Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz
ASHLAND, Ohio – In President Jon Parrish Peede’s inaugural year, Ashland University achieved a $3 million budget surplus, secured the third-largest annual fundraising in its history, grew the incoming freshmen class size by eight percent and was awarded its first federal arts grant in sixty years. The announcements were made Tuesday morning at the university’s all-institutional meeting.
Most significantly, AU and the U.S. Department of Education signed a settlement agreement resolving a curricular dispute for its Correctional Education program. The legal matter had reached the Northern District of Ohio federal court. Rather than continuing years in expensive legal battles, Peede and Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., interim provost at AU, met with government officials in Washington, D.C., to seek an expeditated resolution. In lieu of the $10.4 million in accumulated fees, penalties and interest, Ashland University paid $200,000 to conclude the matter. The discharge document states: “The Agreement constitutes a voluntary settlement and full accord and satisfaction of the liabilities resulting from the alleged violations.”
Reflecting on his inaugural year as president of AU, Peede stated, “I am so grateful for my colleagues and their tireless commitment to our students. Like most universities today, we have the budget pressures that come with providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. But, we are resilient and united in our mission. I am excited to welcome the large, incoming class and see the returning students who have already enriched our community of learners.”
“We are thankful for Dr. Peede’s leadership in achieving a series of impressive outcomes during his first year as president,” added Diane Bonfiglio, Ph.D., presiding officer of the AU Faculty Senate and professor of psychology. “The faculty look forward to continue working collaboratively with Dr. Peede and university leadership as we move Ashland in a positive direction together.”
The university will use the $3 million budget surplus to reduce its structural deficit and increase employee benefits and undergraduate scholarships.