Dr. C. Richard Beckett Chairman of the Board of Directors

The University continues to expand and further strengthen academic and student programs. Substantial investments are being made in teaching faculty and the academic program. Thirty full-time faculty members, or 18 percent, have been added in the last four years, increasing the number of full-time faculty from 165 to 195.

External approvals have been completed for two professional doctoral degree programs. The first class of students to receive the Doctor of Pharmacy degree will be graduated in 2010 and the first Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees will be awarded in 2011.

A growing animal science major, which was initiated last year, complements the strong pre-veterinary and equestrian programs. An animal science facility to support the extensive pre-veterinary program is being constructed on Route 68 south of Findlay, near the western equestrian farm and pre-veterinary center.

Physical plant projects for the summer included air conditioning two major residence halls. Total construction, renovation, maintenance, and improvement projects amounted to about $5 million.

The budget was balanced for the fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2008, and is projected to be balanced for the current fiscal year.

The above information and actions were part of a meeting of the University Board of Trustees on Oct. 2 and 3. Thirty-three 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 progress and direction of the University. We are systematically strengthening the academic, teaching and student programs while improving finances. The University is adding exciting new educational features which will serve well for many years into the future.”