Two decades of Onward State managing editors.

Following Onward State’s 19th managing editor, Joe Lister, graduation and a successful year running the world’s most-followed student media outlet, it’s time to get rolling with the Connington era.

Former associate editor Ashley Connington was named Onward State’s 20th managing editor at the final all-staff meeting of the spring semester. Connington sat down with us for an interview to discuss her personal life, Penn State, and everything she has planned for the blog over the next year.

Onward State: Tell the folks at home a little bit about yourself.

Ashley Connington: I’m a rising senior journalism major from New Jersey and just came back from studying abroad in London which was so cool, but also so expensive. I’m a huge soccer fan, and Cole Palmer’s biggest defender at the moment, it’s always Up the Chels. I’m a huge Saquon Barkley fan too, but it’s a bad combo being a New York Giants fan. That was a bad day for me. I joined the blog in my first semester of freshman year, and my college experience has pretty much revolved around it since.

OS: Why did you choose to attend Penn State?

AC: I come from a Penn State family, and we were always encouraged to go away from home a bit to grow. As the youngest sibling, I’ve gone on many college tours since I was like 9 years old, but nothing ever really compared to Penn State to me. I kind of applied to other colleges just so I had somewhere to go to school, but Penn State was always in my heart and had the community, sports, and academics. The new Bellisario Media Center was also so cool to tour, so it was perfect timing there.

OS: How did you find out about Onward State?

AC: I don’t remember the exact moment, but it was something I knew about and followed before coming into Penn State. I think one of my brothers’ friends probably introduced me, and I came in looking for a way to get involved in journalism, and I always knew I wanted to find Onward State. I remember being so nervous applying to places my freshman year, but feeling something special about Onward State and being accepted was one of the best, and shocking, days of my life.

OS: Do you have a favorite Onward State article?

AC: This is such a hard question. I think we do so much here, and all of our news and sports stories are quality work anyone can be proud of. But I love the deep, investigative pieces that give us credit and the funny stories no one else would think of, that set us apart. I remember being in awe my first semester on staff as Adam Babetski wrote about secret societies on campus. I love how we get to interview Olympians, write about pet birds, and even dog-fluencers. I will forever be sad that Evan never got into the tunnels for a story, though.

OS: Do you have a favorite Onward State memory from your time on staff so far?

AC: Playing dodgeball against the Daily Collegian in my freshman year was a really big moment for me on staff. Something about that day and the win just made us all feel so close and connected, and it was a perfect way to start the end of my freshman year, finally feeling settled and like I had found my people at Penn State. Flag football last year was so fun in the rain, too, and celebrating with a rainbow after victory, but that dodgeball game has a special place in my heart. And of course, the THON line dances always got so hype, especially with Evan.

OS: What are some of your goals for the blog this year?

AC: I love sports and writing about sports, as do so many people. But I would love to get some more cool features and unique stories that make us Onward State out there, especially in the fall with so much football content. I also hope for our social media to get a bit more interactive and to post many more TikToks and get more engagement and followers through there.

OS: Why did you apply for the managing editor position, and what are your responsibilities?

AC: Once I became an associate editor, I felt so much more comfortable and confident on staff, shout out to Keeley for hiring me as one. For a while I could see myself maybe becoming sports editor and had that as a goal, and was scared about managing editor. But my friends, especially CJ, Ally, Joe, and Keeley told me I was doubting myself and I was ready and really gave me the push to jump into this excited to lead the blog that has meant so much to me. Basically, I really love Onward State and want to do the most I can for it.

For responsibilities, I’m basically in charge of everything that goes on the site. I’ll proof and schedule posts, run meetings and assign stories, and just make sure news is getting covered and everything goes smoothly

OS: What have you learned from former managing editor Joe Lister?

AC: So much. Joe was amazing dealing with me when I was abroad and work with my confusing schedule while keeping me in the loop of everything and teaching me how to publish, helping my AP style, leadership skills, and just really being super supportive. There’s a lot I could say, but basically he prepared me in every way possible for what he says is the best job in the world.

OS: When you aren’t busy blogging, what do you enjoy doing?

AC: Probably sleeping. Outside of the blog, I drag myself to class, take lots of naps, hang out with my friends, go to the far sig house to hang out with those guys, or waste time on TikTok. Sometimes I am actually productive, but with the free time I have, I love to watch sports and soak up all my time as a college student.

OS: As per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which would you be and why?

AC: Probably a velociraptor. They’re cool dinosaurs, especially in Jurassic World.