University News

Alumna Rhiannon Ashmore
[Download Print-Quality Image]

125 Anniversary Celebration: Rhiannon Ashmore

February 7, 2025

Printer friendly version

Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - Alumna Rhiannon Ashmore credits the support system at the WIU Museum Studies program with preparing her for a successful and meaningful career.

"When I think about WIU, I think about opportunities and connection," Ashmore said.

To Ashmore, being a Leatherneck means embracing every opportunity to grow and inspire others.

"It means seizing every opportunity available as a growing professional and lifetime student," Ashmore said. "It also means sharing the joys of education and creativity with others so I may inspire them to share these values in their own communities."

When reflecting on her time at WIU, Ashmore cherishes all of her incredible memories as part of her academic program.

"WIU Museum Studies program gave me many, many wonderful memories," Ashmore said. "If I had to choose just one, it would be the opportunity to travel with my professor and classmates to Kansas City, MO, to delve into the city's rich cultural and artistic history. This trip allowed my bond with my professor and colleagues to grow and it provided me a chance to experience museums in a new place."

During her time as a student, Ashmore was involved on campus as a member of the Graduate Experience in Museum Studies (GEMS).

As an alumna, Ashmore continues to carry over the preparation she received at WIU into her professional career. For her, a museum career allowed her to explore interesting paths, from being a gallery host at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA, to being a gallery director at Coe College and later accepting a position as administrative coordinator in the development department at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

"Today, I am flourishing in my administrator role--something I could not have done had it not been for my professors and mentors at WIU and the Figge Art Museum. As I look ahead, I would like to receive another degree in informal education so I can one day return to museum education--something with which I fell in love during my time at the Figge. Until then, I will continue to remain in touch with former classmates and colleagues and seize every opportunity to learn something new. My commitment is not only to the growth, improvement and longevity of museums but also to the diverse communities they serve. I'm proud to call myself a museum professional," Ashmore said.

Ashmore strongly encourages prospective students to consider WIU, especially those who share her interests.

"If you're considering attending WIU for the Museum Studies program, something to know is it's one of the best programs for hands-on experiences," Ashmore said. "There are so many wonderful museums in the Quad Cities area! Most of them offer opportunities for MS students to intern and/or work. This is a perfect environment for making long-lasting connections and getting your feet wet in all aspects of the museum. Don't be afraid to reach out to potential mentors to start making connections. These could last you a lifetime and open many doors in the museum world."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni and community members to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU museum studies program, visit wiu.edu/cofac/qc/museumstudies/

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing