Dr. Frederick J. Finks announced he will retire in May 2015 and will transition into the role of chancellor of Ashland University in October earlier today. Finks has been president since 2006.

The decision was announced at Friday’s meeting of the University’s Board of Trustees.

“I accepted the presidency in 2006 because I wanted to give back to an institution that had given so much to me,” Finks said. “The board is very supportive of this plan and my new ambassador role as university chancellor.”

As chancellor, Finks will spend most of his time and energy with major donors of the University.

Lisa Miller, chair of the AU Board of Trustees, thanked Finks for his leadership and his 32 years of dedication to the University and Seminary.

“President Finks has skillfully guided the University through these tough times,” Miller said. “There is no one more dedicated to AU than Fred Finks and we are grateful that he will continue to be engaged as an ambassador for the University.”

Miller noted that in October of 2014 an interim president will assume the day-to-day administration of the institution.

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