Ashley Truehart
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in teaching, advising, and student services with a talent for navigating program management. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and an empathetic approach to mentorship. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Managed, coordinated, and catered to issues specific to the graduate faculty, current Ph.D. candidates and prospective students for approximately 75 students across three separate graduate groups
- Assisted Graduate Chairs in enforcing the requirements of the SAS Graduate Office and the three separate graduate groups, including MA/Ph.D. requirements, graduate student workshops, course credits, medical and personal leaves, and composition of dissertation committees
- Served as a Pre-Major Advisor for The College of Arts and Sciences, assisting first and second-year undergraduate students navigate course requirements and potential majors
- Worked in concert with Graduate Chairs to track academic progress; prepared dossiers for fellowships and awards
- Monitored multiple recruitment and program budgets
- Maintained ApplyYourself, the graduate application database; prepared dossiers for 100+ applicants each recruitment cycle; acted as a liaison between prospective students, graduate faculty and the SAS Graduate Office
- Communicated with prospective PhD students for three graduate groups; arranged all travel, activities and meetings for campus visits; located venues and coordinated catering for prospective student receptions
- Worked in conjunction with the SAS Graduate Office and the Office of International Programs to assist international Ph.D. candidates and exchange students with the visa application process
- Planned New Student Orientation; communicated with new students regarding health insurance, visa/passport issues, course registration, payroll and other paperwork pertinent to incoming students
- Coordinated MA, Ph.D. and language exams
- Editorial assistant for French Forum, academic journal managed by the French Section
Administrative Assistant
University of Pennsylvania
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Responsibilities included overall management as the first point person within a department of 100+ people, plus undergraduate students and visitors.
- Spearheaded day-to-day office operations
- Managed 2-3 work study students on a daily basis
- Screened work study applicants and scheduled interviews
- Assisted departmental administrator in dossier preparation
- Coordinated the distribution and filing of course evaluations
- Student records data input
- Assisted faculty and staff as needed
- After our Undergraduate Coordinator departed in November 2009, followed by our Graduate Coordinator in July 2010, I handled several new duties, which included:
- Managed online and in-house placement exam system for Spanish, French and Italian; corresponded with students
- Communicated with admissions counselors and advisors at Penn regarding language placement and transfer credit
- Managed online transfer credit system
- Acted as a liaison between graduate students and their Ph.D. Exam Committees
- Maintained graduate student records
- Corresponded with graduate students and Student Health Services about Graduate student health insurance
Education
PhD Candidate - Cinema and Media Studies
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois12.2026
Master of Arts - Writing Studies Program
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania05-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Film and Media Arts
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania05-2007
Skills
- Academic advising
- Undergraduate teaching
- Organizational growth
- Leadership qualities
- Detail-oriented program management
- Multitasking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Database administration
- Performance assessment
- Student recruitment
Timeline
Graduate Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania
01.2011 - 01.2017
Administrative Assistant
University of Pennsylvania
01.2007 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Film and Media Arts
Temple University
Master of Arts - Writing Studies Program
Saint Joseph’s University
PhD Candidate - Cinema and Media Studies
University of Chicago