Ashley Acuff (’14) has used her Colorado State University education as a springboard to leadership and career success. Building on her B.S. in family and consumer sciences education degree since graduation, Acuff has advanced her career through teaching, advising, and now leading career and technical education efforts as executive director for SkillsUSA Georgia.
Her commitment to personal and professional growth, for herself and others, and ongoing connection to CSU as the leader for the Nashville Rams Network, have led Acuff to be celebrated with this year’s CHHS Emerging Leader Alumna Award which recognizes recent graduates of the College for accomplishments made in the areas of career, service, or volunteer efforts that have brought honor to the individual and the College/University.
Path to education
Acuff didn’t start her college journey at CSU. She grew up in Palo Alto, California, and initially went to a school in Hawaii after graduating from high school. Missing the community that stems from growing up in a college town, she eventually transferred to CSU and never looked back.
In her time in Fort Collins, she grew to love the new experiences and opportunities presented to her. The town gave her the family and community feel she was used to while fulfilling her desire for adventure.
“Some of my favorite memories in college include tubing the Poudre River, watching a football game at Hughes Stadium, playing volleyball at the CSU Rec Center sand courts, going to concerts at the Mishawaka, enjoying a beer on Odell’s patio, camping at Red Feather, and paddle boarding at Horsetooth Reservoir,” shared Acuff. “You also can’t beat the charm of Old Town and the friends you make at Lucky Joe’s.”
When it came time to pick a major, Acuff reflected on careers that gave her that rewarding feeling of helping others grow. That’s when she decided to become a teacher.
“It all started with coaching volleyball,” said Acuff. “I realized the reward I felt when I could not only teach players a skill but also teach them to be a good teammate, work towards goals, show leadership, and be the best player and person they could be.”
After spending time debating which subject to specialize in, Acuff eventually landed on family and consumer sciences. The program’s diverse subject area covers human growth and development, nutrition and wellness, interior design, fashion design, finance, and social work in addition to teaching methods.
“When I started the program, I immediately appreciated the smaller classes because it allowed me to build a strong cohort with those going through the program with me,” said Acuff.
Power of a mentor
Acuff credits much of her college development to Dawn Mallette, Acuff’s adviser, professor and teacher educator during her time at CSU.“ Ashley always seeks out opportunities to expand her leadership experiences,” said Mallette.
“Dawn was incredible at empowering me, and countless others, to pursue opportunities and leadership roles not just at CSU, but after CSU as well,” explained Acuff.
With Mallette’s support, Acuff was considered for leadership councils, scholarships, internships, board, competitive, and state-level positions. Mallette fostered Acuff’s love for education and has inspired Acuff to dedicate her career to education and being a mentor for her students.
“Dawn taught me to surround myself with people who speak my name in a room full of opportunities,” shared Acuff. “I aim to be that person for others as well.”
Acuff added to her CSU experience by serving on the CHHS Dean’s Leadership Council (now called Dean’s Ambassador Program) as the representative for the family and consumer sciences program when she was a student. Additionally, she volunteered with Mortar Board and other CSU students in service events such as a Garden of the Gods trail cleanup, CSU Fall Clean Up, and CSU Cans Around the Oval. Acuff was also involved with Campus Corps (now called Campus Connections), which taught her the importance of establishing relationships in teaching and learning how to work with a diverse set of students.
The opportunities Acuff took advantage of during her time at CSU led her to a career dedicated to creating and fostering similar experiences for middle, high school, and postsecondary students. “Her series of positions show a career trajectory of leadership within career and technical education positions,” said Mallette. “This is indicative of Ashley’s hard work, motivation, and strong leadership qualities.”
Empowering leaders
Acuff is a firm believer that her CSU education did not just prepare her for a career, but also prepared her for leadership. In her current role as the executive director of SkillsUSA Georgia, Acuff strives to fulfill SkillsUSA mission of empowering students to become skilled workers, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.
“My time at CSU and in the family and consumer sciences program taught me how to get involved, serve others, communicate effectively, and care deeply,” said Acuff. “It taught me the importance of building a network for future opportunities and at the same time building a community of support around me.”
Acuff works with student leaders who pride themselves on their involvement with their given organization. “Her dedication and determination, blended with a high level of integrity and a heart of gold, create a unique, charismatic leader whom I have absolutely no doubt will leave her mark on this world,” noted Christina Isong, director of Career and Technical Services Organizations for the Tennessee Department of Education.
“I get to create an environment where students feel at home so that when they leave the organization, they return to it to serve as alumni leaders and give back to the organization that gave to them,” shared Acuff. “I get to do this all while preparing students for their careers and filling a need for skilled workers. This passion started when I experienced what CSU poured into me.”
Big city, small community
When Acuff moved to Nashville a few years ago, she didn’t know anyone. This inspired her to relaunch the Nashville Ram Network in September 2022. The group is comprised of CSU alumni who live in or around Nashville and connect over their shared love for CSU and Fort Collins. Acuff acts as the lead for the groups and coordinates many of its CSU football watch parties and tailgates and happy hours. The earliest alumni comes from the class of 1976 and the latest from the class of 2023.
“Building this CSU community in Nashville has been rewarding,” shared Acuff. “We love to cheer on our Rams from Tennessee and reminisce on our times at CSU. I encourage any Rams who have moved from Fort Collins to join their local Ram Network or start one because the relationships you build and the community you create are worth it!”
“The CSU Alumni Association has found an absolute champion in Ashley,” said Matt Flick, who worked with Acuff in his prior role as volunteer program specialist for the association. “No matter how busy she gets with her life and as she continues to grow in her career, she always makes the time to make CSU and the Nashville Ram Network a priority.”
From before her time at CSU, Acuff has dedicated her life to improving those of others. Whether through volunteer opportunities, teaching career development, coaching volleyball, or organizing alumni events, Acuff has consistently invited people to build community. The 2024 CHHS Emerging Leader Alumna award is in recognition of Acuff’s deep and valued commitment to improve the lived experience of those around her.
“Ashley honors herself and CSU through enthusiasm for everything she is involved in, her hard work, and her commitment to living life to the fullest,” said Mallette.
“Every step of the way, I have gained skills and experiences that have led me to the next, and eventually, it created the career path I am currently on,” said Acuff. “Every opportunity I’ve been given has come at an unprecedented time, but the necessary time. I have failed and I have been rejected, but in hindsight, I think what my journey has taught me is that it is important to do things I enjoy, keep developing personally and professionally, know when it’s time to grow, and the right fit opportunities will come.”
The Family and Consumer Sciences program is in the School of Education, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
