Ashley Peterson

As the External Relationships Manager, I strategize communication and engagement efforts to recruit and maintain external partners who work with our UMSI client-based courses and programs. I am passionate about providing equitable educational opportunities to students, and I enjoy building new relationships with organizations that want to support UMSI’s students and vision.

My professional experience has placed focus on marketing, communications, creative project management and relationship building. My educational background is in art history and I hold a B.A. in Art History from the University of Florida and an M.A. in Art History, Collections & Curating from University College Dublin. Prior to my time with The University of Michigan, I held roles at a number of smaller nonprofits and associations, many of which operated within the arts and culture sector. Working across a variety of community-driven organizations taught me the value of teamwork, resourcefulness and relationship management. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation of the Engaged Learning Office’s work and how much of a positive impact our programs can have on UMSI’s clients, students and broader community. 

I am originally from the Tampa Bay area, but I also lived in Ireland and Kentucky for a number of years before relocating to the Ann Arbor area in the Spring of 2025. In my personal time I enjoy traveling, strength training, crafting and spoiling my dog and cat. 

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