AWC Radiology Student Ashley DeCorse Earns Spot in National Leadership Program

Ashley DeCorse was only in her first year of Arizona Western College's Radiology program when she earned a spot most working professionals never get: a seat in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' 2026 Student to Leadership Development Program, a competitive three-year initiative that takes students from clinical training to national professional leadership.

The selection, announced by AWC on March 9, means DeCorse will receive mentorship, leadership training, and full funding to attend national networking events and educational sessions. Over the three-year program, she will complete advanced ASRT leadership training, engage in advocacy planning, and participate in professional case studies while representing AWC on a national stage.

The achievement carries added weight for the Yuma campus: it marks the second consecutive year an AWC student has earned the distinction. Tracy Iversen, AWC's Director of Radiologic Technology, noted that streak directly. "This is a prestigious honor, and notably, it marks the second consecutive year a student from AWC has been chosen for this competitive national program," Iversen said. "This achievement is a testament to the caliber of our students and the strength of our medical imaging curriculum."

Dr. Reetika Dhawan, Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs at AWC, called the selection a reflection of the program's overall quality. "This is truly a proud moment for Arizona Western College and a testament to the excellence of our Radiology Program," Dhawan said. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact Ashley will make in the medical imaging field."

KYMA, which spoke with DeCorse after the announcement, reported she shared her excitement about participating in the program.

The ASRT's Student to Leadership Development Program is designed to support students in developing the skills and experience necessary to advance from clinical education to professional leadership. For DeCorse, that transition begins now, three years before most of her peers will have finished weighing their options.