A common image that students have of Ashland’s Downtown is one of a place without life, filled with vacant shops, rundown restaurants and empty bars. That Downtown might finally be getting a makeover, though, and in the process, developing a relationship with Ashland University.

After hard work and applications, Ashland city officials and Ashland Main Street were awarded a $300,000 downtown revitalization state grant. This is the first time Ashland has received such a big monetary contribution to revitalize part of the town. Building owners of Main Street, Center Street and several other streets, can apply for funding and if their ventures are approved, the grant will cover half the price of their projects. 

The revitalization of Downtown Ashland will give a new face to the community, but also, it will open the doors to rebuild a relationship between the community and AU.

“I think it is really important for AU to be part of the Downtown and support it and we are here to support the university as well,” said Sandra Hedlund Tunnell, executive director of Ashland Main Street. “We are just a mile away so there is no reason why the university and downtown shouldn’t being able to do things together.” 

Dr. Carlos Campo, AU president, said he is looking forward to collaborating with the community and nourishing a relationship that will benefit the city and AU.

“I think there is a new sense of excitement between the community and AU,” Campo said. “The relationship has changed over the years and we are really excited about being intentional.”

Tunnell said she believes that improving the relationship between the community and AU is going to be beneficial for both sides.  She and Campo know the importance of Downtown, not only for the community, but the positive impact that it will have on AU.

“Students will have more opportunities, we think, as we improve the relationship with the community,” said Campo. “A lot of those are going to be careers for a lot of students as more people come into campus and make a relationship that could turn into a career opportunity.”

AU and Ashland`s community are confident that improving their relationship will bring a bright future that can be the foundation of a great city.

“University kids can do stuff Downtown, that is why it is there,” said Tunnell. “There is not supposed to be this division between the community and the school.”

 But Campo does not just want AU students to visit downtown businesses. He wants them serving the community too. He has in mind several projects for students to take a role into the community.

Some of these projects include food drives, an adopted block program, which consists of  going block-by-block around campus helping with the repainting of houses, doing yard work or any other need of the town.  

“Simple things like that will reflect to the community that we want to show that we care about the community and serve the community first,” said Campo.

Campo is not only excited to direct students Downtown, but also, he wants to bring the community into campus and show them that they have a voice on campus as well. Future plans include starting conversations with the community, so AU can understand their needs and the community can realize what AU has to offer them.

“We want to be great listeners and partners in the future,” said Campo.