Ashlei Watson serves as the Director of Academic Planning and Effectiveness at College for Creative Studies, an art and design school in Detroit. Through the lens of data informed decision making, she develops and implements continuous improvement initiatives for the academic division, research and present industry trends, assists with planning and decision making, and manages accreditation efforts.

Her passion for continuous learning, systems thinking, problem solving, equity and inclusion, operational effectiveness, and workforce development has led to a questioning of traditional post-secondary credit-based approaches and an enthusiasm for researching and testing new methods of content and skill delivery.

Ashlei’s goal is to be part of a re-envisioning of the country’s higher education and workforce development system, creating opportunity for every individual to have equitable access to education and skill growth that will improve their personal and professional circumstances.