The Ashford University Board of Trustees today announced its plans to further strengthen the academic leadership of the University through the appointment of Dr. Richard Pattenaude to president elect of Ashford University. Dr. Pattenaude is Chair of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the regional accrediting body known as NEASC.

Dr. Pattenaude served as chancellor of the University of Maine System from 2007 until 2012. Prior to that, he was president of the University of Southern Maine for 16 years. Dr. Pattenaude is currently the University of Maine System’s chancellor emeritus and system professor of Political Science. He earned his B.A. in economics at San Jose State University and his Ph.D. in political science at the University of Colorado.

Dr. Meredyth Leahy, chairman of the Ashford University Board of Trustees, announced that Dr. Pattenaude will assume the role of Ashford University president on October 19, 2012 and will serve in this capacity through August of 2015. Dr. Pattenaude will replace Dr. Elizabeth Tice who has served as the University’s president since January 2011. Dr. Tice will leave the post to take on the role of Ashford’s executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 

“The opportunity to expand the breadth and depth of expertise of the University’s senior leadership team was one the entire Board of Trustees embraced,” said Dr. Leahy. “We are thankful for Dr. Tice’s leadership of Ashford University over the past 21 months and pleased that she will now lead the University’s Academic Affairs.”

To ensure a seamless transition and to provide continuity, the Board of Trustees has formed a Transition Council. Reporting to Dr. Pattenaude will be Dr. Elizabeth Tice and two experts in higher education to act as senior internal advisors to the new president. Dr. James Appleton, president emeritus of Redlands University and Dr. David Paris, executive director of the New Leadership Alliance for Student Learning and Accountability have accepted the posts. 

“During this time of transition, we are confident in the abilities of Dr. Pattenaude and his advisors to ensure a continuity of outstanding leadership with a strong focus on further improving academic quality and student success,” Dr. Leahy added.

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. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). 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.