet. My mom said "I'm only shuttling you to one thing now."

What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?

I've learned a little bit, and I'm just scrappy enough to be dangerous, but I'd like to become a better coder. As things continue to move online and become digital, it'd be a lot easier to be nimble and agile knowing how to code effectively, and being able to build or customize something on your own.

What gets you going in the morning?

My to-do list. I like to write things out so I can actually see them, and realize all the steps needed to get to the end goal. Something connects when you write it down, and you can estimate the amount of time it will take to get to that point, and so you never miss a step. And…coffee too.

If you woke up tomorrow with a habit gone, what would it be?

It's a good thing I sit 15 rows up at basketball games, because I can get a little too emotionally invested. It's also good that President Bennett sits in the front row and I sit much higher up, because sometimes I can be a little embarrassing as well.

If money were no concern, what would you do for the rest of your life?

I'd probably be doing the same thing I'm doing now, except maybe with the Special Olympics. My sister's really involved with them, so there's a special place in my heart for that organization. I'd work in social media and tell their story.