In 2021, Ashley Ewing joined the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program as Admissions Coordinator. Ewing came to GW with an extensive background in higher education, including admissions roles at Columbia University, New York University, and most recently, the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
Originally from Staten Island, New York, Ewing graduated from St. John’s University in Queens before earning her master’s degree in higher education from Columbia University. Despite her lengthy academic career, this is Ewing’s first admissions role with a medical or health sciences school.
Within the DPT program’s Office of Admissions, Ewing’s responsibilities include guiding applicants through the application process and assisting with program onboarding. Additionally, she helps the department conduct interviews, reviews applications, and plays a role in program outreach for prospective students. For the current DPT classes, Ewing ensures students are up to date on health requirements and assists them with the various yearly tasks of school including registering for classes, helping with Financial Aid questions and overall administration support. Ewing noted that her current role with GW combines many of her previous experiences. “I really like working with graduate admissions. This is a specialized and highly competitive program that brings in outstanding and diverse applicants,” said Ewing.
She credits Ellen Costello, PhD, PT, and Joyce Maring, EdD, DPT, for helping her feel comfortable and welcome in her role. “The department is a great place to work. There is a focus on personal development as well as growth for the department. It's small enough where students were still the focal point of the program, which I really enjoy,” said Ewing.
Ewing credits the college environment for her passion for education. “I love being on a college campus, I love the feel and pulse of them. There are so many different people and styles. It’s nice to be surrounded by people that have such positive energy,” she explained.
Ewing says she’s excited to see the program grow. “The conversations currently happening are pushing the program, and I’m curious to see what next level we reach,” said Ewing. “The profession itself is growing by leaps and bounds, so we'll be growing with it and I think that's a great thing to be a part of. I'm learning more and more about the PT profession being in this role and I think that the research and things that the faculty are working on to better individuals' lives are really inspiring.”