Thursday, August 21, 2003
He called YSU the best place in Northeast Ohio for an undergrad education.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Touting the new University Courtyard Apartments as "proving that successes are possible even in lean times," Youngstown State University president David S. Sweet gave a State of the University speech that touched on increased student enrollment, academic excellence and implementation of the Centennial Strategic Plan.
"One theme that is woven through this address is that our formula for success entails developing plans and demonstrating the will and wherewithal to implement them," Sweet said in a draft version of the speech released Monday, the day he delivered the address on campus.
Opening with the "relentless financial challenge" and a $5.4 million loss of anticipated operating revenue from the state, Sweet said, "YSU was able to weather the storm" because of good planning, vigilance, fund raising and the work of the "entire campus community" to cut costs and stretch resources.
"Difficult challenges often bring out the best in us, and the successes celebrated by this university are testimony to its strong foundation," he said. "Thank you for your sacrifices and continued commitment to achieving our primary objective -- to maintain and enhance the academic quality of a student-centered Youngstown State University."
Community connection
In addressing those successes, Sweet pointed out the $22 million, 408-bed University Courtyard Apartments, dedicated last week.
"The Courtyard project also demonstrates how an urban university can serve as a catalyst for community revitalization," Sweet said. "On Sunday, hundreds of students began moving into the apartments. They truly are pioneers in an urban transformation. ... A new Youngstown, built literally upon the foundations of its past, is beginning to take shape in Smoky Hollow."
In discussing the Strategic Plan, Sweet said: "We are the architects of our future, and today I can report, with our strategic plan in place, we are building our future."
Initiatives
Among initiatives are:
UAn enrollment management plan. Total enrollment has increased by 900 since fall 2000.
UScholarship dollars' being targeted to those with financial need, excellent academic backgrounds and from outside the area. These scholarships include partnerships with groups such as the Wick Neighbors and the Northside Citizens Coalition.
UA plan that expands the view of campus to include the surrounding neighborhood, an area within a five- to 10-minute walk from the campus core.
UPlans to begin a Centennial Capital Campaign.
Sweet also underscored the completion this fall of the Bliss Hall addition for the art department, the groundbreaking next spring of the planned $12 million Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center, plans to study location and management options for the YSU bookstore and work toward a technology master plan.
Sweet discussed academic excellence and financial resources.
"I maintain my conviction that YSU is the best public university in Northeast Ohio for an undergraduate education," he said.
Pride in programs
He pointed out reaccreditation of the Beeghly College of Education, accreditation of the master of science in nursing's nurse-anesthetist program, undergraduate research, an award-winning math team, an award-winning Dana Saxophone Quintet and the academic excellence of YSU student athletes.
"We will continue to develop quality academic programs that meet the changing needs of our students and those of the 21st-century workplace and reinforce existing academic excellence," Sweet said. "We will also find ways to deliver those programs at times and places that maximize our access to the students we serve."
He also discussed various new programs, including forensic science, technical studies in business technology, power plant technology and a master's in social work.
He further touched on partnerships with other institutions, including Cuyahoga Community College for a nursing program and Kent State Trumbull.