Ashland University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Ashland University, ranked 2125th globally and 689th in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence according to EduRank (as of March 2, 2025), boasts a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across diverse fields. The university's commitment to fostering individual growth and providing opportunities has enabled its graduates to make significant contributions to society. This article highlights some of Ashland University's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have made in their respective domains.

Trailblazers and Achievers: A Glimpse into Ashland's Notable Alumni

Ashland University takes pride in the accomplishments of its alumni, who exemplify the institution's values of perseverance, integrity, and service. These graduates have made a mark in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and the world. The university recognizes and celebrates these achievements through various alumni awards, honoring those who have excelled in their careers, demonstrated leadership, and served their communities and alma mater.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair: Advocate for Atheism and Separation of Church and State

Madalyn Murray O'Hair, who enrolled in Ashland University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, was a prominent American activist known for her advocacy of atheism and the separation of church and state. In 1963, she founded American Atheists, serving as its president until 1986. O'Hair also launched the American Atheist Magazine and identified as a militant feminist, leaving a significant mark on the socio-political landscape.

Robin Meade: From Beauty Queen to News Anchor and Singer

Robin Michelle Meade, an Ashland University graduate with a bachelor's degree, has had a diverse and successful career. She is an American former television news correspondent, singer, songwriter, and beauty pageant contestant. Before joining HLN in 2001, Meade was Miss Ohio. She became the lead news anchor for HLN's morning show, Morning Express with Robin Meade, and won a regional Emmy Award for her work. Meade has also released country music albums in 2011 and 2013, showcasing her versatility and talent.

Tim Richmond: A Pioneer in NASCAR

Timothy Lee Richmond was an American race car driver from Ashland, Ohio. He competed in IndyCar racing before transferring to NASCAR's Winston Cup Series. Richmond was one of the first drivers to change from open wheel racing to NASCAR stock cars full-time, which later became an industry trend. He won the 1980 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award and had 13 victories during eight NASCAR seasons.

Carlin Isles: The Fastest Man in Rugby

Carlin Isles, an American rugby union player for the United States national rugby sevens team, is renowned for his incredible speed and agility. With 202 tries, Isles is second for the United States in career tries scored, behind teammate Perry Baker. He has also competed in athletics and American football, showcasing his athleticism across multiple sports. Isles has been touted as the fastest rugby player.

Koo Bon-moo: Leading the LG Group to Global Recognition

Koo Bon-moo, an Ashland University graduate with a bachelor's degree, was a South Korean business executive who gained worldwide fame as the renamer and business executive of the LG Group. His leadership and vision played a crucial role in transforming LG into a global powerhouse.

Katie Moon: Olympic and World Champion Pole Vaulter

Kathryn Elizabeth Moon, who graduated from Ashland University with a bachelor's degree in psychology, is an accomplished American pole vaulter. Her impressive list of achievements includes gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships (shared with the Australian Nina Kennedy), and silver medals at the 2022 World Indoor Championships and the 2024 Summer Olympics. Moon also won a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games.

Jacob Southwick: Madman Fulton in the World of Wrestling

Jacob Southwick, known in the wrestling world as Madman Fulton, is an American professional wrestler currently performing on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time with Impact Wrestling, where he was a member of Ohio Versus Everything, and in WWE on its NXT brand under the ring name Sawyer Fulton, where he was a member of Sanity. He also makes appearances for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Kurt St. Thomas: The DJ Who Introduced Nirvana to the World

Kurt St. Thomas is an American filmmaker, author, and radio DJ who has been a part of the radio and music industry since 1985. During his time at the radio station WFNX in Boston, he became acquainted with the band Nirvana and was the first person to play the album Nevermind on the radio. St. Thomas later interviewed the band for Nevermind It's an Interview and co-authored the book Nirvana: The Chosen Rejects.

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Daniel Bogden: United States Attorney for the District of Nevada

Daniel G. Bogden is an American attorney who served as United States Attorney for the District of Nevada, demonstrating his commitment to public service and the legal profession.

Drew Windle: A Force in Middle-Distance Running

Drew Windle is an American middle-distance runner who has made a name for himself in the world of athletics.

William Harvey Gibson: From Lawyer to Civil War General

Brigadier General William Harvey Gibson was a Republican politician from Ohio. He resigned from the Ohio State Treasurer's office in disgrace after failing to report his predecessor for theft, but redeemed his reputation in war. He was brevetted Brigadier General of the Union Army's 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.

Gil Dodds: "The Flying Parson" and Record-Breaking Runner

Gilbert Lothair Dodds, called "The Flying Parson", was an American middle-distance runner. In the 1940s, he held the American and world records for the mile run. He was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States in 1943.

Ray Novotny: Football and Baseball Standout

Raymond John Novotny Sr. was an American football player and coach. He played professionally with the Portsmouth Spartans, Cleveland Indians and Brooklyn Dodgers of the National Football League (NFL). Prior to playing in the NFL, Novotny played college football at Ashland University. While at Ashland, he earned All-American honors in 1929. In 1934, he returned to Ashland to serve as the school's football coach. He also served as the baseball coach for the 1935 season.

Clara Worst Miller: Professor and Writer

Clara Worst Miller was an American college professor and writer.

Honoring Excellence: Ashland University Alumni Awards

Ashland University recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of its alumni through a variety of awards. These awards celebrate alumni who have demonstrated leadership, excelled in their fields, served the university, and made a difference in their communities. Nominating an alumnus for an award is a way to honor their story and recognize their impact. The Alumni Association fosters pride, participation, and philanthropic commitment to Ashland University. Upon graduating from Ashland, individuals automatically become members of the Alumni Association, with no dues to pay.

Types of Alumni Awards

The Professor Raymond W. Bixler Award: Recognizes excellence in education.
The Young Alumnus/Alumna Award: Given to an alumnus/alumna under the age of 36 who demonstrates leadership abilities, excels in their chosen field, serves Ashland University, and serves their community.
The Special Achievement Award: Given to an alumnus/alumna over the age of 36 who demonstrates leadership abilities, excels in their chosen field, serves Ashland University, and serves their community.
The Dr. Glenn L. Clayton Award: Given to an individual who is employed or retired from Ashland College/University and demonstrates committed and dedicated leadership.
The Richard D. Award

Recent Alumni Award Recipients (2025)

Outstanding Alumnus Award: Donald Jakeway â70
Special Achievement Award: Jon Qualls â06
Professor Raymond W. Bixler Award: Christopher Triner â91, â01
Young Alumnus Award: Logan Rex â18
Dr. Glenn L. Clayton Award: Rick Ewing

Staying Connected: The Ashland University Alumni Association

Graduates of Ashland University become part of a lifelong community through the Alumni Association. The association offers various benefits and opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the university and fellow graduates. Ensuring that contact information is up-to-date is a great way to stay engaged with the University and fellow alumni.

Benefits of Alumni Association Membership

Exclusive perks and special discounts
Access to the Career Center for Life Calling
Scholarship opportunities

Future Eagles Legacy Program

The Future Eagles Legacy Program recognizes the children, step-children, or grandchildren of alumni at birth and on significant birthdays throughout their lives. When these legacies apply to Ashland University, they receive a $1,000 legacy scholarship, which is renewable by maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Accent Magazine

Accent Magazine is Ashland University's alumni publication, dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and stories of AU graduates while keeping the Eagle community connected. Published twice a year, the magazine features inspiring profiles of alumni, updates on university programs, events, and campus life, as well as articles that highlight the lasting impact of an Ashland education. An interactive map is available online to explore where AU alumni are leading, teaching, serving, and innovating across the globe.

Ashland University: A Foundation for Success

Ashland University provides a strong foundation for its students, preparing them for success in their chosen fields and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world. The university's focus on the individual and its commitment to providing opportunities for growth are reflected in the accomplishments of its diverse and accomplished alumni. The stories of these notable graduates serve as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the transformative power of an Ashland University education.

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