Graduate courses at AU help student with science background 'think like a businessperson'

Ruth Ann Pardo has learned her leadership skills from a variety of sources, including Ashland University.  

Pardo is working toward a master’s degree in business analytics through AU that she plans to complete by next spring.  

She has three decades of experience in health care, which recently earned her a spot on the Marquis Who’s Who, which, according to a news release from Marquis publications, has chronicled for 125 years the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. 

Factors, such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field, are all considered during the selection process, according to the release. 

“I was quite glad I was sitting down,” Pardo said about hearing she was included in the Marquis Who’s Who this spring. “My reaction was similar to the vasovagal response a person has when they stand up too quickly. I was shocked.” 

Her most recent job in health care is as a senior financial investigator with Medical Mutual of Ohio for the Cleveland/Akron area since 2021, conducting reviews of abuse or fraud and consulting with her team when they find issues with medical records and medical claims.  

The Copley resident has served as a consultant, certified fraud examiner and utilization review nurse for Medical Mutual of Ohio since 1997.  

“A big piece of my work now is supporting my team as a subject matter expert,” Pardo said. “Most of my peers come from either an IT, legal or accounting background. The AU coursework has leveled the playing field for me by providing the ability to understand what they see on the accounts receivable side of the work.” 

Ashland University allowed Pardo the opportunity to pursue the master’s degree in business that she always wanted and realized would be very helpful after she started her latest position.  

“Ashland provided me with the flexibility necessary to work, care for my family and pursue advanced education,” Pardo said. “My company also provided preferential reimbursement for education as Ashland is one of our members.” 

Since it has been many years since she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Akron, Pardo said she appreciates the opportunity to study at her convenience and the help she has received from the AU instructors.  

“The instructors have been great,” Pardo said. “Instructors responding quickly to questions are the most helpful in a virtual environment. It is difficult to ‘move on’ when you are stuck with a question on an issue.” 

Victoria Kaskey, associate professor of accounting, has been one of the instructors at AU who has been particularly helpful, Pardo said. 

Kaskey said she loves helping students like Pardo who do everything right. 

“All too often online students struggle but don’t reach out for help or reach out late in the course,” Kaskey said. “Ruth Ann understands that AU faculty are willing and eager to help.  

“Her eagerness to learn is incredible,” Kaskey added. “I have watched her grow each time we have spoken. Those ‘light-bulb moments’ when it all comes together for her has energized me as an educator and has allowed me to grow alongside her.” 

Kaskey said she looks forward to seeing Pardo grow beyond AU graduate courses – so does Pardo, a registered nurse who began her career as a mental health caregiver, then worked as a nurse consultant before becoming a certified fraud examiner. She also is a certified professional coder.  

“I am excited by the amazing changes that are happening in a post-COVID world and look forward to utilizing the knowledge that these talented professors have provided me,” Pardo said.