Dr. Carol Kasworm, a leading authority on adult undergraduate students in higher education, has accepted a position on the Board of Trustees for Ashford University. Her term began Dec. 13, 2012.

Dr. Kasworm is the W. Dallas Herring professor emerita of adult and community college, formerly of the Department of Leadership, Policy and Adult and Higher Education at North Carolina State University. Her research interests have focused on the adult undergraduate experience, including the nature of learning engagement and participation patterns of adult students, the situated influences of varied higher education contexts on adult learners, and the role of adult higher education in a lifetime learning society.

“Dr. Kasworm will be an outstanding addition to the Ashford University Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, Ashford University president. “Her extensive research in the adult education process will benefit the Board and the University as we move forward.”

Most recently, Dr. Kasworm was an expert witness for the Federal Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid regarding nontraditional student access and completion. Her latest contributions include being the co-editor for the Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education: 2010 edition, and writing a chapter on U.S. adult higher education in the Schuetze and Slowey international volume on adult higher education and lifelong learning. In April 2002, Dr. Kasworm was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Valparaiso University, her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University, and her Ed.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia.

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 Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.