Responding to state plans is YSU priority

YOUNGSTOWN — Developing a response to the proposed state “Strategic Plan for Higher Education” will be Youngstown State University’s top priority this school year.

Dr. David C. Sweet, president, said the university must improve its core academic strengths as part of that response, be creative in seeking funding while maintaining its open access mission and ensure that the development of the proposed Mahoning Valley community college benefits the valley and YSU.

Sweet delivered his annual State of the University address this morning to faculty and staff in Kilcawley Center.

The university met major challenges in fiscal 2008, its Centennial year, he said, not the least of which was winning a full 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Enrollment growth will continue to be a priority for YSU, he said, noting the 13,497 students enrolled last fall was the highest number in 13 years.

The university had set a goal of 14,000 for this fall semester, which begins Monday, and Sweet said he is encouraged by the preliminary enrollment numbers.

Unofficial figures put the enrollment in the 13,700 range at this point.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.