Find News
AU mourns recent losses of two long-time Board of Trustees members
ASHLAND, Ohio – James Simmermon and Stephen Williams, two long-time members of the Ashland University Board of Trustees, each passed away recently. Simmermon died Nov. 18 at the age of 99, while Williams died on Dec. 5 at 85. They combined for a remarkable 50 years of dedication and serve to the AU Board and both were emeritus members. Simmermon, who was also a 1949 alumnus of Ashland College, served on the Board for 22 years from 1987 to 2009. He was a…
President Peede inducted into Ohio Commodores
ASHLAND, Ohio – Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary, was formally inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores this fall. He was one of 22 individuals to be recognized this year with the prestigious honor. The Association of Ohio Commodores comprises a select group of individuals who have been recognized by Governor Mike DeWine with the state’s highest distinction, known as “The Executive Order of the…
A taste of home: The hearty effort behind Convo’s “Fat Bar”
By Lauren Gulden, a senior journalism digital media major and creative writing minor From dirt cake, crumbly cookies and ever-changing ice cream flavors, Ashland University students expect familiarity and comfort when approaching the dessert bar. Most AU alumni and students know it as “Fat Bar,” an affectionate term picked up throughout many years of daily dining. The John C. Myers Convocation Center, or “Convo,” is AU’s main dining hall, an award-winning…
AU’s Festival of Lights taking place Sunday, Dec. 7
ASHLAND, Ohio – The 34th edition of Ashland University’s Festival of Lights, a collaboration between the choral music program and the Office of Christian Ministry, will take place Sunday, Dec. 7. The Advent candlelight service starts at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Jack and Deb Miller Chapel. AU’s Festival of Lights communicates the birth of Jesus Christ through verse and song. It consists of scripture readings, seasonal choral music and hymns by the…
Winter Concert on Dec. 5 to feature AU Symphonic Band, Ashland Community Band
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University’s annual Winter Band Concert will be held this Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., at Hugo Young Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The free concert features the AU Symphonic Band and the Ashland Area Community Band. Each ensemble is conducted by Slade Denman, director of bands at AU. “Our Winter Band Concert celebrates the incredible musical community we have here at Ashland,” said Denman. “These students and community members…
Fire damages Amstutz Hall, no injuries
On Friday, Nov. 28, there was an electrical fire on several floors of Ashland University’s Amstutz Hall, which led to significant smoke, water and electrical system damage to the building. Fortunately, no students, employees or firefighters were injured. Amstutz Hall will be unusable for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year. All students will be relocated to other residence halls on campus. “We are thankful for the work of our dedicated staff during…
AU welcomes finance expert Bill Miller as COBE Executive in Residence
ASHLAND, Ohio – William P. Miller II, a Chartered Financial Analyst and leading expert in finance, has been approved to serve as the Dauch College of Business and Economics (COBE) Executive in Residence at Ashland University for the 2025-26 academic year. As the COBE Executive in Residence, Miller will connect his years of experience and knowledge as a business leader to higher education and career preparation for today’s students. He will provide expert…
New lab provides criminal justice students opportunity to process simulated crime scenes
ASHLAND, Ohio – Criminal justice students at Ashland University now have the ability to process a simulated crime scene without stepping out of their classroom, all thanks to a new state-of-the-art crime scene lab that was recently unveiled. “This is a big deal,” remarked Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., provost at AU, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility is impressive and it will enable our impressive faculty members … to simulate real-life experiences…
Ashland honored as a College of Distinction, also awarded five program distinctions
ASHLAND, Ohio – For the first time, Ashland University has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools for their commitment to an engaged, experiential undergraduate education that sets them apart. The trusted resource guide also awarded AU program distinctions in business, education, nursing, career development and military support. “Being recognized by Colleges of Distinction for the first time is a tremendous…
“Freedom for the Next 250” project awarded $1.3 million from Department of Education
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University, in collaboration with the Ashbrook Center, has been awarded more than $1.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education for its “Freedom for the Next 250: Strengthening American History and Civics Education” project, which will revitalize and support K-12 education as the country prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary throughout 2026. “We are thrilled that the Department of Education has awarded this…
