During yesterday’s State of the University, Ohio University President Roderick McDavis posited to about 75 faculty and staff members that, despite the economic crisis, OU has made advancements that are improving the world.
The faculty and staff convocation, held yesterday in Walter Hall Rotunda, reflected on last year’s achievements, planned for the year ahead and honored English professor Mark Halliday with 2011’s Distinguished Professor award.
“The faculty-staff convocation presents an opportunity for faculty and staff to come together at the beginning of an academic year to look at the accomplishments of the last year and to look at the goals, dreams and visions of the upcoming year,” said Becky Watts, McDavis’ chief of staff.
This was the second annual faculty and staff convocation. Before last year, McDavis presented his State of the University speech on Founders Day. All OU faculty and staff are invited to the event, Watts said.
“You are doing extra and special things,” McDavis said. “These are some of the most difficult economic times. Weekly, daily, we are made aware of millions of people who are still without jobs; themarket is unsteady and utilities are increasing. Yet, this faculty and staff have continued to excel. We continue to see faculty step up and go above and beyond the call of duty.”
McDavis highlighted some of last year’s accomplishments, including the development of the Somavert drug, which is expected to profit $52 million, gender-neutral housing and the opening of the Walter International Education Center.
“Our students, faculty, staff and administration are doing more than changing our world,”McDavis said. “Indeed, they are improving it.”
The conference provided faculty and staff an opportunity to reflect on the achievements they accomplished, including research projects being conducted by several OU colleges.
“I am very proud of the university, in spite of all the challenges of the economy,” said Scott Titsworth, interim dean of the Scripps College of Communication. “Everyone worked really hard to do this research. I am proud of how the university banded around what we should be doing with the aspirations of our university’s stature.”
Administrators also reflected on the diversity of last year’s accomplishments.
“I think what is most impressive is how accomplished we are spread across the faculty in many areas and endeavors,” said Eric Rothenbuhler, associate dean of the Scripps College of Communication.
McDavis spoke about the plans for the budget to be finalized later this year, the university’s new sustainability plan and the change from quarters to semesters. Some faculty members said they are confident in the work the university has
done so far with the Q2S plans.
“The Q2S program provided an opportunity not only to make transitions,” Titsworth said. “They made changes in ways that benefit students.”
McDavis concluded his speech with encouragement for faculty and staff as the academic year begins.
“Together, we are setting new standards for transformation,” he said. “Together, we are exploring a new frontier. Together, we are Ohio University.”
sj950610@ohiou.edu
