Braves Going Beyond: Ashley Anderson Honored as Special Olympics NC Volunteer of the Year
Braves Going Beyond celebrates members of the UNCP community whose leadership, service and innovation are making a difference beyond our campus.
When Ashley Anderson’s name was announced as the 2025 Special Olympics North Carolina Volunteer of the Year, she was standing exactly where she prefers to be — beside her athletes.
The recognition honored nearly two decades of service dedicated to expanding opportunity, leadership and belonging through sport. Anderson was serving as both a coach and coordinator when her name was called.
“I was completely surprised,” Anderson said. “I was standing in the back with my athletes when they announced it. To hear my athletes and colleagues cheering as I walked to the stage was humbling and so appreciated.”
An assistant professor of special education at UNC Pembroke, Anderson brings that same commitment to inclusion and advocacy into her classroom. She prepares future educators to serve students of all abilities with skill, empathy and high expectations — reinforcing UNCP’s long-standing leadership in training teachers for North Carolina and beyond.
For more than 18 years, Anderson has championed inclusion through Special Olympics, serving in roles from high school intern to her current position as local coordinator for Special Olympics Gaston County. She has helped grow programs, expand athlete leadership initiatives and build Unified Champion Schools that bring students with and without disabilities together through sports.
Her professional work and volunteer service are deeply connected. Through UNCP’s School of Education, Anderson helps prepare teacher candidates in special education and inclusive practices, equipping them with hands-on experiences and community partnerships that reflect the realities of today’s classrooms. Many of her students graduate ready to lead in rural and high-need districts, continuing the university’s mission of access and impact across Southeastern North Carolina.
Dr. Tracy Mulvaney, dean of UNCP’s School of Education, said Anderson’s leadership reflects the heart of the university’s mission.
“Ashley stands out as a true servant-leader whose work with Special Olympics reflects UNCP’s core values of educational accessibility, advocacy and community engagement,” Mulvaney said. “Her impact on students and partners is profound. She leads with heart and purpose, inspiring others to serve and uplift their communities.”
For Anderson, the award represents more than individual recognition.
“It validates the hard work of our committee, coaches and volunteers who give their all,” she said. “They are the backbone of this wonderful program.”
Her impact also extends to Robeson County, where she helps strengthen Special Olympics programming and supports inclusive events in partnership with the university. The result is a ripple effect — athletes empowered, families supported and future educators trained to lead with compassion and expertise.
At UNCP, Braves go beyond the classroom to make a difference across the region and beyond. Anderson’s recognition is one example of how that commitment to service, belonging and opportunity becomes action, transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Her advice for those considering getting involved is simple: “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Find a role that challenges you and brings you joy, then jump in.”
Q&A with Ashley Anderson
What moments stand out most from your time as coordinator?
Watching our athlete leadership program come to life has been one of the biggest highlights. We built that program from the ground up to help athletes develop leadership skills and represent Special Olympics in the community. Seeing them achieve their goals and advocate for inclusion has been incredibly rewarding. Another highlight was when one of our high schools earned National Banner recognition through the Unified Champion Schools program in 2024 — a major accomplishment.
How do the athletes and volunteers inspire you?
I’m inspired every day. Our volunteers believe deeply in the mission of Special Olympics and go above and beyond as coaches, committee members and mentors. But our athletes inspire me the most. They train hard, they support one another and they bring incredible energy and pride to everything they do. Watching them compete and succeed makes all the work worthwhile.
How does Special Olympics foster inclusion in communities?
Special Olympics creates opportunities for people with and without disabilities to compete together, learn from one another and build relationships. Programs like Unified sports and Unified Champion Schools help create those moments of belonging. When athletes share their experiences with schools, civic groups or the community, they become powerful advocates for inclusion.
What do you hope to continue building in Gaston County?
We want to continue growing the program by recruiting and supporting coaches, expanding Unified programming and offering more sports opportunities. We also want to continue encouraging athletes to serve as leaders and speakers in the community. Our goal is to create as many inclusive opportunities as possible while supporting the volunteers who truly make the program possible.