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New superintendent at Windham earned master's degree at Ashland University
Michael Dobran appreciated that Ashland University’s Master of Educational Administration program wasn’t filled with busy work like some graduate programs. “I was working full time and coaching, and long assignments and busy work would have not made me a better educator,” said Dobran, who earned his master’s degree from AU in 2003 a few years into his education career. That and learning from professors, many of whom were former principals and superintendents…
Alumna with strong family ties to AU starts new job teaching nursing students
When Jillian (Shultz) Robinson says that Ashland University has been as important to her as family, she really means it. More than 20 family members are alumni; a grandfather, John Shultz, was even president of Ashland Theological Seminary, a graduate division of AU, from 2006 to 2016; and she met her husband at the university. “I love the family ties I have with the university,” said Robinson, who graduated in 2015. “It is really special to think about all…
New Safety Services Director Kim Mager busy with job and promotion of her book
There’s only one thing that concerns Rick Ewing about the person he hired as Ashland University’s new director of Safety Services. “I hope she doesn’t become too famous, and I lose her,” said Ewing, AU’s vice president of Facilities, half joking and half serious. Kim Mager, who replaced longtime Safety Services Director Dave McLaughlin this summer after he retired, recently published a book that is on sale at the Campus Store, other locations and online; has…
Ashland selected a “2025 Best College” by U.S. News, ranked among top 25 percent of Midwest Regional Universities
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University was named a “2025 Best College” by the highly-respected U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, released on Tuesday, and also earned distinction in four additional rankings by the publication. A year after jumping nearly 50 spots to No. 35 in the Regional Universities (Midwest) rankings, Ashland came in at a nearly identical spot this year – No. 37. Overall, there are 164 institutions within the Regional…
Professor Maura Grady continues "Shawshank Redemption" involvement with local reunion
Was it meant to be that Maura Grady would become an expert about the connections of “Shawshank Redemption” to the local area? “It has been the joy of my life to be involved with the research around this great film to some extent,” said Grady, Ph.D., an Ashland University associate professor of English. “Other people have written on this film. I’m not the only one by any means. but I think I can claim to know a lot about the local area and the tourism with it…
MBA grad named to the Marquis Who's Who
To support and enhance his life and work, Joseph Ponnoly said he decided to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ashland University while he was working at Nationwide Financial in Columbus as an information and technology risk manager. “It is one of the best MBA programs in the country for working executives and entrepreneurs,” said Ponnoly, who received his MBA in finance and investments from AU in 2006. Ponnoly said what he learned at AU has…
Ashland University MBA graduate named CFO at Wooster Community Hospital
Jason Rohr really liked Ashland University’s flexibility and the opportunity to specialize his studies in some specific classes when he was looking for an MBA program. “Some programs had the full curriculum laid out for you without any deviation from the first class to the last class,” said Rohr, who earned his MBA from AU in 2019. “The flexibility of the program was really why I chose Ashland when I looked at MBA programs.” With the help of his MBA, Rohr…
AU mourns passing of Lucille Ford, Ph.D., former professor, dean, provost and board member
ASHLAND, Ohio – When one thinks of Lucille Ford, Ph.D., many things come to mind – university educator, community leader and trailblazer, to name a few. Lecturer, political activist and someone who put God and family first in her life are a few more of the many ways Ford is remembered. Ford was a former Ashland University professor, administrator and board member; founding president of the Ashland County Community Foundation; and first woman to run for…
Dick Ruhl’s estate gift providing a number of enhancements for AU students
ASHLAND, Ohio – Dick Ruhl, who made contributions to the success of Ashland University as a longtime member of the AU Board of Trustees (1992-2009), is still making an impact and improving the quality of education and the quality of life for AU students after his passing. A highly successful businessman in Columbus, Ohio, Ruhl passed away this past December at the age of 86. While still mourning his loss, Jody Ruhl ‘92, the youngest of his three daughters,…
Ashland University grad named warden for Richland Correctional Institution
During her senior year at Ashland University in the late 1990s, Criminal Justice major Angela (Hunsinger) Stuff had been applying for prison system jobs without any luck. Then one of her professors told her about an internship at the Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI) training as a case manager. “It got my foot in the door,” said Stuff, a 1999 AU graduate. “I had really good knowledge walking in the door for an interview after graduation. The job I…
