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Ashland University, Columbus City Schools partnership reshaping educator preparation
ASHLAND, Ohio – A five-year partnership between Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Education and the Columbus City Schools that began with a goal of strengthening education leaders has evolved into something much wider in scope: a collaborative effort to redesign educator preparation curriculum and new microcredentials in high-demand areas, which will benefit Ashland’s teacher and principal candidates and ultimately PK-12 students. This extensive…
AU recognized in numerous areas by U.S. News Best Graduate School rankings
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Education has been selected as a 2026 Best Graduate School by U.S. News & World Report, and for the first time, Ashland’s MBA program within the Dauch College of Business and Economics earned a series of specialty rankings from the media company that is widely respected for its education rankings. Designed for prospective students seeking professional growth and new career opportunities, the…
AU one of just 14 schools to achieve 100% on state’s Science of Reading audit
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Education is fully in alignment with state standards for Science of Reading curriculum, according to an Ohio Department of Higher Education audit. In the report released on Tuesday, Ashland was one of 14 schools (out of 49) to receive a perfect 100% on the 73 audit metrics. "I am so proud of our College of Education dean, leadership team and faculty members who have successfully developed and…
Recent AU grad Lila Wolfe thrives at Fostoria School District teaching choir, directing stage productions
Lila Wolfe says so many things she learned at Ashland University have greatly helped in her job at Fostoria Junior/Senior High School. “Between music theory, aural skills and choir teaching methods, everything I studied for my music education degree is something I use in my daily teaching,” said the 2023 AU grad who has been Fostoria’s choir director the past two years, as well as director of plays and musicals. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to apply all of…
AU’s Dwight Schar College of Education earns Best Graduate School distinction from U.S. News
ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Education has been selected as a 2025 Best Graduate School by U.S. News & World Report, as announced Tuesday by the media company that is widely respected for its education rankings. Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluated programs in a variety of disciplines. Within education, U.S. News evaluated schools…
New Rocky River City Schools' top administrator earned superintendent, teaching licenses from AU
When he was ready to pursue his superintendent license, Adham Schirg wanted a pathway that didn’t require a doctorate. He found that path at Ashland University, earning his school superintendent licensure from AU in 2016 after about a year of hybrid courses. “Ashland’s program was an excellent fit, offering a practical and accessible option for a working school leader,” said Schirg, who was a principal for the Worthington City Schools in the Columbus area…
AU alumna a national winner of Shine a Light on Anti-Semitism Civic Courage Award
ASHLAND, Ohio – A Holocaust class that Heidi (Bench ’02) Meyer took at Ashland University 25 years ago put her on the path to an impressive honor. It was recently revealed that Meyer, a teacher at Elmwood High School in northwest Ohio since 2008, was one of two high school educators from across the country selected for a 2024 Shine A Light on Anti-Semitism Civic Courage Award by the Jewish Education Project. There were 19 total winners in various categories,…
Pair of AU graduates love coaching Club STUNT together at the Kroc Center
Ashland University graduates Shila (Hartzler, ’23) Shreve and Joy (Boone, ’19) Downing appear to be a perfect pairing as co-coaches for the Ashland Salvation Army Kroc Center’s new Club STUNT program for girls. “We couldn’t have found better coaches,” said Dan Lawson, the Kroc Center’s director of community relations and development. “They really put their heart into getting our team ready for competition. “They inspire, motivate and encourage the girls on…
Woman with two AU master's degrees finalist for Woman of the Year award
When it comes to the education she has received in her life, Beth DiDonato said she feels extremely fortunate. “I believe it more than prepared me for what I have accomplished,” said DiDonato, whose education includes two master’s degrees from Ashland University. DiDonato’s most recent accomplishment was being selected as a finalist for the 2024 Lucille Nussdorfer Tuscarawas County Woman of the Year award, presented annually by the Dennison Railroad Depot…
AU master's degree not only helps graduate with teaching career, but also as council member and now as mayor
Mason Boldizar earned his master’s degree in administration in 2007 from Ashland University to help his teaching career, but it has benefited him in many other ways, too. It also has served him well as a Minerva council member since 2018 and he expects that to continue as the village’s mayor, which the council named him recently following the September death of Mayor Tim Tarbet. “Learning how to deal with people in respectful ways is always something that we…
