Spade named VP for enrollment management at AU

ASHLAND, Ohio – Randy Spade has been named the vice president for enrollment management at Ashland University, announced Dr. Jon Parrish Peede, president of the university. Spade was serving in that position on an interim basis since Sept. 16.

Spade will oversee the admissions, financial aid, military and veteran services and homeschool and classical learning divisions. He will also be a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

“Randy has proven to be a committed, enthusiastic and valuable member of the AU community,” said Peede. “Having strong admissions leadership is vital in higher education today, and I am confident that under Randy’s strategic leadership AU will continue to attract and support students who will thrive at our university.”

Spade has been a member of AU’s admissions department for more than a decade. He started as a senior graduate admissions representative and was promoted several times, including serving as the executive director of admissions for nearly four years before taking on the interim VP role.

“I am honored and thrilled to be given the full-time opportunity to serve as vice president for enrollment management at Ashland University. I love what we do here every day. Our talented admissions team is dedicated to helping prospective students and their families discover the opportunities here that can lead to a life-changing experience. I look forward to continue working with my team, as well as other colleagues across campus, to strengthen AU’s recruitment and retention efforts.”

Spade has a special affection for military-connected students, having once served as the AU Director of Veteran Services. He has received multiple recognitions, including the 2024 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) Patriot Award, which honors individual supervisors who contribute to “national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”

Spade, who earned a master’s degree in American history from AU, also has served as the mayor of Jeromesville, Ohio, since 2015 and is the author of a book, “Walk Me Home: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide with Honesty, Grace, and Grit.”