USNA Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley Upkins
This month, we're thrilled to shine the USNA Volunteer Spotlight on Ashley Upkins who serves as the Cultural Collaborator for USNA.
In this pivotal role of Cultural Coordinator, USN parent Ashley Upkins is the liaison to the Office of Diversity and Community Life and other parent groups within the USN community. Let's get to know Ashley and shed some light on the importance of this vital role through a short Q&A session with USNA Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Block.
Q: How long have you been engaged with USN?
A: I've been involved for 11 years now. My son, Braylin Davis, is a sophomore.
Q: What volunteer roles have you undertaken at USN?
A: Apart from being an involved parent, I've served on the USNA Executive Committee as the Cultural Collaborator, held the position of Black Parent Network President and hosted the BPN cookout, contributed as a volunteer for Artclectic and enjoyed participating in artist selection, assisted with Fall Book Frenzy, and engaged in numerous other activities. BPN is an affinity group within the USN community where members focus on initiatives relevant to their racial and ethnic backgrounds. If anyone is interested in participating in this group, they can contact me or Director of the Office of Diversity and Community Life Roderick White.
Q: Do you have any advice for fellow parent volunteers?
A: Volunteer as much or as little as your schedule permits, but definitely get involved.
Q: What aspect of USN do you appreciate the most?
A: I admire USN's commitment to fostering family-wide participation.
Q: Apart from your USN involvement, what else fills your life?
A: Outside of volunteering, I manage dispute resolution and litigation at Silicon Ranch, serve as Vice President of the National Bar Association, and indulge in my passion for British Murder Mysteries — that is, when I’m not cheering Braylin on at his various sporting events.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Get ready to roar during Homecoming 2026
Read MoreK-12 Tigers and their families can share their school spirit by dressing up on themed day and returning to campus Friday, January 16 for the HS Habitat for Humanity Club's Spaghetti Supper and basketball games. -
Start 2026 right with Evening Classes' Inspire & Thrive series
This specialty series consists of three incredible courses designed to help you start the new year feeling strong, healthy, and inspired. Our full catalog will be announced in January, so stay tuned for updates on our other incredible offerings. Proceeds benefit USN's K-12 need-based scholarship endowment.Read More -
End the year with impact, generosity
Read MoreMaximize your 2025 tax benefit while supporting University School of Nashville by Wednesday, December 31. Mark these important dates on your calendar:- Tuesday, December 23 is the deadline for stock gifts.- Wednesday, December 31 is the deadline for postmarked check, and midnight Central time is the deadline for online gifts.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.