UNC-Chapel Hill grad
Ashley Elizabeth Simmons graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill May 11. She received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in social and economic justice.
Simmons, a 2004 graduate of North Iredell High School, is the daughter of Al and Ann Simmons of Statesville, formerly of Rowan County.
A dean’s list student, she was recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences for academic achievement. She was involved with The Daily Tar Heel and General Alumni Association and was a member of the Minority Student Recruitment Committee, an admissions office volunteer and Special Projects/Parent and Alumni Relations Project co-chair for the Black Student Movement. She was recognized by the associate provost of diversity and multicultural affairs as a dedicated student leader.
She was also a member of the National Student-Professional Society of Public Relations and was public relations director for the Carolina Association of Black Journalists. Her public relations internships included 919 Marketing Co., Time Warner Cable of Charlotte and Durham Public Schools.
She is employed with Richmond County Schools as the director of public relations and plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration.