Aug. 26, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay’s 2005-06 academic year will focus on continued strengthening of good teaching and service to students, according to Dr. DeBow Freed, University president.

Freed discussed this focus during meetings with faculty and staff members in preparation for opening of the 2005-06 academic year.

He stressed 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. Mutual learning then takes place, and that is what education is all about.”

“We are in the delightful business of helping students realize their dreams.” Freed said. “What could be better or what purpose could be more noble?”

Commenting on current features of UF, Freed noted that The University is the largest private university in northwest Ohio, and probably awards more masters degrees that all other private colleges in northwest Ohio combined.

He also stated that UF benefits from an unusual combination of 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 friendly campus culture.

Freed complimented the group for six successful accreditation reviews of different programs in the last ten months.

He noted that academic programs are operating well and that improvement, such as new and revised course offerings, expanded clinical programs and internship opportunities, and enhanced technology are increasing the overall quality of the University’s offerings.

All residence halls are full, and temporary accommodations are being provided to about 40 incoming freshmen until permanent housing is available. Three hundred more students live on campus than three years ago.

UF is expecting about 700 new full-time, undergraduate students this fall plus an additional estimated 400 new students in graduate and other programs, many of whom will register later. Over 400 international students are expected to be enrolled.

Freed also reported that the 2004-05 budget was balanced with a good margin, and that the good financial operations reflect fine cooperation throughout the University.

About 100 academic, physical plant, and personnel projects were completed over the summer. The projects, general maintenance, repair and campus improvements, were paid for out of the operating budget or from donations.

Classes officially begin at UF on Monday, Aug. 29.