Ashley M. Hood

Assistant Vice President of Government & External Affairs is a vital role at William & Mary, but many people may not even be aware of what it entails. What are some of the main responsibilities?

In this role, I am William and Mary’s advocate to the state and federal executive and legislative branches. I work with President Rowe and senior campus administrators to develop strategic legislative and executive branch outreach crucial to the success of William & Mary as a public research university. I build and maintain relationships with state and federal lawmakers, political appointees, and their staffs to communicate the mission and priorities of William & Mary and our community. I also communicate key legislation, governmental priorities, and strategic opportunities to campus leadership and other relevant stakeholders. 

One of the most important components of this job includes supporting the university’s budget priorities by pursuing state and federal funding opportunities. This could include funding requests for capital construction projects, operation and maintenance, financial aid, and growing the pipeline of data science faculty and postdoc researchers, for example. It could also include capitalizing on strategic partnership opportunities with both public and private sector partners.

Furthermore, I also have the pleasure of working with faculty, staff, and student groups to facilitate the William & Mary community’s interactions with governmental entities, ensuring W&M is represented on policy issues.

What drew you to the position and what part of it is most exciting to you? 

The deep history of William & Mary was very attractive to me. Few institutions can rival the rich history that comes with being the first chartered institution in the New World and the Alma Mater of the Nation. I grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and have vivid memories of visiting Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary.

 In addition to the history of W&M, I was drawn to the flourishing campus community. In my short time on campus, I have already witnessed how close-knit this community is. The Employee Convocation on July 16 was a powerful display of this closeness and walking through the Wren was an opportunity to truly reflect and honor everyone’s efforts over the last 16 months.

 Finally, I could not turn down an opportunity to work with the wonderful student body at W&M. Throughout my years in Richmond, I have met many W&M students who were legislative or campaign interns, Governor’s Fellows, engaged citizens representing their campus, and more. I was always impressed by the intellect and professionalism displayed by these student representatives -- and I am looking forward to working with student leaders and facilitating opportunities for them to interact with government officials.

 Government relations remains exciting to me because no two days are the same. There are always new priorities to advocate for, changing priorities to adjust to, and problems to solve. One of my goals is to find ways to make government work better for the institution, so the institution can work better for our students, our employees, the broader Commonwealth, and beyond. 

What is it like working regularly with elected officials?

 I interact with elected officials and legislative staff nearly every day. No matter their political views or career aspirations, one thing I can always count on is that they will consider the best interests of their district and constituents when approaching an issue. Like William & Mary’s student body, legislators represent every region of the Commonwealth. I always enjoyed the opportunity to work with this regionally diverse group of public servants.

 In the end, an appreciation for the importance of education is the commonality that ties us all together. Democrats and Republicans may take a hard line on political issues, but higher education isn’t as clearly delineated. Public and private higher education institutions are in every corner of Virginia and the best part of working with elected officials is helping them realize the dramatic role that higher education plays in the success of the Commonwealth and our people.

What are ways students interested in government relations can get involved with your office?

 Great question! One of the many ways students can get involved is to participate in the annual “Road to Richmond” event, where students travel to the state capital to meet with legislators and advocate for W&M. Topics of interest might include anything from higher education funding, to capital priorities, or legislation on campus safety or scholarships and financial aid. It is hard to underscore how impactful it is for our elected officials to hear about these issues directly from students. 

 Additionally, I hope to create opportunities for students interested in participating in the Governor’s Fellows Program and the Virginia Management Fellows Program. Both programs allow students the opportunity to experience firsthand the administration of state government in the Commonwealth.

 Students should not hesitate to reach out if they have interest in being involved in any of these efforts.

What is an unexpected part of job? 

 Most people might not realize how often all of the Virginia higher education institutions work collaboratively, both at the state and federal levels. I am in constant communication, even speaking daily, with my colleagues at other Virginia colleges and universities.

We recognize that we are often more effective working together than we are on our own, given the issues that impact us at William & Mary also impact Virginia Tech, VCU, JMU, GMU, and UVA among others.

Not only do I work with my counterparts at other institutions, but President Rowe works collaboratively with the other presidents and our Chief Operating Officer Amy Sebring works collaboratively with other finance officers. We all have a lot to learn from each other and that was never more obvious than during the COVID-19 pandemic.