Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president and CEO of Ashford University, delivered the keynote address at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Conference on Tuesday, April 8. Dr. Pattenaude’s session, titled “The Changed Business Model of Higher Education,” was presented to the trustees, presidents, and senior officers of the PASSHE universities. The 14 state-owned universities in PASSHE are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.

“This conference brings together higher education leaders from all of Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Pattenaude. “It is very valuable for them to learn what we are doing at Ashford University to blend traditional and leading edge practices. This is part of the national dialog on finding new, viable financial models for colleges and universities.”

During his presentation, Dr. Pattenaude spoke of the new business model for higher education. He specifically focused on the financial model, leadership, structural change, cost control culture, retention focus, new revenue sources, and productivity.

The purpose of the annual PASSHE Conference is to dramatically improve awareness, understanding, and overall competency of the many challenges and disruptions facing public higher education. It brings together all of the key stakeholders responsible for governance and leadership of higher education in Pennsylvania.

About Ashford University

Achievement belongs to all of us at Ashford University. By offering a traditional college campus as well as online degree programs, Ashford meets the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives and in their communities. Students may earn an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online, while campus students in Clinton, Iowa may earn a bachelor’s degree. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit http://www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

PASSHE is the largest provider of higher education in Pennsylvania, with about 115,000 students. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. About 500,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit http://www.passhe.edu.