ATHENS, Ohio — The Ohio University Board of Trustees will delve into the national impact of the university’s carbon materials research and celebrate a record-breaking Giving Day during meetings on April 17 and 18, while also engaging with students and reviewing enrollment and financial updates.
On Thursday, the board will hear from Executive Vice President and Provost Donald Leo and Jason Trembly, Russ Endowed Chair and director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, about OHIO’s growing role in carbon materials research. “The presentation will outline the ‘built environment,’ highlighting the associated challenges and emphasizing the unique opportunities available to Appalachia,” Trembly said. He will showcase the research team’s achievements and outline plans to enhance OHIO’s leadership in addressing demands for carbon materials, particularly in the Appalachian region.
The board will also connect with students from the Center for Law, Justice and Culture (CLJC) to explore its academic and experiential learning programs. Kevin Uhalde, CLJC director and associate professor of history, and Larry Hayman, director of legal engagement and pre-law programs, will join students in highlighting opportunities that prepare them for careers in law and society. “During their presentation, the students … will highlight the multiple ways the CLJC offers student experiential learning opportunities and prepares them for careers in related fields,” a university statement noted.
On Friday, Vice President of University Advancement Greg Simmons will share a fundraising and engagement report, spotlighting OHIO’s recent Giving Day success. “He will highlight University Advancement’s strategic priorities, as well as provide a summary of commitment dollars, cash donors and alumni donors, and cash dollars into The Ohio University Foundation,” the agenda stated. Simmons will also review endowment updates and 2024 alumni giving metrics.
Additional agenda items include an enrollment update from Vice President of Enrollment Management Candace J. Boeninger, noting strong student retention rates, and a financial forecast for fiscal year 2025 from Vice President for Finance David B. Moore. The board will also consider capital projects, including $2.8 million in HVAC and energy efficiency upgrades at Ohio University Zanesville’s Elson and Herrold Halls, funded by state appropriations, and a $996,450 renovation at Ohio University Lancaster’s Brasee Hall to expand nursing facilities, supported by regional reserves.
Meetings begin Thursday at 11:20 a.m. in Walter Hall 104, with committee sessions continuing Friday at 9 a.m. and the main board meeting at 11:40 a.m. The full agenda and livestream links are available at ohio.edu/trustees.