Tressel lays out a vision for YSU that tackles challenges

Higher education in Ohio is in the midst of a major transformation, requiring four-year and two-year institutions to develop strategies to meet the challenges that abound.

Youngstown State University President James P. Tressel recognizes this, as evidenced by the vision he unveiled last week.

“We’re at an important crossroads in the history of YSU,” Tressel said during his presentation on campus titled “Next-YSU: A New Look for a New Era.”

After almost two years at the helm of the urban, open-access institution, the president understands that the status quo is not sustainable. There are internal pressures with regard to operating budgets and enrollment, and the external ones triggered by state government’s reassessment of higher education. The directive to university and college presidents from Republican Gov. John Kasich and the Republican-controlled General Assembly is multifaceted: cut student costs; reduce the average time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree from six years to four years; end duplication of postgraduate degree offerings; prepare students for the technology-based workplace.

Finally, each institution knows that its uniqueness will go a long way toward cementing its position in the statewide system.

For years, Youngstown State has led the way in meeting the state’s goal of increasing the number of first-in-the-family higher education attendees. State officials in Columbus have acknowledged that effort.

But now, with all the changes taking place, YSU has got to do more to make itself indispensable in the drive to increase the college-going rate in Ohio.

That’s why Tressel’s presentation last week was so important. It laid out a vision that is designed to expand YSU’s reach for students and to address the state’s need for qualified individuals to fill the hundreds of jobs in the private sector.

Unfilled jobs

The governor has made much of the fact that there are more than 130,000 jobs that are now unfilled because employers cannot find qualified applicants.

In his address to the university community and business and political leaders in the Valley, Tressel discussed one of his signature initiatives, the Mahoning Valley Innovation and Commercialization Center, which is designed to be an entrepreneurial hub with educational and research space.

The $30 million project would involve kindergarten-through-12th-grade schools, Eastern Gateway Community College, YSU, Youngstown Business Incubator and the cities of Youngstown and Warren.

YSU had sought $10 million from the biennial capital budget, but will receive $3 million. The Youngstown State University Foundation will raise a portion of the funds for the long-range project, and additional state money will then be sought.

Tressel and Paul McFadden, president of the foundation, believe that the $3 million from the General Assembly is a positive development because it reflects the state’s endorsement of the project.

As for expanding the university’s reach for students, Tressel told the gathering the five-county area that has historically provided 85 percent of the students is no longer viable because the population has been declining.

Thus, YSU has been forced to increase the number of student apartment complexes. The latest one under construction is University Edge on Rayen and Lincoln avenues between Fifth and Belmont avenues. The first phase is expected to open this fall with 162 beds.

Also in the works is The Enclave, to be located on Wick Avenue between Lincoln and Rayen. Finally, a set of apartments is planned on the southeast corner of Wick and Rayen avenues.

The Vindicator’s coverage of Tressel’s presentation last week provided many details of the new era envisioned by him, but the one that should provide a boost to the marketing effort is the new Student Success Center in Jones Hall.

All services related to student retention and success will be consolidated on the third floor of Jones Hall, which is the university’s hallmark.

The vision unveiled by Tressel will take the university in a direction aimed at strengthening its position in the Ohio’s higher education system.