Page 24 - Academic Report FINAL VERSION WEB

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ashley Turner three years and now advising for two years. Even
though the functions and operations of both offices
Division of Academic Affairs are separate the ultimate goal is quite equal. Whether
Ashley Turner is an Aca- it’s processing funding for a student or tracking a stu-
dent’s matriculation to graduation, all offices play an
demic Advisor for the Geor- important role in the MGA family to raise each student
gia Academy/Dual Enroll- from an undergraduate to a graduate. We are a huge
ment. She joined the MGA family with many students to raise.
staff in 2014. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
What do you do at MGA?
My greatest achievement is living in the moment
I currently advise dual where many first generation college students have the
enrolled students and sec- opportunity to walk across a stage to receive their de-
ond year GA Academy stu- gree with family members and loved ones in the audi-
dents. ence. It began with a seed called greatness. Knowing
What led you to this ca- that our MGA family was there every step of the way
reer? is very rewarding.
What would we most likely find you doing on the
I began my journey as a weekend?

student at Macon State College in 2007. Through my During the weekend, I mostly surround myself
wonderful experience, I felt the need to give back to with family, church events, and reading books.
students at our institution. This position gives me an What’s one item you can’t leave your home without?
opportunity to pass the knowledge baton to our next
generation of students. I can’t leave home without my glasses/contacts.
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re Are you an early bird or a night owl?
really proud of?
I am an early bird.
In my role, I assist many high school students What’s something—big or small—that you’re really
throughout the State of Georgia with registering for bad at?
courses approved by the Georgia Student Finance
Commission (GSFC). These students are highly mo- I attempted to make buffalo chicken dip for the
tivated to enter into college while still attending high Superbowl. For some reason, I did not follow the
school. The efforts of our dual enrolled/GA Academy buffalo sauce measurements correctly (I added too
students have landed some of them into colleges such much). Let’s just say, I will be bringing plates and cups
as Yale University, Carnegie Mellon University, and to the next event.
Boston University, just to name a few. This career is Which living person do you most admire?
rewarding for me to know their foundation began with
greatness at Middle Georgia State University. I admire my mother the most. She has sacrificed
What’s one thing that surprised you about working so much for our family. Her caring demeanor and am-
at MGA? bition for excellence is the glue that holds our family
together.
I’ve worked in the Financial Aid Office for almost What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family is my greatest love.

20 mga.edu | finding greatness