Sweet touts YSU's successes in state of university speech

It came as no surprise that Youngstown State University President Dr. David Sweet struck an optimistic note this week when he delivered his annual State of the University speech at Beeghly Center. That's what presidents, whether of countries, corporations or institutions of higher learning, are supposed to do. Such speeches are meant to rally the forces -- and lift the spirits.
But Sweet did have reason to use words like successes and strong foundation, and to contend, "We are the architects of our future, and today I can report, with our strategic plan in place, we are building our future."
While much of what occurs on university campuses isn't visible to the public, YSU's changing skyline certainly does demonstrate that positive change is taking place. The $22 million, 405-bed University Courtyard Apartments complex in Smoky Hollow goes a long way in making YSU a residential campus. And that's a strong selling point for attracting students from beyond the immediate area.
Sweet, the urban planning specialist who played a key role in the revitalization of Cleveland, sees the Courtyard Apartments as more than just a YSU project. It demonstrates "how an urban university can serve as a catalyst for community revitalization," the president 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."
Enrollment increase
There are other signs of progress that support Sweet's claim that the university has been able to weather the financial storm triggered by the loss of $5.4 million in state funding: Enrollment is up by 900 since the fall of 2000; Beeghly College of Education has won re-accreditation; the master of science in nursing's nurse-anesthetist program has received accreditation; academic excellence of YSU student athletes; award-winning math team and Dana Saxophone Quintet; groundbreaking next spring of the $12 million Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center; and completion this fall of the Bliss Hall addition for the art department.
"I maintain my conviction that YSU is the best public university in Northeast Ohio for an undergraduate education," Sweet said.
We have no doubt that his colleagues at other institutions would disagree, but considering what has taken place at YSU this year, Sweet can be excused his verbal overreach.
While we do applaud the progress that has been made, we are mindful of the fact that YSU still faces financial challenges and, therefore, reiterate our objections to the pay raises that were granted to most employees on campus. When Sweet thanks the university community for the "sacrifices" it has made, we wonder what word he would have used had administrators, faculty and staff agreed to concessions, such as copayments for health insurance premiums.
Given Ohio's economic collapse and the slim chance of a quick recovery, Sweet and the board of trustees would do well to develop a cost-cutting plan that focuses on salaries and benefits, which account for a major portion of the operating budget.
A tuition increase should be the last resort. Students have unfairly borne the brunt of the current fiscal crisis.