Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez gave her State of the University address Wednesday, where she described university accomplishments and new challenges.
The first speaker was OU’s Board of Trustees Chairman Matthew Evans, who introduced Gonzalez. He said that it was his privilege to introduce a leader whose vision, values and commitment to OU’s mission continue to shape the future of Ohio University.
“For more than 220 years, Ohio University has transformed lives through education, discovery, creativity and service,” Evans said. “That legacy is remarkable, but the future holds even greater promise.”
Gonzalez began her speech by introducing the new freshman class and acknowledging OU traditions, such as homecoming, moms and dads weekend and cheering on the Marching 110.
Gonzalez said in her address that what makes OU so special is the people, the students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“I am starting my fourth year as president, and I’m continually encouraged by the passion of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends that they have for this university,” Gonzalez said. “This is a very special place and it’s both an honor and a responsibility to steward, along with the campus community, the legacy of Ohio and our historic and visionary charter.”
Gonzalez mentioned the opening of the new Marching 110 facility and McDavis Hall, a new residence hall on campus named in honor of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis.
President Gonzalez also said that the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Translational Research Center will open in November.
“This facility will expand our ability to move discoveries from the laboratory to real-world impact, embodying what is best about a public research institution: generating knowledge, improving lives, engaging students and addressing society’s most pressing health challenges,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said these accomplishments are important, as they represent something larger for OU.
“They demonstrate that Ohio continues to invest strategically in the student experience, in world-class research and in the future of our institution,” Gonzalez said.
OU, according to Gonzalez, has continued to maintain the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, one of 187 national research universities earning this classification. This places OU among institutions, including Harvard University, Dartmouth University and Johns Hopkins University, according to an American Economic Association study.
OU is also recognized as a Carnegie Opportunity College, as an institution that offers high access to higher education, while “ensuring our students earn higher wages upon graduation,” according to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also touched on the importance of the arts and humanities at OU.
“At a time when many institutions are questioning the role of the humanities and the liberal arts, we continue to believe that they sit at the heart of transformative education,” Gonzalez said. “It’s preparation for leadership, citizenship and meaningful lives.”
Gonzalez also highlighted the importance of faculty at OU, saying they are critical to producing innovation, making discoveries and engaging in creative activities. Gonzalez briefly mentioned ongoing negotiations with United Academics of Ohio University, OU’s faculty union, regarding their compensation proposal.
“We’re working through our first faculty union contract, an important moment in the history of this institution,” Gonzalez said.
She also highlighted the strength of OU’s alumni network.
Gonzalez went on to recognize the resilience and determination of OU faculty throughout events in the last 20 years, including how the global recession in 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic changed all aspects of education and life.
Gonzalez also discussed the financial, social and political challenges colleges are facing today, emphasizing how OU is positioning itself for long-term relevance and sustainability.
“Our university is facing extraordinary challenges, including relatively flat state support, limits on tuition growth, rising costs, inflationary pressures and questions about the value of a four-year college degree,” Gonzalez said. “We must implement strategies to ensure that OHIO remains strong.”
However, Gonzalez maintains that OU has a strong foundation, with many assets to lean on as they seek new cost-saving initiatives.
Despite this, Gonzalez announced that the university is launching a three-year campaign this fall to raise scholarship funds to expand educational opportunities for students.
Toward the end of her speech, Gonzalez said in the coming months, there will be opportunities for members of the OU community to provide feedback, share ideas and help define the next phase of work for the university.
“Strategy may provide direction, but people are ultimately what determines success,” Gonzalez said.
She also acknowledged the importance of student admission and retention at the university, saying students who attend OU and graduate from OU are more likely to advocate for the university.
“Every student who graduates represents a life changed and a promise fulfilled,” Gonzalez said.
For those who were unable to attend the speech live, a livestream is available on the OU website.
