Part-Time Students Deserve a Voice – Let’s #ThriveTogether to Ensure Your Voices are Heard & Valued!

 

Dear Part-Time Bowen Students,

I am Ashley McBride, a part-time 2L running for Vice President (VP) of the Student Bar Association. Like many of you, I work during the day and attend evening classes, so I understand how limited access to networking, career opportunities, and campus life can feel. I am seeking this position because I believe your voices are integral to student success and should help shape every major decision at Bowen.​

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Leadership Experience and Academic Engagement

Professionally, I currently serve as the State Director for AARP Arkansas, where I work with legislators, the Attorney General’s office, the Governor’s office, municipalities, and organizations across the state to advance policies that impact thousands of people.

 

Over the past two years at Bowen, I’ve built strong relationships with faculty, administration, and students at all class levels because I believe relationships are the foundation for getting things accomplished. I’ve served as your SBA Senator for two years, supporting initiatives like increased GDR visibility, better scheduling for part-time students, and expanded mental health resources.  

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In addition, I am a member of other student organizations, including BLSA, where I serve as the 2025–2026 Director of Media Relations and was recently elected as the 2026–2027 Vice President, as well as AAWL. I’ve prioritized attending events that allow me to learn, serve, and build connections, such as the annual Bowen Scholarship Luncheon, the Pulaski County Bar Association candidate engagement meeting, and volunteering with the Office of Admissions for Admitted Student Day.​

 

Through these roles, I’ve learned that effective leadership, at work and at school, begins with strategic listening before action is taken. If elected as your VP, I will listen to your frustrations, needs, and goals and translate them into clear, actionable plans, and I am willing to have the difficult conversations to advocate on your behalf.​

 

Planned Initiatives

If elected as your VP, I plan to:

• Create a structured feedback loop through short satisfaction surveys so your concerns, wins, and career goals drive our agenda.​

• Provide timely and transparent follow-up on shared concerns and ideas so you always know what is happening and why.​

• Collaborate closely with part-time Senators so every schedule and section is represented when solutions are created.​

• Offer regular, realistic networking and community-building opportunities, such as monthly outings or virtual happy hours designed specifically around part-time availability.​

• Build a living repository of firms, organizations, and contacts drawn from our collective networks to help you find opportunities quickly and support one another’s success.​

• Proactively engage law firms, organizations, and leaders willing to host events at times that work for us, ensuring equal access to career development.​

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Conclusion

Although this is an elected position, for me, it is not about politics; it is about using our collective power, knowledge, relationships, and resources to make Bowen work better for us now, post-graduation and for future Bowen students. I will amplify your voice and ensure that part-time students are never an afterthought.​ Although we have made meaningful progress, there is still substantial work ahead, and I cannot accomplish it without your insight and collaboration.

 

On election day, March 20, 2026, I humbly ask for your vote as Part-Time Vice President so we can #ThriveTogether.