DOS News Stars Spotlight: Ashley Thompson and Ashley Gray
Even though an org chart for the Office of Housing and Residential Experience won’t include any reference to the A-team, these two individuals certainly support the mission of OHARE with excellence. I find Ashley and Ashley are always willing to provide accurate, detailed, and prompt responses. Not ones to let an issue age, they’re intent on seeking speedy resolution whenever possible. Laughs and smiles typically accompany interactions with this duo which makes their part of our team even more valuable.
Ashley Thompson
What do you love most about working in Vanderbilt Dean of Students?
No doubt it’s the people. Working around so many people passionate about our mission and our students is absolutely inspiring.
What led you to Vanderbilt?
When I was working in public accounting some of my most rewarding and engaging experiences were with our higher education clients. I moved from Deloitte to Vanderbilt Internal Audit which was the perfect place to learn the secrets of how the University works.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new staff member, what would it be?
Build relationships within your department and across campus. It’s important to have those people who will always answer your call, whether it’s to help with a frustrating request or to share in celebrating a win.
What challenges does your job present you with? What are you still learning?
There’s always a new challenge, initiative, or idea around every corner and most have a financial impact. So believe it or not, Finance gets to be involved in a lot of exciting projects and rarely is there a dull moment.
What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
You are not your job. I always appreciate being reminded to step back and take the broader view, to remember that life is mostly what happens outside of work.
What is your favorite restaurant in Nashville?
Mitchell’s Deli
Best way to spend a Saturday?
Taking a long walk in the woods with my wife and dog, then movie night at the Belcourt
My phone camera reel is full of …
My people and pet family (they are a very photogenic bunch)
Ashley Gray
What do you love most about working in Vanderbilt Dean of Students?
What I love most about working in Vanderbilt Dean of Students is being able to assist OHARE staff with any questions that they might have regarding Finance or HR.
What led you to Vanderbilt?
When I found out that we were going to be moving to Nashville, TN from upstate NY, I instantly knew that if I were offered a position at Vanderbilt I would accept it. The position was a perfect fit for me because I knew that I wanted to be able to grow the knowledge that I had in both Accounting and Finance since prior to moving to Nashville I had been working heavily in the tax world.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new staff member, what would it be?
One piece of advice that I would give to a new staff member is if you have a question ask. It is better to ask the question multiple times than to not do something correctly.
Did you always know that you wanted to work in student affairs?
No, my degree is in Accounting, I never knew that I would end up working in a Finance role within student affairs. Because I had been so heavily involved in taxes prior to moving to Nashville I thought that I would end up finding a job at a private company assisting them with indirect taxes. I am thrilled to be working in student affairs and still be able to use my Bachelor’s degree in the role that I am currently in.
What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received?
The best piece of professional advice that I ever received is to always try to challenge yourself in the work that you are doing.
Best way to spend a Saturday?
Hiking at state parks with my partner and his family.
Starbucks order?
Grande Carmel Macchiato.
My phone camera reel is full of …
Pictures of family.