Ashlyn Jess
Telling Stories on Screen: How Ashlyn Jess Lives the Marywood University Experience
For Ashlyn Jess, success means combining passion with preparation, staying flexible, and embracing every opportunity. That philosophy has guided her journey at Marywood University and continues to shape her career in television production and communications.
Ashlyn chose Marywood because of the Communications Department and the Women’s Soccer Program. “The TV and radio stations were impressive, and the professors immediately made me feel like I had a place,” she recalls. “Coach Smith was welcoming and encouraging. Spending time with the team before I even started made Marywood feel like a home away from home almost instantly.”
One of her most cherished memories from campus was Senior Day on the soccer field. “My teammate Brooke Longstreet and I were both fortunate enough to score during that game. Celebrating our goals and soccer careers with family and friends made it unforgettable,” she says.
Ashlyn’s time at Marywood was defined by hands-on learning and personal growth. From working at TV-Marywood with Katie Warnokowski and Erin Kane to DJing at 91.7 VMFM, she dove into real-world experiences that shaped her professional skills and ignited her love for television production. “These opportunities allowed me to learn in a hands-on environment and fall in love with the inter-workings of television,” she says.
Professors Kim Petro and Ernie Mengoni were instrumental in preparing her for her career. “They taught us editing software, scriptwriting, and how to handle ourselves in professional environments. Their guidance gave me the confidence to do whatever I set my mind to.”
Marywood also gave Ashlyn the freedom to explore her interests beyond the classroom. “The size of the university created a supportive, action-packed community. There were always unique events happening, and I felt like I was part of something bigger,” she notes.
Today, Ashlyn defines success as the ability to stay flexible while pursuing a career she loves. “Even when it gets tough, I make time for family, friends, and personal interests,” she says. Her story is a testament to the Marywood experience—one where students thrive academically, athletically, and personally while building the skills and confidence to succeed in the professional world.
From the soccer field to the TV studio, Ashlyn Jess exemplifies Marywood values of community, hands-on learning, and passion-driven success, proving that Pacers can turn their passions into lifelong careers.