On Tuesday, August 19, faculty and staff from all Ashland University institutions gathered in the Hugo Young Theatre for the All-Institutional Meeting.  

Significant years of service, awards, budget and improvements were discussed.  

Executive Dean of Ashland Theological Seminary, Yvonne Glass, Ph.D., began the meeting after being welcomed by President Jon Parrish Peede.  

“This morning, this week, this year we will all experience moments together and as individuals in which we will need to let go of the past and grab on to something new; it will be scary at times, and even if that new thing is a good thing, so I think of the saints of old when they say, ‘yet, will I trust Him,’” said Glass before leading everyone in prayer. 

Many important topics were discussed that morning, and many questions followed.  

Jim Hess, chair of the board of trustees said, “In my spare time, I reviewed 990s and audits of peer universities. While there are universities in stronger positions than we are, we have made tremendous progress in the last 10 years to move to a better position than many others are in.” 

“This does not mean we can pause, but we must maintain a sense of urgency and move forward with an unwavering commitment to excellence and better financial results from our operations,” said Hess.  

This will involve making strategic changes to both maximize revenue and more effectively manage expenses.  

During the meeting, new employees and those who have reached a milestone of 25 years at AU were recognized.  

Peede spoke to those who were newly employed to the university.  

“You bring fresh perspectives that are going to enrich us, and we want you to strike a balance between leaning into the traditions, such as accent on the individual, that make this a remarkable place to work,” said Peede. 

 The annual RISE award was given to Fred Gieb, director of dining services.  

RISE stands for recognizing individuals for service excellence. The award included a $1,000 stipend.  

The Obrecht award, named in recognition of Dick Obrecht’s exceptional contributions to the university and community was also awarded to Fred Gieb.  

Following the awards, United Way’s Campaign Cochair, Nicole Hawks spoke about this year’s campaign, “Join the Story.” 

“I think when we are given opportunities and we have the means to provide for ourselves and our families, I think it’s amazing if we can do what we can to help others, who are struggling, especially those who have families, because the positive impact that might happen down the road; we may have no idea what that impact looks like, but I promise you, positive impact is coming,” said Hawks.  

The university’s budget was a major topic of discussion that morning as well.  

President Peede announced that AU ended the 2024-25 school year with a $3 million surplus. 

AU will use the surplus to reduce its structural deficit while also working to improve employee benefits and undergraduate scholarships.  

Also announced at the meeting, AU and the U.S. Department of Education signed a settlement agreement resolving a curricular dispute for its Correctional Education Program.  

Peede and Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., interim provost, traveled to Washing D.C. in March to meet with government officials regarding the issue.  

AU gave the department $200,000 to raise the $10.4 million in penalties.  

“I believe in some way, however flawed a vessel you are, that this is an institution that you deserve to have prosper, that God had his hand in prospering over 150 years,” said Peede.