Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Ragsdale, Ed.D., MBA, RDMS, RVT, is an accomplished higher education leader, healthcare educator, sonography expert, and professional speaker with nearly a decade of experience in academic administration and health sciences education. As Assistant Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Associate Professor at Parker University, she oversees multiple academic programs, faculty development initiatives, and student success efforts while maintaining a strong commitment to educational excellence and innovation. A registered sonographer by training, Ragsdale combines extensive clinical expertise with strategic leadership to advance healthcare education and prepare the next generation of allied health professionals.
Throughout her career, Ragsdale has demonstrated exceptional success in program development, accreditation, and academic growth. She has founded and launched multiple healthcare programs, including Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Electrocardiograph Technician, and Medical Assisting programs, while also leading accreditation efforts and curriculum development initiatives. In addition to overseeing approximately 160 students and a team of faculty members, she serves as an accreditation site visitor and curriculum consultant, contributing to the advancement of sonography education nationwide. Her expertise in organizational leadership, educational innovation, and student engagement has made her a sought-after speaker at professional conferences and industry events across the country.
As a first-generation college graduate, Ragsdale is especially passionate about supporting first-generation students and creating pathways to career success through certificates, technical training, and degree programs. She earned a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, focusing much of her research on understanding and engaging emerging generations of learners. Beyond academia, she is a published children's book author, licensed private pilot, and advocate for women in leadership. Recognized as Woman of the Year at Parker University and frequently featured as a speaker on educational trends and healthcare workforce development, Ragsdale is dedicated to empowering students, advancing healthcare education, and inspiring others to pursue ambitious goals both in the classroom and beyond.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
Not wanting to have anything hold me back. I want to be an inspiration to women that you can do anything. As the first generation to go to college in my family, I've not only obtained a bachelor's but a doctorate degree. I worked two jobs for 10 years to save for sonography school because my parents didn't know anything about college - they were just excited I graduated high school. I had to work my way through school, and I always tell my students that if I can do it, they can do it. I was working my entire way through all my degrees while working 40 hours a week at a full-time job. I found my way into education because I like educating others, but I also wanted to help others that were in the same situation as me, that didn't have money for college and didn't have a support system.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Know your worth, and know that the doors are not closed. You make your own path. Nobody can stop you from doing what you want to do. I always tell my students that you set your own path. I wanted to write a book, I wrote a book. I wanted to be a pilot, I'm a pilot. You know, I want to be in a commercial, who knows, maybe later you'll see me in a commercial.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I definitely would tell them that they create their own path, and you can accomplish anything that you put your mind to. The sky is the limit. I want them to understand the importance of being a woman - we can multitask, we're so good at that. We need people in our leadership. We need people in healthcare. I want to encourage them. I don't want them to think that they can't be what they want to be. That's really what I always tell my students.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Putting in the time to keep growing and learning
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest to a fault. I've always been honest and I will always continue to be honest. I love my family. I love my daughter and being the best mom I possibly can be. I'm a working mom, so that's a lot, trying to be a mom and work. I'm just passionate and loving. I'm trying to balance many hats, being in transit from one place to another, but I make it work.
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