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AU education helps former inmate find employment after prison release
Jessica Bruner never imagined she would have the opportunity to attend a university. “But in September 2020, on a tablet with a rubber keyboard, I began my journey with Ashland University,” Bruner said. “By May 2022, I proudly accepted my associate’s degree in cap and gown. I didn’t stop there — I pushed forward and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in August 2023, graduating with honors as valedictorian.” And in December 2023, she left…
New superintendent at Windham earned master's degree at Ashland University
Michael Dobran appreciated that Ashland University’s Master of Educational Administration program wasn’t filled with busy work like some graduate programs. “I was working full time and coaching, and long assignments and busy work would have not made me a better educator,” said Dobran, who earned his master’s degree from AU in 2003 a few years into his education career. That and learning from professors, many of whom were former principals and superintendents…
Alumna with strong family ties to AU starts new job teaching nursing students
When Jillian (Shultz) Robinson says that Ashland University has been as important to her as family, she really means it. More than 20 family members are alumni; a grandfather, John Shultz, was even president of Ashland Theological Seminary, a graduate division of AU, from 2006 to 2016; and she met her husband at the university. “I love the family ties I have with the university,” said Robinson, who graduated in 2015. “It is really special to think about all…
New endowed professorship established at AU by Bob and Jan Archer
ASHLAND, Ohio – A passionate educator has returned home, thanks to the support of dedicated community members Bob and Jan Archer. The Archers donated $1 million to set up the Archer Endowed Position in American History & Politics at Ashland University, a position that is first being held by 2007 Ashland alumnus Adam Carrington, Ph.D. Funds from the endowed professorship will be used for the outstanding faculty member’s scholarly activity and travel. The…
Daneé Pinckney, 2019 M.Ed. alumna, selected as 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year
ASHLAND, Ohio – Daneé Pinckney, an educator in the Twinsburg City School District who earned a master’s of education degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University in 2019, was named the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year by the State Board of Education of Ohio. As the statewide winner, Pinckney will be recognized and have the opportunity to share her message at many events, such as the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, throughout…
MBA grad named to the Marquis Who's Who
To support and enhance his life and work, Joseph Ponnoly said he decided to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ashland University while he was working at Nationwide Financial in Columbus as an information and technology risk manager. “It is one of the best MBA programs in the country for working executives and entrepreneurs,” said Ponnoly, who received his MBA in finance and investments from AU in 2006. Ponnoly said what he learned at AU has…
Ashland University MBA graduate named CFO at Wooster Community Hospital
Jason Rohr really liked Ashland University’s flexibility and the opportunity to specialize his studies in some specific classes when he was looking for an MBA program. “Some programs had the full curriculum laid out for you without any deviation from the first class to the last class,” said Rohr, who earned his MBA from AU in 2019. “The flexibility of the program was really why I chose Ashland when I looked at MBA programs.” With the help of his MBA, Rohr…
Dick Ruhl’s estate gift providing a number of enhancements for AU students
ASHLAND, Ohio – Dick Ruhl, who made contributions to the success of Ashland University as a longtime member of the AU Board of Trustees (1992-2009), is still making an impact and improving the quality of education and the quality of life for AU students after his passing. A highly successful businessman in Columbus, Ohio, Ruhl passed away this past December at the age of 86. While still mourning his loss, Jody Ruhl ‘92, the youngest of his three daughters,…
Ashland University grad named warden for Richland Correctional Institution
During her senior year at Ashland University in the late 1990s, Criminal Justice major Angela (Hunsinger) Stuff had been applying for prison system jobs without any luck. Then one of her professors told her about an internship at the Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI) training as a case manager. “It got my foot in the door,” said Stuff, a 1999 AU graduate. “I had really good knowledge walking in the door for an interview after graduation. The job I…
AU football teammates continue friendship with business partnership
One played offense as a center, while the other was on defense as a nose guard for the Ashland University football team. One enjoys the production and personnel side of business, while the other thrives on sales. While Jon Qualls and Kevin Lacey have their differences, they also have an incredible bond forged while wearing helmets, shoulder pads and cleats for the Eagles in the late 1990s and early 2000s that has continued beyond the football field as…
