Ashland University athletic director Bill Goldring returned to his position Jan. 2, more than two months after being relieved of his duties.

“The university is pleased to announce that Bill Goldring has resumed his duties as athletic director, and we look forward to the athletic department’s continued success,” AU spokesman Steve Hannan said in a statement to the Ashland Times-Gazette on Jan. 3. 

After rumors circulated that AU Safety Services removed Goldring from Jack Miller Stadium prior to the Oct. 26 football game versus Malone, university President Dr. Fred Finks said that Goldring was no longer in charge of the athletic program, though he could not comment on the reason behind the decision.

A leadership team consisting of head football coach Lee Owens, head women’s basketball coach Sue Ramsey and assistant athletic director for media relations Al King took his place in the interim.

“I’ve always loved being the athletic director at Ashland and I’m glad that I’ve returned to the position,” Goldring said.

In 16 years as the head of athletics at AU, Goldring has overseen the rise of one of the top athletic programs in NCAA Division II. Ashland is one of only three Division II schools to rank in the top 10 of the Learfield Sports Directors Cup – which ranks schools in order of overall athletic excellence – each of the last six years. In 2011-12 and 2012-13, AU reached its highest-ever standing of third in the Directors Cup.

“I think our athletic department is one of the elite Division II athletic departments in the country, and I’ve always been grateful to be part of that,” Goldring said. “I’m happy to continue to be part of that.”