Dr. Geri Hockfield Malandra has accepted a position on the Board of Trustees for Ashford University. Her term begins immediately.

Dr. Malandra’s experience in higher education spans 30 years. From 2012-2013, she served as the senior advisor to the President of Kaplan University after serving the previous two years as provost. Earlier positions include her role as senior vice president for leadership, membership, and policy research at the American Council on Education and as vice chancellor for strategic management for the University of Texas System. Dr. Malandra also spent 16 years in various leadership positions at the University of Minnesota. Currently, she is principal of Malandra Consulting LLC, a firm created to assist higher education leaders with the development and implementation of outcomes-focused management, accountability, and policy initiatives.

“Ashford University is honored to have Dr. Malandra agree to join our Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president of Ashford University. “Her breadth of knowledge and experience in higher education, at both the university and policy level, will be highly beneficial in bringing Ashford’s long-term vision to life and maintaining student success.”

Dr. Malandra’s public service includes her appointment by former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings to serve as a member and vice chair of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Ancient Studies from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Dr. Malandra earned her B.A. degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

 About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.