National Park College (NPC) student Ashley Mitchell was named student of the month
for January. She is currently the Vice President of the Student Government Association
(SGA), and President of the Black Student Association.
Mitchell was born in Hot Springs and attended Hot Springs High School until she graduated
in 2019. She is pursuing an associate degree in digital media and arts and is on pace
to graduate in 2025. In her free time, Mitchell works on her e-commerce store and
expresses her creativity through vlogs and digital art.
Mitchell explained, “I plan to use my degree to go and work in my family’s media and
marketing business, but I would also love to have freelance work that will allow me
to travel.”
Mitchell also works on campus part-time while participating in three student organizations.
“Being the Student Government Association’s newly elected Vice President, a student
ambassador, and the founder and President of the Black Student Association all while
balancing school work and parenting can be a daunting task, but I am grateful for
what the experience has pushed me to become,” said Mitchell.
When asked why she chose NPC, Mitchell stated, “I chose National Park College because
it was an affordable option close to home. With me having a child and being a new
parent, it was important for me to be close to my support system. NPC gave me that
option along with a handful of resources that have helped me in continuing my education
here. One thing that I appreciate about my NPC experience is the size of the campus.
Having a small campus has forced me to interact and familiarize myself with the staff
and faculty here at NPC. It also has opened the chance for me to meet people, and
continually build relationships with them due to the intimacy and closeness the campus
provides.”
“The courses that I have taken at NPC so far have helped me to be more professional
in all areas of my life. They have molded my mind to think outside the box while also
pushing me to go above and beyond career expectations,” said Mitchell.
Administrative Support Specialist, Tikima Simpkins said, “Ashley has a kind, relatable,
and compassionate spirit. She is a natural-born leader whom I expect will continue
to do great things in life. She is a driven young woman. I am excited to watch her
grow here at NPC.”
Career Pathways Director, Lataschya Harris said, “Ashley is an intelligent and smart
young lady who is academically strong, a born leader, and very friendly. She took
it upon herself to start a student-led organization on campus, demonstrating her concern
for her peers and her experience on NPC’s campus. She is an amazing mom and student,
and Career Pathways is so happy to serve her.”
Mitchell added, “I feel honored to be receiving the Student of the Month award. It
is nice to know that others notice my effort, and with all the challenges that I’ve
faced up to this point, receiving the award makes me realize that it is worthwhile
and is motivating me to finish strong. I want to thank those who nominated me for
valuing my effort. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to keep going.
I would like to thank National Park College for having a strong and supportive staff
and faculty team that not only celebrates and encourages me to keep going, but also
pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps to shape me into the elite professional
I aspire to be.”
