GRANVILLE, OH – Denison University is pleased to announce the appointment of
Ashleigh Jones as the new Director of Athletics Communications. Jones brings a wealth of experience and leadership in athletics communications from her tenure at DePauw University, where she joined as the Assistant Director of Athletics Communications in August 2019 and was promoted to Associate Director in July 2023.
While at DePauw, Jones demonstrated a remarkable ability to elevate the university's athletic communications operations. She managed a team of student assistants to support game day operations and promote all 23 varsity sports. Under her leadership, DePauw Athletics' social media platforms saw increased engagement and visibility, fostering a stronger connection between the university's athletic programs and its community.
Jones has received numerous accolades for her contributions to collegiate athletics communications. This December, she was named to the inaugural NCAA Division III Athletics Communications Emerging Elite program. She was the inaugural recipient of DePauw University's Rising Star Award, recognizing her outstanding impact on campus. Her dedication to professional growth is evident in her selection for the Learfield EDGE Academy 2023-24 cohort and her participation in the inaugural 2022 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship. She also serves as a subcommittee chair for CSCU, furthering the education and promotion of the athletic communications profession.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Jones has been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Since 2020, she has advised DePauw's Diverse Athletes Association and co-advised the university's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Her efforts have included developing an on-campus internship program with DePauw's Media Fellows program and organizing annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrations.
Jones' career achievements extend beyond DePauw. As a graduate assistant at North Central College (Ill.), she supported multiple sports, including men's and women's soccer, swimming, and softball. Her commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment in athletics is a hallmark of her career.
A Miami University of Ohio graduate, Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology with a minor in communications. During her undergraduate years, she demonstrated her leadership skills as president of Miami Acoustics for Charity and communications chair for the Delta Epsilon chapter of Tau Beta Sigma Service Sorority. She later earned a Master's degree in Leadership with a focus on sports leadership from North Central College.
"Ashleigh Jones is the leader we need at this time in Athletic Communications. The industry has been changing so rapidly that it will take an extraordinary visionary to not only keep up with the pace of change, but to guide its new direction. Ashleigh's keen collaboration skills, experience, and motivation for professional excellence are key to success. We are thrilled to have Ashleigh join the Denison family. Her work with students, coaches, and all members of a university community will enhance the work we have been accomplishing in this space. We can't wait to have her on board!" said Associate V.P., Director of Athletics/HESS Division Director
Nan Carney-DeBord.
Denison University Athletics is excited to welcome Jones and looks forward to the innovative ideas and passion she will bring to the role. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable addition to the Big Red family.