Ashland University promotes six staff leaders

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University has promoted six staff members into new leadership roles. Shawn Orr, Ph.D., dean of eAshland, has taken on the additional role of senior advisor to the president for non-traditional learning. Orr will also lead the restructuring of the Correctional Education program. In addition to serving as assistant provost of student success, Catherine A. Williams, M.Ed., MBA ’18, has been named senior advisor to the president for student success. Both have joined the Executive Leadership Team, the highest leadership group of the university.

“Shawn and Catherine are admired across campus and beyond for their knowledge, insights and can-do attitude,” stated Jon Parrish Peede, D.A., president of AU and Ashland Theological Seminary. “I welcome their counsel as our great university moves forward in the strategic planning process.”

“I’m honored to step into the role of senior advisor to the president. This role is both a continuation of work I deeply believe in, and reflects a commitment to advancing bold, non-traditional programming that redefines what’s possible in higher education,” Orr said. “I look forward to working closely with our innovative new president and the leadership team in strategic planning and on special projects, helping to shape the future of Ashland University.”

"I am thankful to President Peede for this opportunity, as well as for his continued mentorship and leadership,” Williams said. “I look forward to contributing to the strategic planning process and collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team, while continuing to promote student success at Ashland University.”

Ashland also promoted Janet Edwards from controller to assistant vice president and controller. “Running a $100 million operation is a complicated and taxing endeavor, and Vice President and CFO Marc Pasteris and I both rely heavily on Janet’s business and management skills.”

In addition, three staff members have been promoted from director to executive director. Cathy Britton, M.A. ’84, is now executive director of student success for Correctional Education, while Mary Deloe, MBA, is the executive director of academic services for Correctional Education. And, Amy Clark ’08 is the executive director of planned giving.

“We are fortunate to have drawn dedicated faculty and staff from across the nation and overseas,” stated Peede, “but it is equally important to recognize the abundant talent already present among us. I am proud to serve with these six women and the teams they lead.”