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Two years down for Tressel and one to go
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
When Jim Tressel started as Youngstown State University president, he was greeted by a budget deficit, declining student enrollment and vacancies among top staff.
That was two years ago. Tressel’s official term began July 1, 2014, and he signed a three-year contract.
His leadership team is in place, although some positions have been consolidated and others created, and the budget is balanced for the first time since 2012. Enrollment realized a modest increase for spring semester.
Tressel is quick to share the credit and is proud of “how everyone rolled up their sleeves.”
Balancing the budget required many people across campus to put off projects and equipment purchases, he said. Tressel also lauded employee unions for agreeing to no or modest increases in the last round of contract negotiations.
Efforts to widen the university’s recruiting footprint and bolster retention continue.
While Tressel is modest about his efforts and accomplishments, others practically gush.
“I would say without reservation probably Jim has done more for the Youngstown Business Incubator in the two years he’s been here than any previous president,” said Jim Cossler, YBI chief executive.
Tressel “evangelizes” YBI all over the state and the country, he said. The YSU president also has hosted YBI events at the Pollock House, the university-owned presidential residence.
“He is constantly introducing us to people,” Cossler said. “He is amazing.”
Carole Weimer, chairwoman of YSU’s trustees, said Tressel continually exceeds trustees’ expectations.
“He doesn’t need direction from the board,” she said.
Mayor John A. McNally said the city has a good relationship with Tressel and the university.
The city and YSU, for example, have been working together to make the Wick and Lincoln avenue improvement projects happen.
The city’s board of control last week voted to award a contract for the Wick project to a Youngstown company, and work is expected to begin soon.
Tressel has set his sights this year on developing what he calls “a culture of community” on campus, ensuring campus diversity and unity.
University policy sets Oct. 1 as the date by which talks must start for negotiating another contract between Tressel and YSU.
He wants to stay.
“I hope so,” he said.
Weimer wants Tressel to continue as president, too.
“I’m absolutely hoping he stays beyond the three-year contract,” she said.
If he and YSU reach agreement, Tressel said he’ll fulfill it.
“I’m not going to sign up for the optics of it and then not do it,” he said.
Despite speculation throughout the community about Tressel running for office, he said he has no political aspirations.
Being a grandpa is the only vocation he sees as a dream job. He’s already doing that. His first grandchild, Jonathan James, was born in early 2015 to his eldest daughter, Carlee.
Tressel wants to continue his focus on keeping college affordable for students. YSU emphasizes financial literacy in hopes of keeping students’ debt low.
Weimer pointed to Tressel’s efforts to bring more amenities to campus for students. Construction is underway and expected to be finished in time for the start of fall semester on one student apartment complex, and another complex with retail establishments is expected.
Both projects are on university-owned property that’s leased to the private companies.
Weimer also pointed to Tressel’s fundraising prowess. The YSU Foundation, which raises money for YSU, saw $20.5 million in donations in the fiscal year that ended June 30. That’s up from $13 million for the same period in 2015 and $6.2 million for 2014.
“I think his fundraising ability and what he’s been able to accomplish so far has been remarkable,” Weimer said. “He’s a rock star.”