Ashland University Names Marilyn Troyer to Executive Director Position

The Founders School of Continuing Education at Ashland University has announced the selection of Dr. Marilyn Troyer as the executive director of professional development services. Troyer, who lives in Plain City, will replace the retiring Tom Lavinder effective July 1.

Troyer currently holds the position of deputy superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Ohio. She comes to Ashland University with more than 33 years of experience in education including teaching in Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools, Jonathan Alder Local School District, the Ohio State University and the Ohio Department of Education.

She has served a variety of roles in the department of education, including the supervision of the five associate superintendents, the Ohio School for the Deaf and the Ohio State School for the Blind. She was responsible for monitoring compliance with federal and state laws, developing partnerships with education stakeholders and other state agencies as well as the business community. Most recently, she led efforts to secure competitive funding for Ohio schools, including the $400 million “Race to the Top” grant.

At Ashland, Troyer will be responsible for providing professional development opportunities and graduate credit for educators in North Central Ohio. She will work closely with school districts, educational service centers and other professional organizations to customize workshops and classes to meet district and educator needs.

She also will provide leadership to the four other professional development regions that Ashland University supports around the state. Among her duties will be directing the Telego Center for Educational Improvement.

Founders School Dean Dwight McElfresh stated, “Dr. Troyer will be a great addition to Professional Development Services, the Telego Center and the university. Her experience in Ohio schools makes her a great resource to educators around the state and nation.”

Troyer earned her B.S. in elementary education from Ohio State University, her M.A. in early and middle childhood education from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in education policy and leadership from Ohio State University. She has also served as a Board of Education member for the Jonathan Alder Schools and Tolles Technical Center. She has been a presenter at numerous state, regional and national conferences.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) 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.