In This Story
The George Mason University Honors College extends a warm welcome to Ashley Marshall-Lanier as a new academic advisor for the College of Science. As a certified success coach and advocate for student achievement, Marshall-Lanier has learned to value “progress, not perfection” in her 15 years of experience working in higher education.
Marshall-Lanier began her career teaching middle and high school language arts and English literature. In this environment, she noticed that there was not much assistance for students and their families during the transition from high school to college. Observing the challenges many students face, Marshall-Lanier realized how important it is for her to advocate for student’s success not only academically but also teaching them self-care skills. Marshall-Lanier takes this perspective and applies it to every student interaction.
From advising student athletes to working with college records, Marshall-Lanier has learned to take a holistic view of the balance between challenges and opportunities. Marshall-Lanier says she values being able to “watch the students grow - as well as recognize when they may be having some pitfalls.” She emphasizes that “both things are equally important.”
Marshall-Lanier extends this mindset to her academic success coaching as well: many students face outside factors that are separate from their education that impact their lives and learning. Marshall-Lanier says that, as an advisor, she keeps in mind those who are “working, helping take care of their younger siblings or parents” and understand that “life is more than just going to school.”
Marshall-Lanier highlights the need to lean on people in times of need. She wants students to know that academic advisors, such as herself, are all a part of their support team and encourages students to “be on an island all by yourself.” Particularly for Honors College students, Marshall-Lanier emphasizes that it is important to remember that “you are still going to accomplish things in your desired time frame, even if your pace is different from others.”
Marshall-Lanier is excited to be back at Mason and to be involved with the forward-thinking initiatives the Honors College has to offer.