Dr. Ashley Carpenter

Dr. Ashley Carpenter is an associate professor in the higher education program at App State. She is an interdisciplinary scholar and practitioner working towards advancing equity and accessibility through various K-12 and higher education pathways. Particularly, by employing critical and asset-based frameworks, her research areas of expertise (1) explore the institutionalized systems, structures, policies and cultural contexts that preclude or promote the achievement of racially minoritized students; (2) the historical, legal and policy implications of higher education and (3) the impact of the climate crisis from a social justice lens. 

As an arts-based methodologist, her research and pedagogy are grounded in (re)humanizing education and challenging how academic socialization contributes to neoliberalism and systemic marginalization, with an intentional focus on participant action research. Ultimately, Carpenter's mission is to pursue innovative, evidence-based practices to broaden participation and success in postsecondary education. 

Areas of expertise

• College access and equity
• Racially minoritized college student experiences
• Climate justice
• Higher education policy and law
• Arts-based research methodologies
• College campus safety