UNIVERSITY CORNER: Ashford University
MAE 2010 Volume: 5 Issue: 1 (February)
A: Like our country’s military services, Ashford University has a long, rich history. It was founded in 1918 as Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, Iowa. In 1950, it was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has since maintained this accreditation, which is the same accreditation received by Northwestern University, University of Chicago and University of Notre Dame.
Bridgepoint Education acquired the institution in 2005 and changed its name to Ashford University. Today, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered online and at the Clinton, Iowa, campus.
The number of students graduating in 2009 more than doubled from 2008. In 2009, a total of 5,268 students, including 5,133 online students and 135 on-campus traditional and accelerated students, graduated.
In 2008, the university graduated a total of 2,567 students.
Ashford University’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions and communities.
Q: What are some of Ashford’s biggest strengths?
A: Ashford University is dedicated to serving the military communities. We have an established military enrollment division, currently staffed with 225 military enrollment advisors specifically trained to work with our military men and women, and a dedicated outside team to work with both students and base education staffs.
In addition, students may transfer a maximum of 99 approved credits, 75 of which can come from non-traditional sources such as military training, prior learning assessment, CLEP and DSST [DANTES] exams.
We also take pride in listening to what the military communities are saying. When we first launched our military initiative, we traveled extensively, visiting the different services at the base level and asking education service officers and service counselors what could we do that would be of value and make a difference.
From those visits, 33 percent of those we spoke to asked if we could do anything to help the Department of Defense civilian with their education pursuits, and 66 percent asked if anything could be done to include books to lessen the financial impact on the student. We adopted both suggestions and expanded our military customer definition to include DoD civilians, which includes all active duty, National Guard, Reservists and their spouses; dependents who utilize survivor benefits; and separated veterans and retirees currently eligible for VA education benefits.
We support military students through waiving fees and providing text books. Books required for a military student’s program of study and purchased through Ashford University’s textbook partner are covered, including shipping costs.
Ashford University has been selected by the U.S. Army as a Letter of Instruction school and by the Coast Guard to become a SOCCOAST-4 member. In addition, Ashford University has been named to the 2010 List of Military Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs magazine and to the Top 50 Military Friendly List by Military Times magazine.
Q: What is the approximate percentage of military-related students at Ashford?
A: As of September 2009, military students make up approximately 17 percent of Ashford University’s student population.
Q: Has distance learning also been a big focus in recent years?
A: Yes, online was and will continue to be a big focus at Ashford University. As of September 30, 2009, 99 percent of Ashford students are completing their educational goals via online studies. With online education’s accessibility and flexibility, this is the most viable format for most military students.
Q: What programs do military students tend to be particularly interested in?
A: Some of the more popular programs are the Bachelor of Arts in organizational management, Bachelor of Arts in homeland security and emergency management, Bachelor of Arts in social and criminal justice, Bachelor of Arts in business administration, and our Bachelor of Arts degree in social science with education concentration.
Q: What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since assuming your current position as VP of military relations?
A: I wouldn’t chalk it up to lessons learned, but more to life experiences shared. First, I believe that there are no more deserving students than military students. Second, I believe that a good education is the great equalizer of our time. It has the capability to make dreams come true, more than any other single thing. Third, education impacts generations beyond the initial degree earner. Fourth, I think there are more excuses than reasons for not going to school.
If there is a lesson to be shared, it is this: I no longer have the privilege of wearing my country’s uniform. My lesson is that of preparation. Everyone will experience the day when their uniform comes off. How they prepare for that day influences their quality of life, so I encourage everyone to make the cornerstone of that preparation their education. ♦