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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…
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…
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…
Two AU alumnae among four finalists for Ohio Teacher of the Year
ASHLAND, Ohio – The State Board of Education of Ohio has named its four finalists for the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year and two—Jennifer Winkler ’12 and Daneé Pinckney ’19 M.Ed.—are Ashland University alumnae. From a cohort of 11 district winners, the Ohio Teacher of the Year selection committee selected Winkler of Green Local Schools, Pinckney of Twinsburg City Schools and the other two finalists based on written applications. The finalists will interview…
