As a young student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Margaret Ashmore was inspired by President Jimmy Carter’s dedication to service and social programs. A test at the university’s career center confirmed her desire to serve others, leading to a degree in social work. At UNCG, Ashmore was mentored by her professor, Dr. Patricia Spakes. “It was Dr. Spakes and another beloved professor, Jerry Finn, who influenced and encouraged me to continue my education.”

As a native of North Carolina, Ashmore explored her options for graduate school and learned of Florida State’s MSW Program from a customer while waiting tables at a North Carolina Hilton. She worked there for two years after receiving her undergraduate degree to earn money to attend graduate school.

A twist of fate accelerated her entry into FSU: at the Hilton, her ability never to forget a customer’s face and order resulted in a pleasant surprise. “A customer was impressed I had remembered him and what he had ordered from the previous year. He left me a $500 tip. Back then, $500 paid for a lot more. So, I took my GRE and applied to the program,” recalls Ashmore. Upon reflection, she added, “You never know when you might change someone’s life. That man changed mine.”

At this time, FSU’s MSW program was growing, offering a limited number of out-of-state tuition waivers, which she was fortunate to receive. These two unexpected events allowed her to begin the MSW Program much earlier than expected.

Arriving in a much smaller, 1980s Tallahassee was quite a change, but Ashmore quickly made lifelong connections among the students and faculty. While taking courses together, she met her best friends Ellen Copeland, Laurie Lumpkin Wren and Rhondda Waddell. She also feels fortunate to have taken classes taught by two future deans of the College of Social Work, Dr. Nick Mazza and Dr. Diane Harrison.

Her faculty advisor was Dean D. Ray Bardill. She fondly remembers meeting in his office for course guidance and practical advice, developing a passion for family therapy after taking her first course with him. “Family therapy is still my favorite method,” she expressed. “I always say – if I were an artist, family therapy would be my medium.”

After choosing family therapy, Ashmore faced the challenge of finding a local field placement with limited options at that time. Once again, Tallahassee was blessed as she could stay here and complete her internship at the Family Mediation Center, a part of the youth shelter, Someplace Else, later known as Capital City Youth Services.

Nearing graduation in the spring of 1985, she remembers enjoying the beauty of campus in springtime on Landis Green, “I made a wish that I could stay on this beautiful campus forever.”

That wish came true when she accepted a position as a counselor with the FSU Student Counseling Center. For eighteen years, she counseled FSU students and specialized in treating eating disorders. Working with students in crisis was both challenging and rewarding. 

Always looking to grow as a social worker, she reconnected with the College of Social Work to become an adjunct instructor. “Working with young adults on a college campus encourages you to stay informed and open-minded,” she emphasized. “Whether they were my clients at the counseling center or my students in the classroom, they were also my teachers.”

Ashmore balanced her work at the counseling center, her newly formed private practice, and ten years as an adjunct instructor as she raised her young son, Griffin – quite a feat. In 2005 she joined the CSW as full-time field faculty and lecturer. During this time, she worked closely with Katrina Boone, Director of the CSW Field Office, initiating out-of-state and VA field placements. “I learned a great deal from Katrina. Her knowledge in developing social work internships and her calm and patient nature in managing the intricacies of placing students in strong agencies has served the students and college well.”

Her bonds with fellow faculty and students strengthened as she continued as a leader within the college.

As one of the first faculty to teach in the Online MSW Program, she discovered both the exciting challenges and benefits of teaching virtually. Over the years, she advanced to Teaching Professor, the highest level for specialized faculty. Ashmore was awarded a University Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2011 and the 2013-2014 CSW Professor of the Year Award.

In addition to teaching, Ashmore sought to engage students in learning outside the classroom. She, along with Dr. Craig Stanley, CSW academic dean/interim dean and once her former student, established the Interprofessional Fellows, a program for MSW students to participate in interprofessional learning and experiences with students of different disciplines from across campus.

Ashmore also administered the Operation Family Caregiver program, a partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute, which supports families and caregivers of military service members. This experience allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream of meeting President Jimmy Carter, and First Lady Rosalynn Carter - both passionate advocates for service.

She served on the leadership team of Project Wakeup, developed by former faculty member Dr. La Tonya Noël. This project introduces case-based learning by bringing real-life scenarios to the classroom. Ashmore collaborated with the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts in facilitating the creation of video case studies that will enhance the social work curriculum. Stanley praised Ashmore for this lasting contribution to future social workers.

Wrapping up her last semester of classes, Ashmore was honored with a retirement celebration by colleagues and friends on Giving Tuesday, November 29th, a day appropriate to her legacy of giving back to those around her.

Ashmore reflects, “The FSU College of Social Work is a creative and dynamic force, and I have loved being a part of that. I feel fortunate to work with social work students who are not only seekers of truth and justice but are some of the most compassionate people in the world.” As she moves into retirement, she remarked, “I don’t know what adventures await ahead, but I am open.”

Celebrate Margaret’s Legacy

To celebrate Margaret Ashmore’s legacy supporting social work students and the arts, you may consider donating to the John P. & Jane W. Wakeman Memorial Scholarship for Arts in Social Work (Fund #F05278), which provides support to social work students interested in studying and practicing arts in social work.

1. To donate, visit csw.fsu.ed/give.

2. Click the “Search Funds” link at the top.

3. Search using the keyword “Wakeman” or fund number “F05278.”

4. Give a donation the amount of your choice and thank you! 

Contributing Editors: Marty Kinch Towey