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Melissa Askren-Edgehouse Education
Melissa Askren-Edgehouse Education

Dr. Melissa Askren-Edgehouse

Director, School of Education and Lester D. Crow Professor in Education

Mount Union feels like home. The people here—students and faculty alike—genuinely care and support one another. It’s a place to grow, learn, and belong. There’s something truly special about this community.

Education

B.A., Elementary Education, Mount Union College
M.Ed., Administration and Supervision, Ashland University
Ed.D., Educational Administration and Leadership Studies, Bowling Green State University

Perfect Fit

I think I indicated that I wanted to be a teacher when I completed my first All-About-Me book in second grade. My mom was a second grade teacher for 35 years before she retired, and my dad was a teacher, principal and director of student services before he passed away. I cherished our family time together each evening, weekend and summer, and since my parents both adored their jobs, it seemed like the perfect fit for me.

Professional Accomplishments

I've had the honor of serving as president of the Ohio Association of Private Colleges for Teacher Education (OAPCTE). This remarkable group of colleagues across Ohio works collaboratively and has advocated for legislative change on many occasions.

We earned the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from our accreditor, CAEP, for no areas for improvement and no stipulations for our accreditation review. We're so proud of this national recognition, and I'm so fortunate to be part of such a talented group of colleagues.

People

The people are absolutely my favorite part of my job. Mount Union attracts students who not only work hard, but are also fun to be around and teach. I also adore my colleagues. I’m so fortunate to work with individuals who care as much as I do about our students. We love our Purple Raider Family!

Personal Touch

Our faculty brings both the commitment and the heart to truly know their students—not just as learners, but as individuals. Through these authentic connections, they craft educational experiences—in online and in-person classes and in undergraduate and graduate programs—that align with each student’s passions, purpose, and aspirations, all while inspiring them to see the world and themselves in bold, transformative new ways.