Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz
ASHLAND, Ohio – Jon Parrish Peede expressed an optimistic vision while pledging his commitment to Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary, as he was inaugurated as president during a joyous ceremony inside Jack and Deb Miller Chapel on Friday, Oct. 25.
Prior to Peede’s inaugural address, the formal occasion featured an impressive processional, an invocation and Scripture reading, performances by the AU Brass Ensemble and a series of greetings, led by Jim Hess, chair of the AU Board of Trustees.
Hess cited Peede’s “love for higher education, passion for students and drive for excellence (being) evident since his first day on campus,” and anticipates that AU’s best days are ahead with his stewardship.
“We sincerely believe that God has equipped and called Jon to lead this university in this season,” Hess said. “We are confident that under Jon’s leadership, and with tremendous support from AU and the Ashland community, and the efforts from our amazing faculty and staff, we will continue our tradition of excellence and move forward to an even brighter future.”
Peede, the 31st president of AU since its founding as Ashland College in 1878, struck a grateful, humble tone in his inaugural response to the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, Ashland community members and delegates from 22 colleges and universities in attendance.
After listing off a series of recent university accomplishments—two alumni competing in the Paris Olympics, another named the 2025 Ohio Teacher of the Year, U.S. News college rankings, a retention rate that has increased four straight years, the women’s basketball team leading the nation in GPA, faculty securing national grants, a record endowment—Peede suggested there is much work still to be done.
“We have celebrated much good news while also striving for higher goals. We know it will not be easy, nor should it. And, yet there is something in the air on this campus that refuses to be anything other than joyful. It is hope, and it has been here … since 1878.”
The themes of hope and tradition carried over to Peede’s “Three Pledges” to the students, to the faculty and to the Ashland community.
To the students, Peede promised that Ashland will live out its slogan of “teaching how to think, not what to think.” Elaborating on that idea, he explained, “On this campus, you can hold fast to your core values and expand your viewpoint.”
Adding that communities must be “grounded in tolerance,” he stressed the importance of mutual respect among students. “There is nothing more clearly in the wheelhouse of the arts and sciences than uniting people of tolerance through the development of their minds.
“It is the manner in which you express your disagreement, how you gather evidence and frame your argument and advance your viewpoint with reason, that matter most. These life skills and habits of mind will serve you well in your career and in the living of your days,” he said.
To the faculty, Peede pledged steadfast support for academic freedom, authentic engagement, and shared governance as they look to cultivate the university’s educational mission. He noted the mission has changed very little in 146 years, and that tradition is something “to take pride in,” while also suggesting that it could be “refined, expanded,” to address “balancing what should be taught versus what incoming students wish to study.”
In addition to delivering a quality education, Peede firmly believes a mentor’s role includes developing a well-rounded student. Again, that aligns with Ashland’s long-held motto, “Accent on the Individual,” a commitment by faculty and staff to provide students a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect.
Pointing to the examples of faculty members Chris Chartier, Ph.D., and Tim Hinkel, Ph.D., this combination of relationships and research leads to a more “vibrant and healthy and sustainable culture.” Chartier founded the award-winning Psychological Science Accelerator, which is increasing data collection from across different populations and resulting in a better understanding of humans globally, while Hinkel openly discussed how the humanities enriched his teaching of accounting.
“The sciences explain the makings of the world we live in. And the humanities explain why we live at all,” said Peede. “To be fully human, we must have the best elements of both cultures in our lives, which is to say that we must have one integrated culture.”
To the Ashland community, Peede pledged his desire to uphold the university’s faith tradition having received and answered “a calling.” He has been moved by many acts in his first few months here, acts that have validated his acceptance to lead the institution.
“Ashland University was founded in the Christian faith and has been sustained by it through many trials and tribulations … we must now walk away from our origin,” he explained. “And at the same time, for those of other faiths or no faith, our university has been and will continue to be, during my presidency, a place of welcome for all.”
Peede has been strengthened by many within the community. From a dining services worker welcoming “her children back,” to coaches developing scholar-athletes of character, and everything in between, he has witnessed “kindness and ambition, grit and intelligence, community and faith,” inspiring him to close his inaugural address with a powerful statement.
“When I hear people who despair for the direction of the modern university, I think how far they must be from our dedicated faculty and talented students, how far they are from the labor in our library and community in our classrooms, how far they are from our alumni who heal the body and tend to the soul, how far they are from the flowered edges of Ashland where knowledge blooms in every season,” he concluded.
The traditional ceremony also included messages of support from Joan Stanbrook Sustarsic ’78, president of the AU Alumni Association; Aidan Nayak, president of the AU Student Senate; State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario); and Greg McBrayer, Ph.D., present of the AU Faculty Senate; as well as a moving performance by the AU Choir.
Sustarsic, representing more than 56,000 alumni from around the globe, centered her remarks on “preserving tradition but also driving innovation and progress,” while Nayak said current students are confident in Peede, who has already demonstrated a sincere desire to “perfect the student experience at Ashland.”
Romanchuk told Peede he is “inheriting a world class university,” and assured that “we are all here to help you move this great university forward,” while McBrayer, a political science professor, focused on boldness. He said, “Let us pursue excellence boldly. We have a legacy of bold teachers. Today, we renew our commitment to boldness. As you accept this role, be bold.”
Photo: Ashland University/Allison Waltz