News Release
400 N. Bluff Blvd. · Clinton, IA 52732 · 563.242.4257
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Larry Libberton, Director of Communications
Ext. 1293 · larry.libberton@ashford.edu
ASHFORD REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO ATHLETICS
CLINTON, IOWA (April 17, 2006) – Ashford University has reaffirmed its commitment to its athletic programs by issuing a Statement of Commitment to Athletics, adding new coaching positions and declaring men’s basketball and women’s volleyball as “marquee sports.”
“When we were re-named Ashford University a year ago, there was concern that all of our athletic programs would be eliminated,” said AU President James Chitwood, “but those concerns have certainly been proven unfounded with the support we are giving now.”
He said the University last month created a “Statement of Commitment to Athletics” that says: “Ashford University is committed to its intercollegiate athletics program and the student-athletes who participate in sports. Participation in sports helps develop character, good health, a balance in life, and is a co-curricular program that fosters engagement with the local community and school spirit. Sports teams encourage and inspire other students, both on-campus and online, as well as University alumni, employees, and the community. The University’s commitment to athletics is shown by its participation in and adherence to the policies of the NAIA since 1987; employing skilled and experienced coaches and support personnel; recruitment of student-athletes as part of the admissions process; and maintaining adequate funding of the athletics program to remain competitive within our conference. Ashford will continue to actively participate in a broad range of sports and emphasize the importance of athletics as part of Ashford’s total educational experience.”
“To show our commitment, we are beginning a new era at the University by designating men’s basketball and women’s volleyball ‘marquee sports,’” said Meg Schebler, Ashford’s Director of Athletics. “These have been among our most successful programs in the last couple of years, and we will be allocating additional coaching and other resources to be able to compete effectively with other schools. We will, of course, maintain existing commitment levels to our other sports as well. Success breeds success, and I am confident all of our programs will benefit from the resources that are becoming available.”
Micah Cewe, who led the Saints volleyball team to a 21-15 2005 season as a part-time coach, has joined the University’s athletics staff as full-time head volleyball coach and Fitness Center supervisor
AU is also currently accepting applications for assistant men’s basketball coach.
“We want to be able to attract the appropriate student-athletes to Ashford,” Chitwood said.
“Athletics have always been an important part of collegiate life for many students,” Schebler said, “and we are planning to make sure that within a few years Ashford will be among the top contenders in this region.”
Chitwood re-emphasized that while men’s basketball and women’s volleyball are in the spotlight, the University will continue to invest in its other sports: men’s and women’s soccer and golf, women’s basketball and softball, and men’s baseball. “This is just the beginning of an exciting time for Ashford Athletics.”
Founded in 1918 as Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University is a coeducational, liberal arts institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions. Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”SM. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu.