Some items that the 2003-04 Ohio University Board of Trustees voted on are still being discussed on campus a decade later.
OU President Emeritus Robert Glidden recounted some of the projects that came in front of the board during his presidency. Such projects from 2003 included the building of Baker University Center, renovating Grover Center and Putnam Hall, as well as fixing up the Yamada International House, according to the Board of Trustees 2002-03 fiscal year budget books.
“There (is) tremendous study before you make any decision,” Glidden said. “You have to look at it in every factor (and) benefit (that) comes from that. The university doesn’t want to be in too much debt at one time.”
Glidden said that during his time at the university, other votes that came in front of the board stirred discussion on campus, such as 6 to 7 percent tuition increases, when there was no state mandated cap on tuition increaes and a decrease in state share of instruction.
“There was no way to maintain the quality of OU’s education in the face of cuts from the state (back then),” he said.
Most of the projects from a decade ago have been completed, contributing to the university’s mission of providing quality higher education, Glidden said.
“By all means, I can’t think of a single one of them that’s a mistake or a bad decision,” he said. “The university is better off. We felt that was worthy for the benefit of students in the future. There was a lot of discussion about that.”
The Board will vote Friday on the overhaul of Lausche Heating Plant— a $91 million project, according to a previous Post article.
“Our agenda is driven by the board’s fiduciary responsibility,” said Peter Mather, OU’s Board of Trustees secretary, in an email. “The specific agenda items include an array of university business items that are under the board’s jurisdiction, growing out of statute, bylaws and previous resolutions by the board.”
Some of the trustees are also aware of the electrical fire that burned at the heating plant Monday night, which left part of campus without power, necissating Lausche’s renovations, Mather said.
“It’s a big priority to improve our plans,” said OU student trustee Keith Wilbur. “With the events that have been happening, it kind of shows how effective the (capital) improvement plan is going to be.”
Glidden said the board doesn’t have hidden agendas and that they discuss their decisions at great length.
“The board plays an important role in representing the citizens of Ohio (and) operates in the public trust,” he said.
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