Ashlyn Mullins to Star in New Role as 2023 UVA Wise Student Commencement Speaker

You may have already seen Ashlyn Mullins on stage at UVA Wise. A theatre major and music minor, Mullins has frequently been in the spotlight for theatre and music performances throughout her time at the College, and will next serve as student speaker for its upcoming Commencement on May 13.

As a Wise, Va., native, Mullins gravitated to UVA Wise after attending the Governor’s School for theatre during her junior year of high school. To attend the College, she earned four scholarships: the Betty Jones Gilliam Scholarship, the Ruby Nell Cawood Music Scholarship, Clinton & Lucille Lambert Scholarship and the Luther F. & Lou Emma Addington Memorial Scholarship.

Mullins says she fell in love with the visual and performing arts department at UVA Wise, and attributes her success to its personalized learning environment. At the College, she says she was given the creative freedom that allowed her to achieve her goals and flourish—whether she was transforming traditional roles for the stage or making her own, unique portrayals.

As a part of her senior project, Mullins produced The Terrible Infants by Oliver Lansley. 

“The collaborative process we had when working on The Terrible Infants was so important. We got to experiment with our creativity a lot, which was an opportunity that might not exist at a bigger school,” said Mullins.

Peter Ryan, associate professor of music and division of music coordinator, nominated Mullins to be the honorary student speaker.

“Ashlyn has been exactly the kind of student we love to work with in the Visual and Performing Arts Department,” says Ryan, who taught Mullins’ music courses. “She was always prepared, inquisitive and thoughtful when it came to both her coursework and her performances. We feel very lucky to have had her in our music lessons, ensembles, and courses, and we cannot wait to see what she will do next!”

Mullins also had the opportunity to work professionally with the Appalachian Center for the Arts, where she performed in “A Christmas Carol” among other works, while enrolled at UVA Wise. She has been working closely with the Center on and off for four years, which has provided her with a wealth of professional experience.

Mullins also credits Jan Thompson, who earned her theatre certification at the College, with transforming her “from a shy girl into a confident performer.” Thompson is the director of Central High School’s 9:00 Club, the school’s drama club.

“Mrs. Thompson not only believed in me, but also taught me to believe in myself,” Mullins says. “She transforms the lives of every single student that walks through the auditorium doors.”

Mullins has already accepted a position as artistic director for Pro Art’s Camp Create, which is a summer camp for fourth through eighth graders, where she will help them perform Finding Nemo. She looks forward to working with the children, and to hopefully instill some of what she has learned at UVA Wise.

She says that, in addition to preparing her for her professional life after UVA Wise, the College has also helped her make life-long connections, and has instilled in her the confidence to navigate her next chapter in her life, something she hopes to share with classmates in her Commencement remarks.

“During the upcoming Commencement ceremony, I aim to deliver a speech that inspires my fellow graduating classmates,” Mullins said. “I will highlight the significance of embracing our individuality, and reflect on how we have made our time at UVA Wise unique to ourselves. It is my hope that the graduating class of 2023 will challenge traditional molds and push ourselves to explore our full capabilities.”