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McDavis Delivers State of the University Address


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Ohio University President Dr. Roderick McDavis addressed faculty and staff today in his yearly State of the University address.  McDavis praised faculty accomplishments and highlighted student achievements.  He said as he prepares for each year's address, he marvels at how the university community can top the previous year's accomplishments.

McDavis acknowledged the university is about the embark on "a period great of change", specifically in the transition from quarters to semesters. "I was a freshman in the fall of 1966, the last year Ohio University was on semesters before changing to quarters," he said, noting the upcoming switch feels like he has come full circle.  McDavis praised the hard work of faculty and staff responsible for guiding the transition.

McDavis highlighted plans for a new Certificate of Entrepreneurship, a program available to students through a partnership with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs.  Students will be able to earn the certificate beginning next fall.  McDavis cited the certificate as one way Ohio University is staying ahead of current trends in an effort to be innovative.  "We must continue to explore what is possible, maximize our ability to elevate the human condition find support for student learning and lift up our areas of strength and transformation by partnering with public and private entities," said McDavis.

McDavis issued a series of goals for the university community in the coming year.  Among them: 

– recruiting faculty with established records for teaching, scholarship and research

– developing new, financially-viable academic programs

– increasing both merit-based and need-based scholarship programs

– and supporting community-based outreach programs

He says he believes the faculty, staff and students at Ohio University will come together to accomplish these goals.  "As we move forward, the secret to our success and the key to how we will continue to pursue our vision to be the nation's best transformational learning community is that we do it together."

Click below for a complete copy of McDavis' address.