Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 26, 2004 — The focus for The University of Findlay’s 2004-05 academic year is to build on established strengths and emphasize quality in all of its operations, according to Dr. DeBow Freed, University President.

Freed shared this viewpoint during his state of the University address to 500 faculty and staff at the recent opening of academic year activities.

Freed began his address by stressing that teaching students well is the primary purpose of The University of Findlay.

“The objective of the entire educational enterprise is to bring together students who want to learn and teachers who want to teach,” he said. “Mutual learning then takes place, and that is what education is all about.”

He noted that the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools approved continued accreditation of the University without reservation or stipulation for ten years, which is the maximum time allowance between reviews. The commission’s next comprehensive visit to UF is planned for the 2013-2014 academic year.

“The careful preparation for the 10-year review of our accreditation and the highly favorable report of the visiting review team were a great credit to the University,” he said.

In commenting on the current features of Findlay, Freed pointed out that UF benefits from an unusual combination of favorable factors: 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 and a good student culture toward learning.

All residence halls are full and more students than in previous years will be living on campus as the academic year begins, he said.

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.

Freed commented on the improvements that have occurred on campus this summer, including lab enhancements, computer capability and services, and repair and renovation of various campus buildings.

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 reported that the University has balanced its budget by over $1 million for the fiscal year which ended June 30, and that investments increased in market value by 25 percent in the last year. The University completed $1.5 million of academic and physical plant projects during the summer, which were paid for out of the University’s operating budget, with no additional borrowing.

The University of Findlay is a comprehensive university located in Findlay, Ohio, about 45 miles south of Toledo. With a total enrollment of 4,500 full-time and part-time students, The University of Findlay is noted for its innovative, career-oriented programs in more than 60 majors and eight master’s degrees.