ASHLAND – During the first Correctional Education Celebration Banquet held on July 18, John Dowdell was honored for his 35 years of service to the Correctional Education Program at Ashland University.
Dowdell, who served with the Founders School and as director of Gill Center special programs, was presented a plaque in recognition of his instrumental leadership that provided the foundation for Ashland University’s current nationally recognized correctional education program.
Dowdell’s work in grant writing resulted in the Experimental Site Initiative (ESI) Pell Grant, which has led to correctional education program growth in Ohio, Louisiana, West Virginia and Washington D.C. His leadership also led to implementation of tablet technology specifically developed for correctional education students.
Dowdell’s work also has been noticed by the Correctional Education Association (CEA), and he recently received the lifetime achievement award from CEA.
Dowdell has retired from AU, but he continues to serve the university as a consultant for correctional education and professional development.
