The Ashford University Board of Trustees today announced its plans to further strengthen the academic leadership of the University through the appointment of Dr. Craig Swenson to president of Ashford University. Dr. Swenson was the former interim president of University of the Rockies, headquartered in Denver, Colo.

Dr. Swenson served as chancellor emeritus and professor at Argosy University. Prior to that, he was chancellor of the Argosy System for seven years and was also chief academic officer of Education Management Corporation for several years.  He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from University of Utah, a master's degree in organizational communication from Brigham Young University, and his Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis in adult and organizational learning from Walden University.

Dr. Gregory Geoffroy, chairman of the Ashford University Board of Trustees, announced that Dr. Swenson will assume the role of Ashford University president on May 1, 2016. Dr. Swenson will replace Dr. Richard Pattenaude who has served as the University's president since October 2012. Dr. Pattenaude will leave the post to take on the role of president emeritus and core faculty for Ashford University and will work with Dr. Swenson to ensure a seamless transition.

"Under Dr. Pattenaude's presidency, Ashford University has been privileged to have exemplary leadership oversee the university and now, with Dr. Swenson serving as the new president of Ashford, the university will have a continuity of outstanding leadership," said Dr. Geoffroy. "We are thankful for Dr. Pattenaude's guidance over the past four years and look forward to Dr. Swenson's contributions to Ashford's academic quality and student success."

About Ashford University
Where heritage meets innovation – that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's online degree programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.

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