Victoria Hughes is no stranger to Ashland University. She has been the Director of Development of the Ashbrook Scholar’s program since 2012. She is getting ready for the next possible phase of her career: she was recently nominated by President Obama to become apart of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

“This board is the governing board for the federal agency,” said Hughes. “The board…is a volunteer position…so I am able to keep working for Ashbrook at Ashland University.”It is not just Hughes’ service to Ashbrook that will contribute to her service on the board, but also her 30 years of service in the nonprofit world. As an organization that promotes volunteerism in the nonprofit sector, Mrs. Hughes hopes to contribute to the corporation in the following ways: she wishes to help the nonprofit organizations that promote volunteerism, thus broadening their base of financial support; and she would like to use her skills in evaluating nonprofit organizations to help increase their community service support.

Hughes does not know how exactly she became to be nominated by Obama for this position, but she was very excited when she found out. “It is a great honor,” she said. “I was very, very surprised when I was first approached about this possibility, and I just remain very, very honored with this nomination.”

Hughes shared that it is the Senate that approves who becomes apart of the Board of Directors. Obama is not the only one who contributes into the Board’s development.

Hughes is not the only one who is excited about this possible opportunity. Members of Ashbrook have expressed their delight and joy as well. Ashbrook sophomore, Kayla Gowdy, said, “[Hughes would] be a great asset…I’m excited for her.” The Executive Director of Ashbrook, Roger Beckett, also shared his pride and joy for Hughes. “I am proud that a key member of the Ashbrook team has been nominated by the president to serve on this Board,” he said. “It is a testament to Victoria’s career-long dedication to building programs that help our nation’s youth…”

Serving as a director of the Corporation for the National and Community Service would be no difficult task for Hughes. In addition to her 30 years of service in the nonprofit world, Hughes has also created her own nonprofit organization as well. From a classroom teacher to a founding president and advisor of the Bill of Rights Institute, Hughes’ career will help carry her over into this possible Presidential nomination.

It goes without saying that Hughes is very excited and waits in anticipation for the outcome of this incredible nomination. Not only does she have plans if she becomes accepted, but she is also thinking ahead to the rest of her career and service to Ashland University. “[Ashbrook has] planned to significantly expand our education program, especially those for teachers of American History and Government…We believe that we have great programs and a great opportunity to help educate the next generation about what it means to be an American.”

Hughes anticipates learning whether or not she has been accepted into the position, though the date of the Senate’s decision is currently unknown.