Name: Ashley L. Isreal
Education: Ph.D., Educational Leadership (Higher Education), Clemson University
M.Ed., Higher Education and Student Affairs, University of South Carolina
B.S., Business Administration, Management Concentration, Winthrop University
Additional Credentials: Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified ScrumMaster
(CSM)
Office: 213A Thurmond Building
Phone: 803/323-2599
Email: isreala@winthrop.edu
Website: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyisreal
Areas: Career Development • Experiential Learning • Employer Relations • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Career Readiness • Workforce Development
Dr. Ashley L. Isreal (Dr. Ali, Ali, or Ashley) serves as the Manager of Career & Experiential Learning for Winthrop University's College of Business and Technology. As a proud College of Business and Technology graduate, she understands firsthand the excitement, uncertainty, and opportunities that come with preparing for life after college. Her passion is helping students discover their strengths, gain meaningful experiences, build professional networks, and confidently pursue their career goals.
A defining influence in Dr. Isreal's journey was Dr. Barbara Burgess-Wilkerson, who served as both her professor and academic advisor in Winthrop University's College of Business and Technology. Through her mentorship, encouragement, and belief in her potential, Dr. Isreal developed a deep commitment to student success and servant leadership. That foundation inspired her to pursue a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education from Clemson University. As a Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and advocate for graduate students, she was honored with Clemson University's Presidential Service Award from the Student Government Association for her leadership, service, and dedication to the graduate student community during her graduating year.
Her Winthrop story has come full circle. After leaving Winthrop to pursue graduate studies and a career dedicated to student success, she returned to campus as the keynote speaker for the 12th Annual Student Professional Development Conference in the College of Business and Technology. Speaking to students seated in the same college where her own journey began was both humbling and rewarding. She shared lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of embracing opportunities that stretch individuals beyond their comfort zones.
Dr. Isreal later returned to Winthrop University as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Close Scholars Program Manager, working directly under Vice President Shelia Burkhalter, one of the most influential mentors in her career. While she gained invaluable leadership experience, it was Burkhalter's character that stood out most. Her integrity, compassion, and commitment to students helped shape Dr. Isreal's leadership philosophy and continue to influence her work today.
In addition to her higher education experience, Dr. Isreal held leadership roles at Wells Fargo, serving as an Assistant Vice President for the Quantitative Analytics Program for Early Careers and later as a Vice President within Corporate Risk for Education and Awareness. Today, she combines her experiences in higher education and corporate America to help students connect their education to meaningful careers. Whether students are exploring career options, pursuing internships, preparing for interviews, building professional skills, or launching their careers, she is committed to helping them navigate their journey with confidence and purpose.