Academic Spotlight: Dr. Ashley Dellosa, Associate Dean of Business

Dr. Ashley Dellosa, an associate dean of business programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), is no stranger to education. Delossa holds a bachelor's in business administration and two master's degrees: one in adult education and training and another in human resource management. She also earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Argosy University.

Recently, Dellosa answered questions about the value of an education, her journey to become a dean of business programs at SNHU and her work in her community.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I grew up in northern Wisconsin, was a Division I swimmer, then began my business career in sports, working in marketing for a university and then sales for a Major League Baseball team. I later worked in higher education, human resources (staffing, employee training and satisfaction) and various leadership roles, including senior director of academics & finance.

I’ve held a variety of academic leadership roles including: associate dean of an MBA program, lead faculty for a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management and Master of Human Resources Management programs, and program chair for a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. I am now an associate dean for SNHU.

What first drew you to higher education?

Education has always been an important part of my life. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the value of higher education. I appreciated every opportunity to learn, and while earning my degree I took full advantage of athletics, clubs, access to faculty and even created a student-led organization. As soon as I earned my master’s degree, I knew I wanted to teach.

Over the past 15 years, I have supported thousands of students in more than 150 courses, ranging from first-year experiences to supporting students as their doctoral chair.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

I deeply value the investment you make in yourself through higher education and the tools, confidence and opportunities it provides. As an undergraduate student studying business administration, I was fortunate to be mentored by two professors who profoundly influenced my life. They saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself. Their encouragement elevated my confidence, broadened my perspective and showed me what was possible with a degree.

Their mentorship helped me recognize that my business foundation, paired with my passion could take me anywhere I wanted to go. That realization ultimately guided me toward a career where I could support and uplift others in the same way they supported me.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

I’ve found that the most effective way to connect with students is by leading with empathy. My own educational journey included moments of personal challenge. I completed my doctoral degree while my mother was terminally ill, and lost her just one month after I defended my dissertation. Later I made a career transition and returned to school for a master’s in human resource management, which reminded me what it feels like to juggle school, work and family responsibilities all at once.

These experiences shaped how I show up for students. I understand firsthand what it means to balance multiple roles, to push forward while managing life’s unexpected hardships, and to wonder whether you can truly keep going. My goal is always to help students feel at ease and confident. I try to reassure them that they belong at SNHU, that their challenges don’t diminish their potential, and that they have someone in their corner who genuinely cares. When students feel understood, they’re more willing to ask questions, share concerns and trust in their ability to succeed. That connection is where the real growth and transformation begin.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

What brings me the greatest joy in my work at SNHU is the opportunity to give to others what was once given to me. My life has been profoundly shaped by educators who saw potential in me, took time to guide my personal and professional growth and treated me as someone worth investing in. Their care changed not only the direction of my career, but also the confidence I carried into every new challenge. Because of that, every interaction I have at SNHU (whether it’s with a faculty member, a student or a colleague) feels meaningful.

I love being able to show the same level of care and concern that made such a difference in my own life. There’s a quiet joy in supporting someone through a difficult moment, celebrating a small win or helping them see possibilities they didn’t realize they had.

At SNHU, we meet people at pivotal points in their journeys. Being part of that, even in small ways, fills me with purpose and genuine joy every day.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

For the past 15 years teaching online, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students at every stage of life: parents balancing school with full-time jobs, first-generation college students navigating higher education for the first time, career changers seeking a fresh start and individuals pursuing personal growth as much as professional advancement.

As faculty, we share a commitment to meeting students where they are. I care deeply about providing encouragement, flexibility and genuine support, because every student’s journey looks different. What makes SNHU’s community special is that each interaction is an opportunity not just to teach content but to uplift someone… whether that’s helping them gain confidence, navigate a tough moment or see new possibilities for their future.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners deeply resonates with me. Having worked in higher education for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how education can change the trajectory of someone’s life. I believe transformation happens not just through a degree, but through every meaningful interaction. A single class that opens a new way of thinking, an assignment that builds confidence, or a supportive comment that helps a student believe in themselves again.

As a lifelong learner myself, I understand that growth is a continuous journey, and I’m inspired by SNHU’s commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their fullest potential. To me, this mission represents the power of education to create opportunity, inspire purpose and make lasting impact… one learner at a time.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about staying involved in my community and supporting my family’s activities. I’m a high school head swim coach, which gives me the chance to mentor young athletes and stay connected to a sport that taught me so much. I also have two daughters who keep us busy with their acting commitments and club sports, and I genuinely enjoy being part of their world and cheering them on.

My husband is very active in local charities and serves on the board of directors for Special Olympics Arizona, so community service is a big part of our family life. My husband is in his 19th season working for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and our girls and I love going to games with friends. Despite how busy we can be, we’re homebodies at heart.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 is a content facilitator and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.