Tressel discusses campus’ future in NEXTYSU address

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel is updating the campus and the community this morning about happenings surrounding the university.

In his presentation dubbed, "NEXTYSU: A New Look for a New Era," Tressel pointed to expanded private-company student housing, increased retail and improved road improvements.

"We are at an important crossroads in the history of YSU," Tressel said.

He boasted of the university's first Rhodes Scholar Ashley Orr and two Goldwater Scholars.

As the population of the five-county area from which YSU historically draws 85 percent of its students, the university has to expand its footprint, Tressel said.

He listed the Hallmark Campus Communities student apartment on Rayen Avenue, the Melnick Hall renovation, planned improvements to Wick and Lincoln avenues, consolidation of student services and negotiations with Barnes and Noble to take over the bookstore operations as key highlights.

Other key priorities stressed by Tressel:

• Lincoln Avenue will be narrowed and parking restricted to one side.

• The privately-owned University Edge student apartment complex is 100 percent leased with 10 people on a waiting list.

• Later this month, university officials will apply for a federal grant to fund improvements along Fifth Avenue, connecting St. Elizabeth, YSU to the Youngstown Businesses Incubator to Mill Creek Park.

Tressel also continues to emphasize the importance of creating what he calls a Culture of Community. A council has been created to help with that endeavor to make YSU a place where everyone feels welcome.