February 20, 2026
As part of Columbia College’s Black History Month spotlight series, we continue to highlight members of our campus community whose leadership, service, and professional dedication are making a meaningful difference on campus and beyond. Each feature reflects the lasting influence of mentorship, education, and community in shaping student experiences and future pathways.
This installment features Ashton Peterson, Director of Residence Life, whose work with students and commitment to connection continue to shape the residential experience at Columbia College.
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This story is contributed by Columbia College business major Sanai Rose, who interviewed Ashton as part of this series. Sanai serves as a campus ambassador who is assisting the Marketing & Communications team with student-focused content this semester.
For Ashton Peterson, a career in higher education was not a path he initially imagined. As an undergraduate, he was largely unaware of the professional opportunities the field offered. That understanding developed gradually as he noticed the people who make college life run. Through his work as a Resident Assistant and later in admissions and marketing roles, he discovered a sense of purpose that felt both natural and rewarding. “It felt like home,” he reflects.
Though his path did not lead directly back to a college campus after graduation, each step prepared him for the work he now leads. Ashton began his professional career teaching middle school in Darlington and Columbia, South Carolina, before transitioning into nonprofit work focused on educator development. During that time, he was introduced to Columbia College’s APEC Center as the institution expanded its full-time, on-campus day program. Inspired by the College’s continued growth and student-centered mission, he chose to return to campus life. Nearly four years later, he continues to invest in that same spirit of progress.
In addition to his leadership in Residence Life, Ashton teaches in the LA 100 series, guiding first-year students through the earliest stages of the Columbia College experience. Meeting students in the classroom allows him to build authentic relationships rooted in engagement, accountability, and community. He speaks with pride about seeing those students remain active across campus, which he views as evidence of the strong foundation established early in their college journey.
Ashton approaches his work with openness and a commitment to being a steady presence for students navigating new environments. Having grown up with limited access to mentors who shared similar life experiences, he is intentional about encouraging students to see a range of possibilities for themselves and their futures. Black History Month holds both personal and professional meaning for him, offering time for reflection, learning, and recognition of the contributions that continue to shape culture, leadership, and education.
Now completing his first year as Director of Residence Life, Ashton describes it as a season of listening and learning, with the years ahead focused on implementation, refinement, and strengthening systems that support student success. When asked what he hopes students remember, his answer is simple: that he cares, demonstrated by learning their names, honoring their stories, and showing up consistently. His advice to students is equally clear: build a professional community rooted in shared values, seek mentorship, and be intentional about the relationships that shape your future.
Ashton’s leadership exemplifies how authenticity and personal connection leave a lasting imprint on student experiences. By investing deeply in relationships and fostering supportive environments, he demonstrates the lasting value of mentorship and engagement. The impact of his work extends beyond semesters, fostering confidence, clarifying paths, and opening doors long after graduation.
His story highlights enduring influence, education, community, and consistent leadership. Columbia College is proud to recognize Ashton Peterson as a dedicated leader whose work continues to positively shape campus life.