Board Chair C. Richard Beckett, D.V.M.

The University of Findlay balanced its budget for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2007, with a surplus of over $2 million. Net assets increased $11 million.

Emphasis of the University will continue to be on further strengthening academic programs, improving facilities and services for students and faculty, and continuing to improve finances.

Two new deans and 19 new faculty members have been appointed for the new academic year. The academic ability of the incoming freshmen is the highest ever.

New academic majors which have been added include pharmacy, now in its fourth year; forensic science and chemistry, now in their second year; and animal science, in its first year. Programs in the allied health sciences have been expanded and have high enrollment.

Construction completed during the 2006-07 fiscal year amounted to $8.2 million. Projects include expanding the Mazza Museum in the Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion for $2.2 million; constructing and equipping five life science laboratories in the Davis Street building for $2.3 million; renovating and improving other buildings on campus and the equestrian farms for $1.5 million. Expenses also included $1.5 million for information technology, such as computer replacements and network software improvements.

The University board of trustees reviewed the above information at its meeting Oct. 4-5. Twenty-seven regular trustees and four special trustees attended the meeting.

“We had a good meeting,” Board Chairman C. Richard Beckett said. “Trustees are pleased with the exceptional progress of the University. We are expanding teaching capabilities and academic facilities substantially, systematically strengthening programs of the University, improving finances and making the already-beautiful campus more attractive. ”