Ashley Reed
Lexington,KY
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at the University of Kentucky, excelling in strategic partnerships and organizational development. Spearheaded initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and elevated guest experiences. Adept in data-driven decision making and fostering team growth, driving impactful change across diverse university departments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Planning & Assessment
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Lead key functional areas, including guest experience, administrative support, and marketing strategy, through direct supervision of staff across the Gatton Student Center and Auxiliary Services.
- Oversee guest experience operations at the Gatton Student Center, focusing on uniting and aligning internal teams across events, operations, and production to enhance service consistency, internal collaboration, and overall facility impact.
- Lead special projects to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and support strategic goals across Auxiliary Services.
- Build student-faculty engagement opportunities through collaborative programming and outreach initiatives that connect academic and auxiliary units in meaningful, student-centered ways.
- Direct the Auxiliary Services marketing team, leading strategy and execution for website content, digital signage, and all digital communications to support departmental goals, enhance the student experience, and improve targeted outreach to both prospective and current students—including efforts tied to campus housing recruitment and retention.
Director of University Events
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Provided vision, leadership, and strategic planning for a comprehensive University Events office that reflects and amplifies the University's positive brand, values, and mission.
- Recruited, hired, and trained new employees, including monitoring and reviewing their individual performance.
- Oversaw a $1M budget, ensuring strategic resource allocation to support operational priorities, drive impact, and inform revenue planning.
- Improved internal processes and stimulated overall organizational efficiency by acquiring resources, utilizing technology, and analyzing the process.
- Partnered with cross-functional departments to develop, support, administer, and maintain EMS software.
- Supervised and led the coordination, planning, and execution of high-profile, University-wide events associated with the Office of the President, Federal Relations, University Relations, and the Board of Trustees.
Associate Director
UK Student Center
Lexington, USA
12.2010 - 01.2018
- Promoted from Assistant Director to Associate Director based on performance, and leadership potential.
- Supervised and mentored the Assistant Director of Event Management, 16 custodians, and 8 student managers to ensure seamless event execution and high-quality customer service.
- Collaborated with the Executive Director on the management of the Student Center’s multi-million-dollar budget, aligning financial planning with facility priorities, and usage trends.
- Introduced and implemented EMS software in the UK, developing a comprehensive event approval process that became nationally recognized for managing events on all university-owned, operated, leased, or controlled property.
- Played a key role in the capital planning and stakeholder engagement for the $201M Gatton Student Center renovation and expansion, collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to shape the facility’s vision, functionality, and long-term impact prior to its opening in Spring 2018.
UK 101 Instructor
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
08.2014 - 05.2017
- Instructed a one credit hour course to help new students transition to university life, build a strong foundation of academic success, embrace opportunities to promote intellectual and personal growth, and foster a sense of belonging
- Supervised and mentored a Peer Instructor in curriculum delivery
- Advised and counseled students on various aspects of college experience including time management, prioritization, campus resources, study skills and general educational requirements
- Educated students on culture of institution, safety practices and ways to resolve conflicts to promote self-reliance
- Helped students meet diverse professional development goals
Assistant Director
UK Student Center
Lexington, USA
07.2010 - 12.2010
- Managed over 10,000 annual event reservations, supporting university departments, student organizations, and external partners.
- Disseminated event details and coordinated logistics with all involved departments, including facility management, custodial teams, catering services, physical plant, and University Police.
- Maintained records to orchestrate event details, customer requests, and billing information.
- Identified client operational needs, and introduced services to provide solutions.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY05.2018
Master of Science - Sports Administration
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY05.2009
Skills
- Strategic partnerships
- Leadership development
- Organizational growth
- Process optimization
- Strategic communication
- Operations oversight
- Data-driven decision-making
- Fiscal management
Timeline
Director of Planning & Assessment
University of Kentucky
01.2023 - Current
Director of University Events
University of Kentucky
01.2018 - 01.2023
UK 101 Instructor
University of Kentucky
08.2014 - 05.2017
Associate Director
UK Student Center
12.2010 - 01.2018
Assistant Director
UK Student Center
07.2010 - 12.2010
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science - Sports Administration
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science - Athletic Training
Eastern Kentucky University
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