NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Tuesday the hiring of
Ashley Baker as assistant athletics director.
A doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia, Baker was director for student-athlete services at Bowling Green State University from 2010-12 and assistant director from 2007-09.
"Ashley brings with her a great deal of experience, ideas and knowledge to Xavier, and we are excited to have her as a member of Team Gold," said XU Director of Athletics and Recreation Jason Horn. "She will be a valued member of our team as we prepare Xavier student-athletes to be market-ready graduates and become leaders in the 21st century."
Baker, who spent most of her pre-college years in Michigan, received bachelor's and master's degrees from Bowling Green. Her doctoral thesis at Georgia, which she will defend later this year, focuses on black mothers' experiences throughout their sons' football recruiting process.
"I am excited to be back in college athletics after taking time to pursue my Ph.D.," Baker said. "I am thankful to Jason Horn for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to getting to know everyone in the Xavier community and helping our student-athletes enhance their experience here and prepare them to make an impact on the world."
Baker's first experience in collegiate athletics was as an undergraduate worker in the Bowling Green football office under then-head coach Urban Meyer, currently the head coach at Ohio State.
Baker in 2015 founded Ash B. Consulting LLC to provide athletes and young professionals with relevant, relatable and accessible information to educate and empower them to confidently pursue their personal and professional goals. Ash B. Consulting will sponsor the 2016 Women in Sports Forum April 15 in Detroit.
Baker is the mother of a 9-year-old son, Rece.
Xavier is a member of the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and sponsors nine intercollegiate teams.
What They're Saying About Ashley Baker
Joseph N. Cooper, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut, Department of Educational Leadership / Sport Management Program: "Ashley Baker is a dynamic leader who is very knowledgeable about the interworking of intercollegiate athletics. Her previous and current professional experiences as a former director of student-athlete support services, educator, mentor and consultant reflect her expansive skill set. Her commitment to improve the holistic life outcomes for student-athletes and their families is praiseworthy. She is particularly knowledgeable about youth sport socialization experiences, family influences of sport involvement, race, gender, and class issues related to student-athlete identity development, and the distinctions and relationships between youth recreational, youth competitive, interscholastic, intercollegiate and professional sport organizations. Ashley is a tremendous addition to the XU Athletic Department, and her presence and contribution will yield tremendous benefits to the athletic department, the university, the local community and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference at large."
Shirelle Jackson, Director of Student Athlete Development, University of Miami: "Ashley Baker is a very talented athletic administrator. She has the background and a clear understanding of how to move an athletic unit in a positive direction. Her experience with student-athletes in an academic environment has provided her with all the tools needed to be successful at Xavier. She will serve as an excellent example for not only the student-athlete population, but for the athletic department and the entire campus community."
Kerry L. Jones, Adviser, Student and Academic Services, College of Education and Human Development, Bowling Green State University: "Ashley's passion for improving the student-athlete experience has always impressed me. I'm excited to see how she will continue to be an advocate for students in her new postion."
Mark Shook, Adviser, Assistant Athletic Director — Academic Services, University of Wisconsin: " Hiring Ashley Baker is a big win for Xavier. I had the privilege to work with her at Bowling Green State University and shared in her professional growth from graduate assistant to assistant director and then to director of our Office of Student-Athlete Services. Her intelligence, passion and experience make her a strong addition to the leadership team there. I am proud to call her a friend and colleague, and I know she will make an immediate impact. Congrats!"
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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