Sweet set strong foundation, but YSU will face challenges

The decision by the board of trustees of Youngstown State University not to renegotiate the terms of President David Sweet’s contract should not be taken as a repudiation of his nine-year tenure. Rather, it is a recognition of current economic realities. Sweet had not sought to have his contract, which expires June 30, 2010, extended; he had sought some improvements to his retirement package.

The trustees were right in telling the president that they look forward to his being around until the end, but that there won’t be any contract sweeteners. These appointees of the governor would have had a difficult time explaining to the public why, for instance, the university should purchase the president’s house in Liberty Township at a time of record foreclosure rates in the Mahoning Valley.

A tough sell

They also would have been hard-pressed to sell students, parents who foot the tuition bill, and taxpayers on the idea that an individual whose salary this year is $239,358, along with a housing allowance of $60,180 and car allowance of $9,078, should get even more — especially when his public pension will be greater than most family incomes in this area.

When the trustees met April 3 and denied Sweet’s request for changes to his contract, they were quick to “acknowledge with appreciation” the president’s accomplishments since coming to YSU in mid-2000. And they were sincere. A review of what has occurred at the university under his guidance does show major advancements in management-labor relations, enrollment, academic restructuring and, most significantly, the raising of money — particularly from the private sector — for major development projects.

Thus, as the trustees begin the process of finding a replacement for Sweet, they can rest assured that a firm foundation has been set.

A global view

But, there are challenges on the horizon that the presidential search committee must broach with the applicants to determine just how conversant they are with higher education in Ohio, the nation and the world.

For instance, the state community college to serve this section of Ohio — it will be a collaboration of Jefferson Community College, Youngstown State University and Kent State University — will negatively impact freshman enrollment at YSU. How will the university deal with the loss of tuition revenue? Indeed, the community college will offer the first two years of higher education, which means the effect on the four-year institution could be even greater.

Then there is the challenge put forth by Chancellor of Higher Education Eric Fingerhut for state universities and colleges to justify their existence and show how they excel academically compared with the others.

Finally, there is the issue of funding of higher education in Ohio that must be of concern to all the institutions. While they have been spared the spending cuts that Gov. Ted Strickland has imposed through most of state government, the future does not look as encouraging. Trustees must have a clear understanding of each presidential candidate’s philosophy and vision.

Let the sunshine in

As for the presidential search process itself, we insist on behalf of Youngstown State University’s stakeholders that the trustees err on the side of openness.

We understand the need for private meetings between the board and the finalists, but those should be the exception rather than the rule.