Ashland Native Inducted into Independent Colleges’ Hall of Excellence

Ashland native Dr. Lucille Ford was selected as a 2018 inductee into The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges’ (OFIC) Hall of Excellence and she attended the induction ceremony held in Columbus last week.  

An emeritus trustee of Ashland University, Dr. Ford served the University as provost, dean and professor, and also received a degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in 1995. Ford, who was nominated by Ashland University, was one of two inductees into the Hall of Excellence this year.

In 1987, OFIC initiated the Evening of Excellence program to honor outstanding alumni of its member institutions. Some well-known inductees to the OFIC Hall of Excellence are Jack Hanna, Senator John H. Glenn, Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.

Each year, OFIC member colleges are invited to nominate an alumna/alumnus to be considered for induction into The Hall of Excellence. Inductees are chosen by a committee of OFIC collegiate and corporate trustees based on the criteria of professional achievement; impact on society through service, leadership, scholarship, minority affairs, sciences, research, arts or elected office; and service to alma mater, all of which exemplify the value of a liberal arts education.

Lucille Garber Ford was born and lived most of her life in Ashland, Ohio. She holds an Associate Degree of Arts from Stephens College, a B.S. in Commerce and MBA from Northwestern, a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.

After receiving her Ph.D. in economics from Case, she became a beloved faculty member at Ashland University. She also served as Dean and Provost and a Board member at Ashland University for many years before leaving to found and lead for 17 years the highly successful Ashland County Community Foundation.

As a trailblazer, she was the first woman to run for Lt. Governor of Ohio. She served on five major public company boards. Among her many recognitions and honors, she was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame. She remains an active member of the Ashland Community, receiving the role of Grand Marshal of the Community’s Bicentennial Parade. She was married for 60 years and has two daughters with doctoral degrees and two grandchildren with master degrees. She remains fully engaged with the Ashland community and the world.