Ashland University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ashland University has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, human resources, institutional operations, and academic leadership.

Committed to providing a transformative learning experience, Ashland University shapes graduates who work, serve, and lead with integrity across local, national, and global communities through its comprehensive private education model.

Leadership Roles at Ashland University

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Marc Pasteris
  • Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor - Shawn Orr
  • Immediate President - John Schaly
  • President - John Peede
  • President - JoAnn Watson
  • President, The Chorus - Andrea Lohr
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michelle Neville
  • Marc Pasteris - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Marc Pasteris, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Ashland University, manages the entire fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the long-term academic mission of the university. This role involves rigorous oversight of endowment funds, operational expenditures, and capital investments necessary for maintaining campus infrastructure. By implementing robust financial controls, Marc Pasteris secures the economic stability required for institutional growth. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to evaluate fiscal risks and opportunities within the higher education sector. Through precise financial planning, Pasteris supports the expansion of academic programs and student services. This leadership position demands constant vigilance over revenue streams and cost-efficiency measures to sustain the university's competitive position in the national landscape while fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility across all departments.
    Marc Pasteris

    Shawn Orr - Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor

    Shawn Orr, the Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor at Ashland University, coordinates complex administrative workflows and academic programming. Overseeing the integration of non-traditional learning pathways, the Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor ensures that professional studies align with current industry demands. This role involves managing high-level communications, facilitating board interactions, and directing the curriculum development for communication studies. By bridging the gap between administrative strategy and classroom instruction, Shawn Orr enhances the overall educational impact of the institution. The Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor drives innovation in adult education, expanding the reach of the university to diverse learner populations. Through this multifaceted leadership, Orr strengthens the connection between academic theory and professional application.

    John Schaly - Immediate President

    John Schaly, the Immediate President at Ashland University, provides continuity and strategic guidance for institutional initiatives. Overseeing the transition of leadership projects, the Immediate President ensures that long-term goals remain on track during periods of organizational change. This role involves advising the executive team on historical context and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the national community. By leveraging deep institutional knowledge, John Schaly supports the implementation of core university values in daily operations. The Immediate President collaborates with various departments to refine the strategic vision and ensure alignment with the mission of providing a transformative learning experience. Through consistent engagement with the campus community, Schaly fosters stability and promotes a culture of integrity. This leadership position focuses on sustaining the momentum of ongoing projects while preparing the institution for future challenges. By providing steady guidance, the Immediate President ensures that the university continues to serve its students effectively and maintains its reputation for academic excellence.

    John Peede - President

    John Peede, the President at Ashland University, defines the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Overseeing the global and national positioning of the university, the President ensures that all academic and administrative functions support the goal of shaping graduates who lead with integrity. This role involves representing the institution to external partners, donors, and the broader public. By setting the tone for campus culture, John Peede drives the commitment to a transformative learning experience. The President collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to navigate the complexities of the higher education landscape. Through decisive action, Peede manages the university's growth and ensures that resources are directed toward high-impact programs. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term sustainability and the continuous improvement of educational outcomes. By championing the values of service and academic rigor, the President secures the future of the institution as a leader in private education.

    JoAnn Watson - President

    JoAnn Watson, the President at Ashland University, focuses on the operational execution of the university's academic mission. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, the President ensures that the institution meets its goals for student success and community engagement. This role involves managing internal governance structures and fostering collaboration between faculty and administrative staff. By prioritizing the development of innovative learning environments, JoAnn Watson drives the university's commitment to excellence. The President works closely with the leadership team to address the evolving needs of the student body and the demands of the global community. Through careful oversight of institutional policies, Watson maintains the integrity of the educational experience. This leadership function involves balancing the immediate requirements of campus operations with the long-term vision for growth. By promoting a culture of service and academic achievement, the President ensures that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking a transformative education.

    Andrea Lohr - President, The Chorus

    Andrea Lohr, the President, The Chorus at Ashland University, directs the artistic and organizational strategy for the university's choral programs. Overseeing the recruitment of talent and the production of high-quality performances, the President, The Chorus ensures that the arts remain a central component of the transformative learning experience. This role involves managing budgets, coordinating regional tours, and fostering partnerships with local and national cultural organizations. By elevating the profile of the choral department, Andrea Lohr enhances the university's reputation for excellence in the performing arts. The President, The Chorus collaborates with academic departments to integrate musical education into the broader curriculum. Through dedicated leadership, Lohr provides students with opportunities to perform and serve within their communities. This leadership position requires a focus on artistic innovation and operational efficiency to sustain the program's growth. By championing the arts, the President, The Chorus contributes significantly to the vibrant campus culture and the holistic development of the student body.

    Michelle Neville - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michelle Neville, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ashland University, directs all talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that faculty and staff possess the necessary support to deliver a transformative learning experience. This role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages, managing performance evaluation systems, and fostering an inclusive campus culture. By aligning human capital with the broader institutional goals, Michelle Neville drives operational excellence across the university. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with academic leadership to recruit top-tier educators who embody the values of integrity and service. Through strategic workforce planning, Neville optimizes staffing levels to meet the evolving needs of the student body. This leadership function remains critical for maintaining high morale and professional standards, ultimately ensuring that the university attracts and retains the talent required to excel in the competitive higher education market.
    Michelle Neville

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ashland University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ashland University?
    Ashland University is led by Marc Pasteris (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Shawn Orr (Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor) and John Schaly (Immediate President).
    Who is part of Ashland University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ashland University includes leaders such as Marc Pasteris (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Shawn Orr (Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor), John Schaly (Immediate President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ashland University have?
    Ashland University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ashland University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ashland University includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff & President & To The Senior Advisor & President, Non & Traditional Learning Dean & Eashland Professional & Communication Studies Instructor, Immediate President, President, President.