Ashland University has developed from a small liberal arts college into a medium-sized university with graduate programs of increased distinction. There is considerable evidence to support this statement. Our seminary enrolls almost 900 students and it has become not only the largest in Ohio, but also the 12th largest in the United States and Canada. Last year, our MBA enrollment is over 600, while our MED enrollment is around 1700. Other data reported indicate that Professional Development Services (inservice workshops for teachers) has expanded into all counties in Ohio.

As our graduate and regional programs have grown, so has our attention to providing quality and Accent on the Individual at every location. The Sandberg Leadership Center and an expanded and renovated Columbus Center have added first-class facilities for off-campus graduate classes. New full-time faculty and staff have been added. A fifth Regional Center now operates in Warrensville Heights and is know as the Cleveland Center. Adjunct faculty orientations and peer reviews are occurring at the Centers, and new student satisfaction surveys are very positive. There are good results in evidence and reasons why these programs are growing.

The College of Education at Ashland University has 36 years of continuous NCATE accreditation, the longest of any college or university in Ohio. Our MBA enrollment continues to improve, and our Cleveland Center is developing nicely. Actually, about two-thirds of AU's enrollment now is in Graduate and Regional Programs, which are still little known by many Ashlanders, alumni and University-affiliated personnel.

Hopefully, this brief report will encourage readers unfamiliar with our Graduate and Regional Programs to learn more about them and perhaps to even visit one or more of our Regional Centers in Columbus, Massillon, Elyria, and Cleveland.

John Sikula
Vice President, Regional Centers and Outreach