Photo: Allison Waltz
ASHLAND, Ohio – Carlos Campo, president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary, has been honored as one of Crain’s 45 Notable Latino Leaders. The recognition was announced Monday by Crain’s Cleveland Business, a leading publication of business news, analysis and commentary in northeast Ohio.
Crain’s Notable Latino Leaders “foster understanding of Hispanic and Latino culture and issues and promote efforts that recognize the community’s skills and abilities,” according to Crain’s announcement. To earn the distinction, honorees must be based in northeast Ohio, self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, be employed in a senior-level role and demonstrate accomplishment in their field, have made significant contributions to advancing equality in the workplace and community and be active in philanthropic activities.
Campo is in his ninth year leading AU. As president, he has spearheaded the formation and completion of the “Campaign for Every Individual,” which raised more than $100 million; led a major renovation of Clayton Hall (large residence hall) and a series of ongoing campus beautification projects, which were funded by $20 million in gifts from Dwight Schar ’64; launched new academic programs in physician assistant studies (graduate) and industrial and systems engineering (undergraduate); constructed the Niss Athletic Center, a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility; established the Jack W. Liebert Military and Veteran Resource Center; and overseen substantial growth of the Correctional Education program.
“Carlos Campo embodies exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, making him a deserving candidate for Crain’s Notable Latino Leaders list,” said Bob Archer, member of the AU Board of Trustees and former longtime CEO of Kent Watersports. “With his visionary approach and commitment to education, he has transformed countless lives through his innovative initiatives. Dr. Campo’s remarkable achievements exemplify the epitome of Latino leadership in our community.”
Campo is a passionate contributor to the Hispanic and Latino community. He has welcomed Yoe Suárez, an independent Cuban journalist, for a residency on campus. AU has supported college scholarships through Esperanza in Cleveland by doubling the value of said scholarship for any qualified Latina and Latino students who attend Ashland. He also serves as a mentor for Hispanic students through the American Mentors initiative and welcomed the formation of Unidad as a student organization on campus.
Campo also serves as vice chair of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. He has been a featured speaker at the Hispanic Education Alliance Summit, advocates for and works with national leaders on immigration reform as a member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and serves as a spokesperson for educational issues within the Hispanic community.
Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.