Psych Major Leaves Mark on UTA Architecture & Fine Arts Library and Campus

Ashley Brown wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps when she applied to work for the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries in August 2019.

“She did a lot of work study in college,” Brown said. “It was a great opportunity to learn more about the resources around campus and help others learn about those resources and get more connected to the core of the school.”

Two and half years later Brown’s supervisor, Guest Services Lead Student Specialist Devon Peralta, is proud of the leadership she has shown in the Architecture and Fine Arts branch of the Libraries, particularly with the new staffing model that saw students leading in the branches.

“Ashley really took ownership of her role and stepped up to lead her peers in this new staffing model,” Peralta said. “We are so proud of everything she has accomplished and wish her nothing but the best following her graduation.”

Prior to working at the Libraries, Brown admits she didn’t know about all the services and programming it had to offer—but now can’t stop singing their praises.

“We should use everything here that we can to help our best not just academic life but student life, social life,” she said. “Working here showed me how to help others do that, too—now that all my friends know I work here, they are always like, ‘wait, y’all have this, you have that.’”

Brown has a knack for bringing people together. She even led an initiative to facilitate office camaraderie and overcome nervousness when meeting new coworkers.

“I got this old poster paper that someone had left and put it on the backroom staff wall—I asked everybody to write down their weekend plans and favorite type of music,” Brown said. “It actually helped a lot of people connect with each other and bridge those gaps between each other.”

As she approaches her Fall 2021 graduation and reflects on her time with the Libraries, Brown is satisfied with the legacy she is leaving behind.

“You always want to leave some kind of mark,” Brown said. “I can say that I was an integral part of this campus and that I made an impact not just at my job but hopefully on other people.”