ASHLAND — The Ashland University Board of Trustees has extended the contract of President Dr. Jon Parrish Peede for an additional three years, reflecting confidence in his leadership and the University’s continued momentum.
Since becoming president in June 2024, Peede has led Ashland through a period of significant progress, including one of the strongest fundraising periods in University history. During his tenure, the University’s endowment has grown to nearly $100 million, student retention has improved and Ashland’s net assets have increased while institutional debt has declined.
Faculty sentiment has also improved significantly, with 80% of faculty respondents indicating in an annual survey that the University is moving in the right direction, compared with 22% in 2023.
That growing confidence has been accompanied by significant investment in Ashland’s campus and student experience.
Historic philanthropic support has enabled major improvements to University facilities, including a $20 million gift from Dwight and Martha Schar funding renovations of Amstutz Hall, Jacobs Hall and the first floor of Andrews Hall.
Building on this momentum, Peede’s administration has established a clear path forward through In Pursuit: 2026-2031, the University’s new five-year strategic plan.
Developed with input from more than 350 faculty, staff, students and trustees, the plan focuses on Transformative Experiences, Collaborative Communities and Strategic Growth, providing a framework for continued progress and accountability.
“President Peede has brought strong leadership and renewed momentum to Ashland University, strengthening relationships with donors, advancing important strategic priorities and overseeing significant investments in our campus, including major residence hall renovations,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Kevin Doss.
“The Board’s decision to extend his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his leadership and our optimism about Ashland’s future.”
Faculty Senate President Mason Posner, Ph.D., emphasized Peede’s relationship with faculty leadership.
“Faculty leadership at Ashland University values the strong working relationship we have developed with Dr. Peede,” Posner said. “His focus on shared governance, trust and transparency has fostered increasing morale among our faculty, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as the University moves forward.
Student leadership also expressed support for the extension.
“President Peede has been tested by numerous challenges in his first few years as president, and yet not once has he faltered. He is an inspiration to every individual on this campus,” said Executive President of the Student Senate Drake Crumley.
“With great confidence, we believe that President Peede is one of the greatest additions to this institution, and we will all benefit from his continued efforts as president of Ashland University.”
Peede, who also serves as president of Ashland Theological Seminary, became Ashland University’s president in June 2024. The three-year extension will provide continuity as the University advances its strategic priorities and approaches its 150th anniversary.
“I am humbled by the support from the Board and Ashland community,” Peede stated. “Nancy and I feel so blessed to be at AU. I’m overjoyed to continue to serve here.”
Before joining Ashland University, Dr. Jon Parrish Peede served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, following unanimous U.S. Senate confirmation.
His career also includes leadership roles at the National Endowment for the Arts and the University of Virginia, as well as nationally recognized work advancing the arts, humanities and civic education.
