Veteran Spotlight - Angela Ash: A Lifelong Love of Learning

October 07, 2026

Our Veteran Spotlight series continues this month with Dr. Angela L. Ash, who is a professor of history, the History Coordinator, and the Hager Scholars Program Coordinator at Owensboro Community and Technical College.

Dr. Ash joined the U.S. Navy as an interior communications electrician immediately after high school, then returned to Kentucky to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history from Brescia University, a Master of Arts in history from the University of Louisville, and a doctorate in postsecondary educational leadership from Western Kentucky University. Along the way, she's received OCTC's Faculty Award for Excellence, completed Fulbright research in Poland, and is now pursuing her doctorate at Liberty University.

Q: What sparked your interest in postsecondary education after leaving, or while in, the military?

Since childhood, I was surrounded by books and always loved school. My mother was also an avid non-fiction reader, and so my love for history was instilled early in life. A career in higher education didn’t become a goal of mine until I completed my undergraduate degree, which was earned after my service in the Navy. All education is empowering, and it is humbling to help our students achieve their goals.

Q: Both your work with OCTC and military service involve making an impact and giving back to communities. In what ways is giving back to communities important to you?

As a first-generation college student and non-traditional student attending community college, I too was empowered by education, and I am so grateful to assist these students in achieving their goals. I also encourage our students to consider military service as a possible pathway. I also lead a local non-profit, the Owensboro Area World Affairs Council, and we bring in speakers from all over the world to address critical, relevant, and timely global issues to continue our mission of advancing global understanding in our community. I encourage my students to attend these free, public events, which afford them an opportunity to engage with professionals in a variety of fields.

Q: What has your career in the public sector been like so far?

I find my work with students to be the most rewarding chapter of my life. Teaching history is a dream come true, and every day, I cannot wait to step on campus and get to work. I want my students to understand how critical it is to know history and how it is not just interesting, but entirely relevant to each of them, no matter their field.

Q: How has your military service been useful to you in your career?

I understand that discipline, both physical and mental, is critical to professional success. The benefit of being a productive member of a team and the leadership qualities I acquired from my service stay with me to this day. I also amassed numerous college credits through my service, which contributed to my undergraduate credentials.

Q: In what ways has going back to college helped you be successful in your post-military career?

I technically never left college. I joined the Navy immediately following high school graduation, then launched straight into my career as a professor after completing my degrees. I could not do what I do without a very specific credential. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees were necessary for my present career.

Q: What advice do you have for other veterans who may be considering a similar career path?

If they plan to become faculty or staff, it would be best to have more than one professional skillset. For example, being multilingual or having the qualifications to teach more than one discipline will make you stand out.  Network early and find someone who is in the position to which you aspire and engage them in a conversation about their career journey.

From the fleet to the faculty lounge, Dr. Ash's path shows that pursuing one’s passion, coupled with the discipline forged in military service, can carry a veteran through decades of achievement, degree after degree.

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