October Highlights: Ohio Board of Trustees Celebrates Regional Campus Successes and Student Engagement Updates

The Ohio University Board of Trustees recently shared updates about successes at regional campuses during meetings on October 16 and 17 in Athens.

Key Highlights

Luke Pittaway, a professor at the College of Business, presented his research on entrepreneurship education. He emphasized the importance of economic theory in shaping entrepreneurial practices and shared insights about a current project focused on corporate venturing.

David Moore, the university’s CFO, provided an update on the preliminary financial results for fiscal year 2025. Greg Simmons, head of the Ohio University Foundation, also discussed the university’s endowment status.

Executive Vice President Donald Leo talked about a new Governance Working Group. This group will allow faculty from specific colleges to offer recommendations about their employment terms.

Enrollment and Retention Update

Vice President Candace J. Boeninger highlighted that overall enrollment has risen to 30,692, a 3.6% increase from the previous year. The Athens campus alone welcomed 4,550 new first-year students, with many being from Ohio. Retention rates are also improving, reaching a record 84.7% for first-time bachelor’s students.

Research indicates that strong support systems in place, including career development initiatives and expanded scholarship offerings, are driving this success.

Student Experience Enhancement

Dean of Students Kathy Fahl and Assistant VP Imants Jaunarajs discussed enhancements to the new student orientation program, which engaged nearly 10,000 people this summer. New parent programs and social activities are aiming to strengthen community connections right from the start.

Additionally, mental health services have seen significant developments. A recent survey found that 38% of college students reported symptoms of depression, underlining the need for effective mental health interventions on campus. Ohio University is actively working on a comprehensive plan to address these challenges.

Capital Projects and Future Planning

The Board also approved several important capital projects, such as a $6 million upgrade to the HVAC systems in Glidden Hall. Keeping campus facilities in good shape is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in education.

To further enhance its offerings, Ohio University has altered the names of several centers to better reflect their missions and improve clarity, such as rebranding the “Institute for Applied and Professional Ethics” to the “Center for Applied and Professional Ethics.”

In recent years, Ohio University has made strides to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of higher education. With initiatives centered around community engagement and student well-being, the university is focused on ensuring a positive experience for its students.

For more details on the state of mental health in college students, see the Healthy Minds Study.

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