The Ohio State University at Marion recently named Director of Enrollment, Ashley Marsh winner of the 2025 Ohio State Marion Outstanding Staff Award, in recognition of her exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to both the campus and the Marion community.
A lifelong Marion resident, Marsh graduated from Pleasant High School before choosing to pursue her education at The Ohio State University at Marion. As a student, she served as a Buckeye Ambassador for the admissions office—an early indication of the dedication that would define her career. After graduation, she joined the university in a professional capacity and has since risen to the top leadership role in the very office where she once worked as a student employee.
Marsh’s success is rooted in her ability to build trust and genuine connection with students and their families. She has been a driving force behind several innovative initiatives, including the launch of a campus texting program for prospective students—an effort so effective that it has now been adopted across all regional campuses.
Her leadership is marked by empathy, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. Working closely with Enrollment Services, Marketing & Communications, Academic Advising, Student Success, Student Life, and faculty partners, Marsh helped guide the campus to a 9% increase in total enrollment over the previous year. Ohio State Marion now enrolls 926 students, the highest number since 2022. Notably, the campus saw an 18% increase in new first‑year freshmen, a remarkable achievement at a time when regional campus enrollments and national college‑going rates continued to decline. This growth, which runs counter to national trends, is a direct reflection of Marsh’s dedication and leadership.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Marsh remains deeply engaged with the community—meeting with families, visiting high schools, and representing Ohio State Marion at events such as Third Thursdays. Her communication skills uniquely capture the spirit of the campus and the broader Marion community.
Marsh’s impact extends even further. She has navigated significant university‑wide admissions restructuring with resilience and optimism, modeling a mindset that embraces change as an opportunity. In alignment with Strategic Enrollment Management goals, she led the redesign of prospective student events, contributing directly to the campus’s enrollment gains.
Her role has also expanded to support staff at both the Marion and Lima campuses, strengthening collaboration and operational efficiency. Marsh successfully coordinated the inaugural Alber Scholars Program, a cost-of-attendance scholarship initiative that pairs financial support with service and cohort engagement. She played a central role in developing award criteria, application and review processes, program administration, and evaluation—establishing a strong foundation for future cohorts.
“Ashley has always been an outstanding staff member, and we believe she is exceptionally deserving of this award,” said award nominators Kelly Crum, Karlie Marlatt, Gavin Smith, and the Buckeye Ambassadors.
Marsh’s continued leadership promises lasting, positive impact on Ohio State Marion and the broader university community.