Introducing a scholarship in honor of Mike Ashley!

Mentor. Guide. Comedian. Encourager.  Mike Ashley is a Highlander in every sense of the word.   To the students who worked for him and the athletes he highlighted he was a bright spot in their Radford years.  Those same former student-athletes, student workers, colleagues, and coaches have banded together to start the Mike Ashley Scholarship in Communications, Media and Public Relations in his honor. This scholarship will assist promising students who study within the School of Communication or the Department of English. To honor Mike's unique talents, special preference will be given to students aspiring to careers in athletics communications, sports writing or broadcasting. 

Scholarship initiator Jimmy Bove '96 shared this about Mike: 

"Mike Ashley has filled virtually every role a person possibly can in my life. Quite honestly, he’s the reason I graduated from college. He gave me a chance when I needed it most. He believed in me, held me accountable, tried his hardest to temper my ego, and taught me more about being a journalist and public relations professional than I’ve learned anywhere else. 

While perhaps the funniest person I’ve ever known, he was serious about his job. He taught those who worked for him to labor over every word, every fact, every stat, and every interaction with media – to make sure it was as perfect and representative of Radford University as it could be. Nobody has taken more pride in shining the spotlight on Highlanders than Mike. 

The truest of journalists, he makes every word matter about every person. He sees the good in people and makes sure others do, too. He constantly shines the spotlight on others, ensuring they receive credit for their hard work and dedication."

Chris King '94 reflects on Radford and Mike's impact on him:

"I loved my experience at Radford University and can say, without hesitation, that Mike Ashley was the most important person I met at Radford. Before meeting Mike, I went to class and was on track to graduate but not much more. 

Mike was the person who made sure I was ready to enter the “real world.”

He hired me to work in the sports information department, helped me land freelance gigs at the Roanoke Times and Hokie Huddler, and prodded me every step of the way to be better than I had been the day before. Those experiences, which he was almost solely responsible for, were the most critical factors at the beginning of my professional life. 

Over the years, our relationship has evolved and Mike is as much a friend as he is a mentor, but I am more appreciative than ever for the proactive role he played in helping me maximize my education at Radford University. Beyond what he has meant to me personally, nobody loves Radford more than Mike Ashley, so it’s only fitting there is a scholarship endowed in his honor that will benefit students in perpetuity."

As Mike has elevated and highlighted worthy Highlanders through the years, it's time to turn that spotlight around on the man who bleeds Highlander plaid. It’s time to recognize Mike Ashley for his unwavering love of Radford University - the place, the people, the traditions. 

Mike is being recognized for all his work for RU by being inducted into the RU Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend this year. Nobody is more worthy. But that’s not enough. 

Please join today in making a gift to honor Mike ensuring his pride, dedication, and professionalism will continue to impact Radford University and future Highlanders.