Ashley Carpenter

Dr. Ashley Carpenter is an assistant professor in the higher education program at Appalachian State University. She is an interdisciplinary scholar and practitioner working towards advancing equity and accessibility through various K-12 and Higher Education pathways. By employing critical and asset-based frameworks, her research areas of expertise (1) explore the institutionalized systems, structures, policies, and cultural contexts that preclude or promote the achievement of racially minoritized students; (2) the historical, legal, and policy implications of higher education and (3) the impact of the climate crisis through a social and racial justice lens. As an arts-based methodologist, her research and pedagogy are grounded in (re)humanizing education and challenging how academic socialization contributes to neoliberalism and systemic marginalization, with an intentional focus on participant action research.

Prior to becoming a faculty member, she worked as a college administrator in roles assessing and implementing recruiting and retaining minoritized graduate students. This administrative experience also informs her teaching in courses surrounding the concepts of history and law of higher education; supervising and advising; higher education policy; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.