Leadership
To lead is a responsibility Ashland University does not take lightly.
This obligation is especially significant when it comes to setting up our students for success, both now and for the future.

Ashland’s “Accent on the Individual” motto has a long, rich history. And for good reason! It remains as true today as it did decades ago. The individual is always the primary focus—because it’s through inspired, educated and enlightened individuals coming together that true, lasting change happens in our world.
We love to hear from our students, alumni, donors and friends. Every member of our Institutional Advancement team wants to serve and connect with you and incorporate you in the life of the University. Whether it's more information about a story on our homepage, or an event about which you would like more details, please don't hesitate to contact our leadership team—and, of course, consider showing your pride with a gift of support. We look forward to exploring how we can work together for a brighter future for all our students and the Ashland family.
Below, you can learn more about the dedicated individuals who work every day to create a holistic student experience for everyone who comes to Ashland to find their passion; their life’s calling; their story.

Jason Miller
Vice President

Jason Miller
Vice President
To Contact a Major Gift Officer: call 419-289-5620 or email au-advancement@ashland.edu

Lori Byron
Business Manager

Lori Byron
Business Manager
We have a family at both the University and the Seminary, and you can feel the warmth and love radiating off of people. I have family in New York and Pennsylvania who come visit us, and they’re like, “How in the world did you find this place?” Everyone is just exceptionally loving, incredibly giving, and when they say they’re praying for you, they actually mean it. If you’re going through a hard time, you’re getting an extra dose of support. Even months later, you still get follow-up care—around the holidays, for example. It’s amazing. People make fun of the whole “Ashland is someplace special,” but having lived a lot of other places, it really is true.
To Contact the Office of Institutional Advancement: call 419-289-5620 or email au-advancement@ashland.edu

Christy Grundy
Major Gifts Officer

Christy Grundy
Major Gifts Officer
During my time at AU, I’ve formed close relationships with the people here. My fellow employees are great people and the relationships we’ve built have become incredibly important to me. In Advancement, it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to come in every day and work to make the Ashland experience better for each student here. The funds we raise lead to more opportunities for growth and development, and I feel a real sense of responsibility to help Ashland University and everything its mission entails continue to touch lives and set our students up for success. Throughout my entire time at AU—from my previous directorial position and being a part of the first International MBA cohort in 2017, to my current job in Advancement—I’ve known it in my heart: I belong here.
To Contact a Major Gift Officer: call 419-289-5620 or email au-advancement@ashland.edu

Adelyn Barnhart
Donor Experience Officer

Adelyn Barnhart
Donor Experience Officer
To Contact Major Gift Officer: call 419-289-5620 or email au-advancement@ashland.edu

Amy Clark
Associate Director of Planned Giving

Amy Clark
Associate Director of Planned Giving
To Contact the Office of Planned Giving: call 419-289-5090 or email au-advancement@ashland.edu

Jeff Alix
Director of Alumni Engagement

Jeff Alix
Director of Alumni Engagement
To Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement: call 419-289-5082 or email alumni@ashland.edu

Kendal Meyer
Assistant Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement

Kendal Meyer
Assistant Director of Parent and Alumni Engagement
To Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement: call 419-289-5082 or email alumni@ashland.edu

Lorie Meister
Records & Reporting Manager

Lorie Meister
Records & Reporting Manager
One of the most vivid memories I have of my time at AU was a few years ago when we organized a Greek reunion on campus. It was incredibly well-attended, and it was amazing to see all these people come back to the university and reconnect after all these years. And that’s what it’s all about, right? We’re in the business of reconnection.
To Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement: call 419-289-5082 or email alumni@ashland.edu

Taylor Valentine
Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Taylor Valentine
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Even as I met the Advancement team and toured the campus during my interview, I knew I wanted to be here. I wanted to work at Ashland University alongside the wonderful people who make up this office.
It doesn’t hurt that my brother plays basketball here, so I am excited to watch him compete. I can’t wait to see what the future holds at Ashland. I’m proud to do my part in helping this excellent institution create and sustain connections, grow even more and find new ways to impact young adults by positioning them for lifelong success!

Karen Hoehn
Gifts & Records Manager

Karen Hoehn
Gifts & Records Manager
To Contact the Office of Advancement Services: call 419-289-5620 or email adv_svcs@ashland.edu

Stephanie Bull
Director of University Grants & Foundation Relations

Stephanie Bull
Director of University Grants & Foundation Relations
To Contact the University Grants and Foundation Relations: call 419-289-5941 or email university-grants@ashland.edu

Shelley Rindfuss
Grants Manager

Shelley Rindfuss
Grants Manager
The people here are amazing. Sharon (Lowe) has been incredible to work for. She’s left a huge impression on me. We celebrate each other. We love what we do. And we get the job done. It’s incredible.
I came from Cleveland, but now I’m from a farm community. I’ve even learned how to work a combine. You see the harvest and the work that goes into it. The transition has been incredible. The seeds are planted, the shoots come up, and the farmers are responsible for making sure everything—and everyone—around you grows into what they’re supposed to be. My job now isn’t all that much different.
To Contact the Office of Grants and Foundation Relations: call 419-289-5941 or email university-grants@ashland.edu

Sarah Swaisgood
Proposal Writer, University Grants and Foundation Relations

Sarah Swaisgood
Proposal Writer, University Grants and Foundation Relations
To Contact the Office of Grants and Foundation Relations: call 419-289-5941 or email university-grants@ashland.edu