South Middlesex Times

Rutgers University-New Brunswick student Ashley Caldwell has taken on a new role as the youngest member of the New Brunswick Board of Education. Caldwell, a junior at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, was appointed to fill a vacant seat left by her father, Dale G. Caldwell, who stepped down to focus on his presidency at Centenary University.

Ashley Caldwell's connection with the board began during her senior year at New Brunswick High School when she served as a student representative. Reflecting on this experience, she said, “I remember seeing the work that he did there and knowing how much of an impact I could have if I had my voice given to the school board.” She expressed her desire to address emotional challenges faced by students post-COVID through active participation in decision-making for the district.

Her father, Dale G. Caldwell, commented on his daughter's commitment: “She was influenced to know that it's not always about what you can get: It's about what you can give.” He shared how community service runs in their family history, noting that his father marched with Martin Luther King Jr.

Ashley plans to run in a special election next year to continue serving on the board and hopes eventually to attend law school. Her inspiration came from an introductory public policy course taught by Marci Berger at Rutgers. Berger remarked on Ashley's journey: “I thought that was just a really beautiful circle.”

In addition to her academic pursuits and board responsibilities, Ashley is preparing for the Law School Admission Test. She attributes her ability to manage multiple commitments to family tradition: “I think it's like a family thing. We do better when we're busy for some reason.”