ATHENS — Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez outlined new initiatives and celebrated recent achievements during her annual State of the University address on Sept. 24.
Speaking at the Walter Hall Rotunda, Gonzalez highlighted the university’s accomplishments over the past year, including the completion of phase one of the Dynamic Strategy, recognition as an Opportunity College and University, and a No. 1 ranking for Best Value among public universities in Ohio by U.S. News and World Report, according to a community announcement.
Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez announced several new initiatives, recognized OHIO’s successes of the past year and expressed her gratitude for the entire University community during the annual State of the University address on Sept. 24.
The president also announced the formation of the Ohio University Employee Innovation and Efficiency Awards program, which aims to recognize individuals and teams who contribute innovative solutions to the university’s challenges.
“That’s the kind of impact we want to lift up and scale — practical solutions that make OHIO stronger, more efficient and more aligned with our mission,” Gonzalez said in the announcement.
Ongoing and new initiatives
Gonzalez introduced several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the launch of the Center for Community Impact, which aims to align and elevate the university’s outreach and partnerships. The center seeks to ensure that the university’s work reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves while creating new opportunities for collaboration and regional impact.
The university is also furthering its R1T1 initiative in collaboration with the John Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education. This initiative aims to define a “T1 Institution” and achieve the nation’s highest standards in both research and teaching.
Additionally, Ohio University is expanding alumni mentorship opportunities with a focus on coaching to career and co-curricular opportunities for students. This effort includes an expanded alumni mentoring and coaching initiative that will extend freshman learning communities into the spring semester, focusing on group mentorship opportunities.
The university is also sharing additional details and learning from the ModernThink Workplace Survey, which aimed to confirm areas of pride in the university’s mission and teaching. The survey provided feedback that will guide action at both the unit and institutional levels.
A collaborative working group is being formed across the Engage and Learn Dynamic Strategy pillars to explore the development of non-credit-bearing courses and credentialing opportunities to support workforce needs.
“For more than 220 years, OHIO has adapted, persevered, and led,” Gonzalez said in the announcement. “Today, we are ready to keep moving forward with that same determination and spirit.”
More highlights
The address also highlighted the university’s continued progress on capital projects, including the construction of the Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall on South Green and the Heritage Translational Research Center.
The formation of the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging was also noted, positioning Ohio University as a national leader in healthy aging research.
Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the entire university community, acknowledging the more than 8,000 new students and 161 new faculty members welcomed this year.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Ohio University president shares vision in annual address
