Ashley Bench- "The ability to lead comes out of God's goodness alone."

Few people on the College of the Ozarks campus are as widely known as Ashley Bench. Now in her senior year of school, Ashley is recognized by students and faculty alike because of her contagious laughter, remarkable talents, and love for people.

Ashley grew up in Springfield, Missouri, as the daughter of a local church pastor. Even at a young age, she was involved in her parents’ church in a variety of ways. She cites her strong Christian upbringing as being influential during her childhood.

“In our house, you could not go for more than an hour without the Word of God being spoken. It was not about preaching the law, but about discussing Jesus and the kind of leader He is. He wants us to progress in love and our ability to love others. My parents helped lead me to that truth.”

With her excitable and energetic personality, school was challenging for Ashley at times. Even still, she was able to learn a few valuable lessons from it all.

“I enjoy learning and school, but I found myself sometimes disagreeing with my teachers. By the time I got to high school, I started to realize that even if you do not always agree with your leaders, you should respect them. I have tried to always remember that.”

Both of Ashley’s parents were influential in her leadership development.

“My dad is one of the most patient people I have ever known. He has never let a good or bad thing said about him discourage how he treats people. My mom shares his love for people, and she would go out of her way to help others. They taught me that good leaders show mercy and forgiveness, even when people are not responsive.”

Ashley considered College of the Ozarks after she took a campus tour during her senior year of high school. Since starting at C of O, she has been given many opportunities to lead and says that the character development she has experienced has forever changed her.

“In my time at C of O, I have learned to be confident in trusting God’s plan for my life. I see what He has done for me and what He is calling me to do. Knowing this allows me to take risks and go for what I want in life without damaging others self worth.”

In spite of all that she has accomplished at C of O, Ashley is determined to give credit where it is due rather than take the praise herself.

“Without Jesus, the motives of leadership are self-gaining. You have to be humble enough to admit when you are wrong and allow for correction. Otherwise, the focus of what you are trying to do will be completely off base.”

As a Public Relations major, Ashley has been able to learn even more about something she is already passionate about: communication. She says that the skills she gains in her classes and work have helped her become a better leader.

“I have always felt comfortable talking to people, but not always communicating my thoughts and ideas to them. With my PR classes, I have learned all about communication interactions with people and they really have helped me get past that. Now I am able to better show people what I am thinking.”

In the future, Ashley is hoping to combine her loves of music and youth ministry into a full time career. Though she is not certain where the future is taking her, she is keeping faith that God is in control of it all.

“I believe that it is good to have a vision but not confine yourself to a plan. Be open to what God has in store for you and stay true to your values in whatever you do. When you trust in Him, you cannot go wrong.”

Ashley truly is an amazing young leader full of hope about the future. God has been able to use her willingness to serve and love others to do remarkable work on the C of O campus and beyond. According to Ashley, she hopes it is just the beginning.

“Right now, I am just along for the ride. I am so excited to see where He takes me next. Yes, there have been struggles and there always will be. But I have to keep it all in perspective.”

As for advice she would give to other, younger leaders, Ashley has a few simple words.

“Leadership is not about you. Nothing that you can do will make yourself worthy of leadership opportunities. The ability to lead comes out of God’s goodness alone.”