Jordana Ashman is KoC's New High School Initiatives Coordinator

Kodiak College is pleased to welcome Jordana Ashman as its new Scheduling and High School Initiatives Coordinator.

For Ashman, joining the Kodiak College team feels a bit like coming home.

Having lived in Kodiak for 17 years and previously serving as both a full-time and adjunct English faculty member at Kodiak College, Ashman is already familiar with the college's mission and the students it serves. After spending more than a decade teaching at the college level, she is stepping into a new role focused on helping local high school students explore college opportunities and plan for their futures.

"I was really excited when this position opened," Ashman said. "Advising students and helping them figure out their goals has always been something I'm passionate about."

As High School Initiatives Coordinator, Ashman will work closely with Kodiak's high school students, helping them navigate dual enrollment opportunities, explore academic pathways, and earn college credit while still in high school.

She believes one of the greatest benefits of dual enrollment is the chance for students to experience college in a supportive environment before graduating from high school.

"It gives students an opportunity to see what college is like while they still have some of those safety nets and support systems in place," she said. "Students can graduate high school already ahead of the game and with a better understanding of what their next steps might look like."

Ashman brings years of experience working with students at many different stages of life. Whether advising recent high school graduates, returning adult learners, or nontraditional students, she enjoys helping people identify their goals and build a plan to achieve them.

"It's exciting to see people figure out what path they want to be on and then take those steps along the way," she said. "No matter their age or stage of life."

Looking ahead to the coming school year, Ashman is eager to spend time in the high school, meet students, and help expand opportunities for college participation.

"I want to see this program grow," she said. "I want to see more high school students taking college classes, and I want to help them any way I can."

Outside of work, Ashman stays busy with her four children and enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog. One of her favorite things about living in Kodiak is spending time at the beach.

"When there are nice days here, there's nowhere else you'd rather be," she said.

Beginning this fall, Ashman will maintain office hours both at Kodiak College and at Kodiak High School, where she will be available to meet with students interested in learning more about dual enrollment and other college opportunities.

Students, and families are encouraged to connect with Ashman at jashman@alaska.edu or (907) 486-1235 to learn how Kodiak College can help students get an early start on their education journey.