Ashland University Names Dean for Founders School of Continuing Education
ASHLAND, Ohio –Ashland University has named Ashland resident Dr. Dwight McElfresh as the dean of the newly created Founders School of Continuing Education. He will begin his new duties on July 1.
In announcing the appointment, Ashland University Provost Dr. Frank Pettigrew said, “We are extremely pleased to have someone of Dwight’s caliber leading this new area, the Founders School of Continuing Education. Dwight is very well known in the community and has the respect of many people.”
The Founders School of Continuing Education will coordinate a variety of programs on campus, including professional development services, the Telego Center for Educational Improvement, the Gill Center for Business and Economics/EconomicsAmerica, the Prison Programs, Workforce Development, Degree Completion Programs, Certificate Programs, the Post Secondary Option Program, and the Evening and Weekend Program.
McElfresh has served as assistant dean and executive director of professional development services for Ashland University for the past five years. In this role he coordinated professional development for the five regional centers that serve more than 23,000 educators annually.
“I am excited about the challenge and opportunities that this new position provides for both me and for the University,” McElfresh said. “My extensive network of contacts with educators in school districts around the state and with the Ohio Department of Education personnel will assist me in this endeavor.”
McElfresh had served as director of Ashland University’s Telego Center for Educational Improvement from January of 2005 to August of 2005.
Prior to joining Ashland University, McElfresh served Ashland City Schools in a variety of roles, including interim superintendent from August of 2004 to December of 2004, assistant superintendent from August of 1999 to August of 2004, and as director of pupil personnel from August of 1991 to July of 1999. He also served as director of curriculum for Ashland County Schools from October 1990 to August of 1991.
McElfresh holds a bachelor of science in education degree from Ashland University, a master of science in education degree from the University of Akron and a doctor of education from Ashland University.
Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.
