ATHENS, Ohio — The Ohio University Board of Trustees convened June 13 to review advancements in healthy aging research, celebrate new Carnegie Classifications, and approve a balanced fiscal year 2026 budget, among other initiatives.
The board heard from leaders of five health-focused institutes at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, emphasizing the university’s growing role as a leader in healthy aging research. Presenters, including Chief Medical Affairs Officer Kenneth Johnson, Associate Dean Darlene Berryman, and Distinguished Professor John Kopchick, detailed contributions from the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Diabetes Institute, Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Institute to Advance Health Equity, and the newly rebranded Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging (IMMA). The institutes align with the university’s Dynamic Strategy, supported by philanthropy like the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation’s Vision 2020 gift.
Vice President for University Communications and Marketing Robin Oliver announced Ohio University’s designation as one of 21 R1 research institutions nationwide—and the only one in Ohio—named an Opportunity College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. Additionally, Ohio University is among eight of 40 professions-focused institutions also classified as an Opportunity College, highlighting its career-ready academic programs. Regional campuses, including Chillicothe, Southern, and Zanesville, earned similar designations for opportunity and nursing focus.
Vice President for Finance & Administration David B. Moore presented a balanced FY26 budget, achieved through strategic reserve use and multi-year sustainability efforts. The board approved the budget alongside tuition and fee schedules for 2025-26, capital projects totaling over $113 million, and a six-year capital improvement plan.
President Lori Stewart Gonzalez highlighted recent achievements, including a commencement for nearly 3,400 graduates, the 14th consecutive Military Friendly® designation, and a Collegiate Purple Star renewal. She also noted the Student Research and Creative Activity Expo’s 515 presentations and aviation program investments, including new simulators. Gonzalez addressed legislative challenges in higher education and progress on the Dynamic Strategy’s four pillars: Learn, Discover, Engage, and Work.
The board approved capital projects, including a $112 million College of Fine Arts facilities renewal, exterior improvements at Ohio University Southern, and storm sewer upgrades at Ohio University Chillicothe. Other resolutions included policy updates, faculty awards, emeriti designations, and the appointment of David B. Moore as treasurer and Shelly M. Bean as secretary for 2025-26.
Enrollment trends remain positive, with Vice President Candace J. Boeninger reporting an 8% summer enrollment increase, driven by online programs and interest in Athens and regional campuses. A revised strategic enrollment plan is underway to align with institutional goals.
The board recognized President Gonzalez’s leadership with a 2% salary increase and a 15% bonus for FY25, pursuant to her employment agreement.