Lourdes University Welcomes Dr. Ashley C. Benson as Vice President for Student Affairs

Lourdes University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ashley C. Benson as the new Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Benson, currently the Dean of Student Engagement at Luther College in Iowa, will officially assume her role on March 19, 2024.

Enthusiastic about Dr. Benson’s appointment, Dr. William J. Bisset, President of Lourdes University, noted, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Benson to the Lourdes University community. Her extensive background in student engagement, commitment to diversity, and passion for student success align perfectly with our mission. We believe that her vision and expertise will greatly contribute to enhancing the overall student experience at Lourdes.”

Prior to her time at Luther College, Dr. Benson served as the Associate Dean of Students at the College of Wooster, held the position of Project Director for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at North Central State College in Mansfield, OH, and functioned as a Program Advisor in TRIO Student Support Services at Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Benson’s leadership extends beyond her immediate roles, having chaired committees for the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) and served as the President of Ohio TRIO. Her commitment to servant leadership is evident through the establishment of the Gray Benson Scholarship through the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, which supports first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education.

A Toledo native and graduate of Rogers High School, Dr. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Studies and a Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision, both earned at Bowling Green State University. She furthered her academic journey by earning a doctorate in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.

Dr. Benson’s life’s work centers around issues of equity and diversity in higher education, reflecting her passion for facilitating access and success for individuals seeking higher education opportunities, particularly first-generation college students.