Michelle Keys, an admissions specialist at Ashford University, was recently named “2013 Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling (ACAC) Admission Professional of the Year.”

She was recognized by the Association at the 2013 Dakota and Iowa ACAC Spring Conference in Sioux City, IA on May 19-21.

Keys has been working in the college admissions field since 2005, serving the most recent three years at Ashford; she is based in North Liberty, IA. During the past two years she has served on the Iowa ACAC executive board.

“We are extremely proud of Michelle and the work she does for Ashford,” said her manager, Holly Hull, associate director of campus admissions. “Receiving this recognition is a testament to her professionalism and dedication to the college admissions field. She is a very active, positive and energized person.”

Earlier in the year each Iowa ACAC member was given the opportunity to nominate up to three high school counselors and three college admission professionals to become finalists for the 2013 Iowa ACAC High School Counselor of the Year and the 2013 Iowa ACAC Admission Professional of the Year awards.

Each member then received a final ballot with the top nominees to vote for the award winners who “go above and beyond to support the needs of students and families.”

The mother of two young girls, Keys is involved in many activities. She finds time to teach Zumba classes early in the mornings before work and earlier in May she competed in the Gladiator Assault Challenge in Boone, IA, a five-mile challenge with 30 obstacles. She also likes to hunt when she has time.

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.