Ashley Brantley
For Ashley Brantley, joining Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) as a student services coordinator in 2025 felt like coming home.
Brantley, who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in horticulture from Auburn, was formerly a 4‑H youth development agent and an agriculture and natural resources agent at the University of Georgia. She says the college’s emphasis on natural resources management closely aligns with her core values and brings her personal fulfillment through its mission to educate the next generation of natural resource stewards.
“In those roles, I enjoyed working with the public and connecting individuals to resources that helped them make informed decisions,” said Brantley.
As a graduate research assistant, she enjoyed working closely with both undergraduate and graduate students. That experience sparked her interest in returning to a student-focused role where she could offer more personalized support and help students work toward their academic and career goals—ultimately leading her back to Auburn and the CFWE.
In her current position as student services coordinator, Brantley supports CFWE students in several impactful ways. As the Parks and Recreation Management internship coordinator, she teaches Professional Preparation in Parks and Recreation, which helps prepare students for their required internships. She also assists in planning CFWE events, including the annual career fair, and helps employers connect with CFWE students to share internship and career opportunities. Additionally, she serves as the academic advisor for the Parks and Recreation Management students and a portion of the Wildlife Enterprise Management students.
“My favorite aspect of my job is working one-on-one with students to develop a plan that helps them reach their goals,” said Brantley. “I especially enjoy hearing about the amazing places they have been and the exciting experiences they have had along the way.”
Outside of the office, Brantley spends time with her kids at their volleyball and baseball games. In her free time, she also enjoys gardening and learning more about native plants, which are relaxing ways for her to stay connected to something she is passionate about. Her other pastimes include hiking through the Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area, baking and watching movies.
