The NC State Career Development Center is excited to share that Ashton Poplaski has been selected as the new Rural Outreach Coordinator, where she will lead our Rural Works! Program and the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program.

Ashton is a two-time NC State alumna (‘18 and ‘23) and brings a background in education, career counseling and student development to this role. She has served as a Career Counselor in the Career Development Center since 2024, following her work with CALS Career Services and earlier experience teaching high school English. Throughout her career, Ashton has been committed to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities.

Since stepping into the interim role for Rural Works! in March of this year, Ashton has already made a significant impact. This summer, the program placed 190 NC State students with employers across 41 North Carolina counties. In her new role, she will continue building on this momentum while leading the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program and strengthening partnerships across the state.

As a native of Rockingham, NC, Ashton also brings a personal connection to this work and a passion for creating opportunities that help rural communities thrive. We are confident her leadership will continue to make a great impact on this program and the students involved.

Please join us in congratulating Ashton on her new role and welcoming her leadership as we continue to expand the Rural Works! program!