Dr. Charlie Minnick
As Ashford University's Dean of the college of Business and Professional Studies, Charlie Minnick truly believes in the value of hard work. Of his role as a dean and professor at Ashford, Minnick says, "I have never worked harder in my life but I have never had so much fun working so hard, either."
Minnick credits his work ethic to his parents and to his upbringing in a small farming community in West Central Illinois. "My parents instilled in me the importance of doing whatever is necessary to get the job done." With Ashford, he gets to live his values every day in a way that benefits the entire community. He could tell the moment he first set foot on campus: "Once I met with the faculty, I knew that I wanted to become a member of this incredible group of dedicated professionals. I have enjoyed every busy day since."
In addition to heading up the Business school and teaching classes, he also reviews management textbooks and has written on the topics of student satisfaction and retention - two topics he is passionate about. "I take advantage of every opportunity I can to be involved in those two areas at Ashford."
After completing his BA in Advertising and Public Relations and his MBA at St. Ambrose University, Minnick went on to earn his PhD from Walden University in Management and Decision Sciences, along with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Change. Altogether, he has a record of success in higher education stretching back over 15 years.
To Ashford's students, he likes to share these words of wisdom: "First, be a participant and not just a spectator in your life. Second, many of our successes in life are a result of somebody believing in us. Try to be that someone, and give away opportunities for others."