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.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
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.