Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2003 —The University of Findlay President DeBow Freed, Ph.D., gave a state of the University address to faculty and staff at the Opening of the Academic Year activities today in the Malcolm Athletic Center, Koehler Fitness and Recreation Complex.

Freed began his address by stressing that teaching students well is the primary purpose of The University of Findlay. He said, “The objective of the entire educational enterprise is to bring together students who want to learn and teachers who want to teach. Mutual learning then takes place, and that is what education is all about.” In addition, Freed encouraged faculty and staff to continue to be a source of inspiration for students across campus.

In commenting on the current culture at Findlay, Freed pointed out that UF benefits from an unusual combination of favorable factors, including capable and committed faculty and staff who have positive relations with students, faculty with a strong orientation toward helping students learn, faculty stability and low turnover, the composition of the student body, a good student culture and the addition of 250 students living on campus this academic year.

Freed also discussed Findlay’s well-operating academic programs, which benefit from features such as new and revised courses, expanded clinical and internship opportunities, the use of technology for more effective teaching and academic programs that respond to a wide variety of student needs.

Enrollment at Findlay is another positive situation stressed by Freed. The projection on new full-time undergraduate students for this fall is about 730, the largest freshman class in the institution’s history. Total enrollment, Freed explained, likely will remain consistent with last year.

Freed commented on the improvements that have occurred on campus this summer, including the possession of Winebrenner Village (now called UF Village) for student housing, offices and home to UF’s hospitality management program. Other improvements include rooms in Myers and Morey Halls being converted from double rooms into single rooms. Henderson Dining Hall was renovated to include a modernized kitchen and expanded seating capacity. Three hundred additional parking spaces have been added to campus during the summer months. Freed also noted the opening of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, which provides UF access to three 50-person classrooms, five offices and a 750-seat auditorium.

Stressing that academic and educational programs at Findlay are in good condition, he went on to state that there is good initiative across campus. He also addressed recent financial concerns of the institution.

“Findlay has never been a rich institution nor have most of the other old-line colleges in the country. Many of those institutions, which had sparse beginnings, have developed some but not as much or as well as Findlay. Indeed, growth and development of Findlay is almost unique among institutions of its size and shape,” said Freed, noting that The University of Findlay is the largest private institution in northwest Ohio and likely awards more graduate degrees than all other private institutions in northwest Ohio combined.

Although faced with some financial challenges, Freed observed, “If you have good teaching and concern for students, finances can be fixed. We have good teaching and concern for students, and finances can be fixed…The key features of our type of institution is to keep our eyes on the fundaments – good teaching and responding to the needs of students. If we do that and act prudent financially, other matters can fall in place.”

Finally, Freed offered several initial actions to strengthen programs for the future. First, additional full-time faculty positions have been authorized. Secondly, non-teaching positions will be covered, when possible, by promoting from within. The auditorium in Winebrenner Theological Seminary provides an opportunity for a cultural events series, Freed noted thirdly. Next, cardiac-related exercise equipment will be added and will provide a needed service for students, faculty and staff. Completion of the report for the Higher Learning Commission, in preparation for an accreditation site visit in February 2004, is the fifth action. The cost of textbooks and their use in the education of students is the sixth point. Freed also pointed out that faculty and staff must recognize the privilege of serving on a college campus and noted that having faculty and staff with positive attitudes benefits UF.

Closing his address, Freed said, “These are some of the reasons my wife and I are delighted to be with you and to work with you toward helping further strengthen the University. It can be done. With all our efforts directed toward that task and opportunity, it will be done.”