OHIO Board of Trustees to learn more about University’s growing national leadership in healthy aging research, recent institutional designations by Carnegie

The Ohio University Board of Trustees will learn about the growing impact of OHIO’s five institutes that are leading and advancing healthy aging research; they will also receive an update regarding Ohio University’s Opportunity College and Professions-Focused designations within the latest Carnegie Classifications—recognitions that affirm the University’s national leadership in delivering a high-value education that leads to lifelong success.

Additionally, the Board will receive a one-year progress report on OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy since its Board approval in June 2024. The update will include an overview of activities and accomplishments in the first year for each of the plan’s four pillars: Learn, Discover, Engage and Work.

The Board will also receive an enrollment update from Vice President of Enrollment Management Candace J. Boeninger, who will share an interim progress report on the University’s multi-year strategic enrollment planning efforts. Additionally, she’ll provide information about continued strong student interest in OHIO and anticipated trends for fall 2025.

Committee meetings will begin on the Athens Campus at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, in Walter Hall 104 and conclude around 2:30 p.m. Committee meetings will resume on Friday, June 13, starting at 9 a.m., with the main board meeting beginning at 11:20 a.m. The complete schedule and agenda for the June meetings, including links to meeting livestreams for both days, is available online at ohio.edu/trustees. 

Additional agenda items from the Board of Trustees’ June meetings are anticipated to include:

Discover Pillar: Five Institutes of Advancing Healthy Aging Research

Academics and Student Success Committee, 1 p.m., Thursday, June 12, Walter Hall 104

Chief Medical Affairs Officer and Executive Dean of Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Dr. Kenneth Johnson will share with the Board how Ohio University is emerging as a regional and national leader in healthy aging research through strategic institute development.

The presentation will demonstrate how the five health-focused institutes at Ohio University—the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), the Diabetes Institute (DI), the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI), the Institute to Advance Health Equity (ADVANCE), and Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA) — contribute to advancing the Discover Pillar of the Dynamic Strategy. Johnson will also highlight both the distinct contributions of the institutes and their collaborative efforts in advancing research related to healthy aging.

Additionally, the Board will learn more about the University’s strategic rationale for evolving the Edison Biotechnology Institute (EBI) into a newly rebranded Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging.

2025 Carnegie Classifications

Academics and Student Success Committee, 1 p.m., Thursday, June 12, Walter Hall 104

Vice President of University Communications and Marketing Robin Oliver will share details on OHIO’s Professions-Focused and Opportunity College designations, and the newly redesigned system for classifying universities from the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.

The presentation will outline a description of the new Institutional Classification, which has replaced the 50-year-old “Basic Classification” for Universities, as well as how Ohio University is now classified. Oliver will also share information on the entirely new Access and Earnings Classification system, which includes a newly established “Opportunity Colleges and Universities” distinction.

FY25 Forecast and FY26 All Funds Operating Budget

Resources, Facilities, and Affordability Committee, 9 a.m., Friday, June 13, Walter Hall 104

Vice President for Finance & Administration, CFO and Treasurer David B. Moore will present an overview of the FY25 financial forecast. The presentation will also highlight how OHIO has balanced revenues and expenses in the proposed FY26 budget by methodically using reserves, continuing to focus on developing and implementing strategies and achieving a sustainable multi-year budget approach.

Capital Projects

Resources, Facilities, and Affordability Committee, 9 a.m., Friday, June 13, Walter Hall 104

The Board will consider several new capital projects, including:

• College of Fine Arts Facilities Renewal - The Board will consider a resolution for the continuation of efforts to upgrade and consolidate the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts facilities. This project supports the “Bringing the Arts Together” initiative and includes the design and construction of the Patton Center for Arts and Education, along with essential safety and programmatic upgrades for each school in the college. It also addresses floodplain mitigation, renovates Seigfred Hall, expands and renovates the Sculpture Studio, and provides minor improvements in Glidden and Putnam Halls. This $112 million project would be funded with a combination of State Capital Appropriations, Century Bond residual funding, external gift funding and fundraising.
• Ohio University Southern Exterior Improvements - The Board will consider a resolution to address critical deferred maintenance of multiple buildings on the OHIO Southern campus including the Collins Center, Academic Center, Dingus Center and Riffe Center. Repairs involve replacing or restoring roofing materials, membranes, insulation, gutters, skylights and snow guards. This $650,000 project would be funded with a combination of Regional Higher Education Departmental Reserves and State Capital Appropriations.
• Ohio University Chillicothe Bennett Hall Storm Sewer Improvements - The Board will consider a resolution to address urgent deferred maintenance by repairing and replacing a storm drain runoff system and rooftop runoff infrastructure at the OHIO Chillicothe campus. This $625,000 project would be funded with State Capital Appropriations.