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YSU science objective gets chancellor’s nod
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Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, pictured with YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson, gives approval Thursday to a doctorate program in materials science and engineering.
By Denise Dick
By DENISE DICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut’s approval of Youngstown State University’s doctorate in materials science and engineering aims to spur economic growth.
Fingerhut announced the approval during a visit Thursday to YSU. It is part of the university’s plans to be an emerging Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Engineering.
“This has the potential to have far-reaching impact on the area for years to come,” YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson said.
Fingerhut called it a historic moment for a university.
“Advanced materials is a critical area for Ohio,” Fingerhut said in a meeting before the announcement with The Vindicator’s editorial board.
Akron developed as a center for polymers and soft materials with the Center of Excellence at that university playing a role.
Youngstown’s area is hard materials. The center focuses on the transformation of novel ceramic, metallic and electronic materials into manufactured products with properties appropriate for energy and related industries.
“It’s essential to Youngstown’s future to have a center of excellence like this,” Fingerhut said.
It will play a role in the economic development of the region, he said.
“Ohio’s future economic prosperity will be built on the strength of our state’s ability to use its powerful network of higher education to provide the talent, research and entrepreneurship critical for competing in today’s global economy,” the chancellor said.
Peter Kasvinsky, YSU’s associate provost for research and the dean of the school of graduate studies and research, said that the proposed doctorate in materials science and engineering now goes to the Higher Learning Commission for approval. The hope is to take applications to the program for fall 2011.
Part of the establishment of Eastern Gateway Community College was to bring a community college to the Mahoning Valley, but it also was to free up YSU to focus on becoming an urban research university, Fingerhut said.
A doctorate program is an essential component at an urban research facility, he said.
Bruce R. Beeghly, a member of the Board of Regents and a former YSU trustees board member, said the approval is not only a milestone for YSU but also a historic benchmark for its future.