As 2022-23 academic year begins, Ohio State’s innovation continues hot streak

Research at The Ohio State University is on a roll.

As students continue to move in ahead of the start of autumn semester next week, university leadership had an opportunity Thursday to tout a spate of recent research wins to members of the board of trustees.

Whether it’s a national study about disaster preparedness that is helping to spur policy discussions or spearheading a new research center funded by the National Science Foundation, Ohio State’s commitment to research excellence is paying off.

“We see our numbers increasing, we see more big wins,” said Lou Von Thaer, chair of the board’s Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships committee.

Grace Wang, executive vice president of research, innovation and knowledge, pointed to the research center announced last week as especially illustrative of Ohio State’s impact. Called the Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution (HAMMER) Engineering Research Center, it will be one of the biggest research investments in recent Ohio State history if fully realized.   

“It’s really, really exciting for Ohio State to have this milestone moment,” said Wang, and to stay ahead of the curve in helping to bring back engineering and manufacturing in the United States.

The committee also heard an update on the President’s Buckeye Accelerator, which university President Kristina M. Johnson created last year to help fund groups of entrepreneurial students. From this new program, Adithya Ramaswami, an aerospace engineering student, and his co-founder started a new company called Parawave, which aims to equip first responders with 360-degree views via drone technology.

Being part of a community of like-minded innovator students is invigorating and “a safe space to grow and learn,” he said. This first group of student teams finishes in spring 2023, and applications for a new cohort begin in the upcoming semester.

During the full board meeting, Johnson shared her excitement for the new academic year and important changes that come with it -- including the facilities that help improve the student experience. Johnson noted the opening of Jane E. Heminger Hall, which will expand the College of Nursing, and the Timashev Family Music Building in the Arts District.

How students learn is evolving with the start of fall semester, with the first major overhaul of the university’s general education, or gen-ed, curriculum in more than 30 years. The new program “will reduce the number of required gen-ed credit courses, thus providing flexibility in scheduling while preparing Buckeyes for the world in which they will live and work after graduation,” Johnson told trustees.

The following actions were also taken during the meeting:

Distinguished University Professorships named
The board approved the following permanent honorifics of Distinguished University Professor to:

• A. Douglas Kinghorn, professor and Jack L. Beal Chair in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy in the College of Pharmacy.
• William S. Marras, Honda Chair in the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering and director of the Spine Research Institute.

The Distinguished University Professor title is awarded to full professors who have exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work and in service.

Textbook auto-adoption policy established
The board approved the establishment of a textbook auto-adoption policy that ensures that a decision about textbook and course materials for course use will be identified by the first day of registration for the autumn 2023 term.

Interim campus free speech policy and process established
The board approved the establishment of an interim campus free speech policy and process as required under Ohio law. The policy affirms principles of free speech and provides a process for university-affiliated people to submit a complaint about an alleged violation of the policy.

Digital textbook pass-through fees authorized
The board approved digital textbook pass-through fees at all campuses for fiscal year 2023.

Professional services and construction contracts approved
The board authorized the university to enter into or increase professional service and construction contracts for the following projects:

• Bus testing facility

The project will construct a new 13,500-square-foot facility behind the Center for Automotive Research for a bus test center. It will house the new bus dynamometer systems, a bus prep area, hydrogen generation plant, conference spaces and more. Trustees approved professional services totaling $1.5 million, to be paid for with grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration.

• Roof replacement at Doan Hall

The project will design the replacement of 16 roof areas as part of a three-year, three-phase project. Trustees approved professional services totaling $1.1 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

• Ohio State East hospital emergency generator

The project will provide backup power to chillers, pumps and other equipment providing cooling in the hospital. Trustees approved professional services totaling $600,000, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

• Emergency response radio system

The project will provide life safety communication coverage for first responders in campus hospital buildings to meet requirements for emergency response systems. Trustees approved professional services totaling $1.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

• Celeste Lab renovation

The project will provide upgrades to building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and the exterior envelope. Trustees approved an increase of $2.1 million in professional services and $16.5 million in construction with contingency to complete remaining general chemistry laboratories and support spaces (nine have already been constructed). Fundraising, university funds and state funds are the sources of funding.

• Martha Morehouse Tower HVAC infrastructure and interior upgrades

The project will provide HVAC infrastructure upgrades for critical systems on certain floors. Trustees approved $500,000 for an increase in professional services and $1 million for construction with contingency, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

• Wexner Medical Center inpatient hospital

The project is a new inpatient hospital tower with up to 820 private room beds and 60 bassinets. Trustees approved a $100,000 increase in professional services and $6 million in construction with contingency, to be paid for with university debt, fundraising, auxiliary funds and partner funds.

• Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center

The project is creating a collaborative campus for inter-professional education throughout the health sciences. Trustees approved an increase of $1.1 million in construction with contingency to equip some classrooms with audio/visual equipment needed to make them distance-learning capable. It will be funded with fundraising, university funds, auxiliary funds and state funds.

Honorary degrees approved
The board approved the awarding of the following honorary degrees:

• Jane Grote Abell, honorary doctor of business administration
• Thomas R. Cech, honorary doctor of science
• Katie Smith, honorary doctor of public service
• Donna James, honorary doctor of business administration
• Dennis Liotta, honorary doctor of science
• Arun Majumdar, honorary doctor of engineering

Resolutions in Memoriam announced

• Ronald B. Berggren, professor emeritus in the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the College of Medicine, who died on May 22, 2022, at age 90.
• Robert S. Brodkey, professor emeritus in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering in the College of Engineering, who died on June 18, 2022, at age 93.
• Walter D. “Denny” Burnside, professor emeritus in the department of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering, who died on April 18, 2022, at age 79.
• Victor M. Rentel, professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on April 14, 2022, at age 87.
• Vincent T. Ricca, professor emeritus in the department of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering in the College of Engineering, who died on April 11, 2022, at age 86.
• John. B. Roberts, associate professor emeritus in the department of orthopaedics in the College of Medicine, who died on June 9, 2022, at age 92.

Faculty personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments:

• Eric M. Anderman has been appointed professor (interim dean and director) of Ohio State at Mansfield from July 1, 2022, through May 14, 2023, or until a new dean is appointed.
• Anika S. Anthony has been appointed associate vice provost and director, Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Office of Academic Affairs, from Aug. 15, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Abraham K. Badu-Tawiah has been appointed professor (Robert K. Fox Professorship in Chemistry Fund) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Karen Beard has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Education and Human Ecology.
• Joshua Bomser has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Education and Human Ecology.
• Carlos E. Castro has been appointed professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Doreen Close has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Engineering.
• Karen Dannemiller has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Ethan Doetsch has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Hany Emam has been appointed associate professor (D.P. Snyder Endowed Professorship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) in the College of Dentistry from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2027.
• Mara Frazier has been appointed assistant professor (Endowed Professorship for the Curator of Dance) in University Libraries from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Jared Gardner has been appointed professor (2022 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Joshua Goldberger has been appointed professor (Charles H. Kimberly Professorship in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Sathya Gopalakrishnan has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Anna A. Grotans has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Ange-Marie Hancock Alfaro has been appointed professor and executive director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Wendy S. Hesford has been appointed professor (2022 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Phu Hoang has been appointed associate professor (Robert S. Livesey Professorship in Architecture) in the College of Engineering from Aug. 15, 2022, through May 31, 2026.
• A. Douglas Kinghorn has been appointed professor (2022 Distinguished University Professor) in the College of Pharmacy.
• Nicole Kraft has been appointed associate professor-clinical (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Patrick Louchouarn has been appointed professor (Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Eminence) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Aug. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Eric Macgilvray has been appointed professor (2022 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• William S. Marras has been appointed professor (2022 Distinguished University Professor) in the College of Engineering.
• David Nagib has been appointed professor (Dr. Harold “Hal” Miller and Betty J. Miller Endowed Professorship in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• David M. O’Malley has been appointed professor-clinical (John G. Boutselis, MD Chair in Gynecology) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• James Orr has been appointed vice provost for strategic enrollment management in the Office of Academic Affairs starting Aug. 1, 2022.
• Kadri Parris has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Engineering.
• K. Luan Phan has been appointed professor and chair (Jeffrey Schottenstein Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and Resilience) in the College of Medicine from Oct. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• T.V. (Babu) Rajanbabu has been appointed professor (Phyllis and Richard Leet Endowed Chair in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Rebecca Ricciardo has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Jacob Risinger has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Paul Rose has been appointed professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Michael E. Moritz College of Law.
• Eric Seiber has been appointed professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Public Health.
• Barry Shank has been appointed professor (Director of the Humanities Institute/Consortium) in the College of Arts and Sciences from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.
• Manoj Srinivasan has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Engineering.
• Michael Stamatikos has been appointed associate professor (2022 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Calvin M. Stewart has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• James Talamo has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Lydia Walker has been appointed assistant professor (Seth Andre Myers Professorship in Global Military History) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Deborah Wilson has been appointed senior lecturer (2022 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Patrick M. Woodward has been appointed professor (M.S. Newman Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.

Reappointments

• Lei Cao has been reappointed professor (William C. and Joan E. Davis Cancer Research Professorship) in the College of Medicine from Dec. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• David E. Cohn has been reappointed professor (Stuart M. Sloan - Larry J. Copeland MD Chair in Gynecologic Oncology Initiated by a Grateful Patient) in the College of Medicine from Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
• David Cole has been reappointed professor (Ohio Research Scholar Professor) in the College of Arts and Sciences from June 1, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Larry J. Copeland has been reappointed professor (William Greenville Pace III and Joann Norris Collins-Pace Chair for Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Melissa M. Drum has been reappointed professor (Alfred W. Reader Endowed Professorship in Endodontics) in the College of Dentistry from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2027.
• Dennis R. Heldman has been reappointed professor (Dale A. Seiberling Professorship in Food Engineering) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences from Sept. 1, 2022, through May 31, 2027.
• Christopher C. Kaeding has been reappointed professor-clinical (Judson D. Wilson Professorship in Orthopedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Cathann A. Kress has been reappointed dean and vice president, agricultural administration in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Mark B. Landon has been reappointed professor and chair (Richard L. Meiling Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.
• Bradley J. Needleman has been reappointed professor-clinical (Edwin H. and E. Christopher Ellison Professorship) in the College of Medicine from April 5, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• James W. Rocco has been reappointed professor and chair (Mary E. and John W. Alford Research Chair in Head and Neck Cancer) in the College of Medicine from Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
• Vicki Wyscoki has been reappointed professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Protein Engineering) in the College of Arts and Sciences from June 1, 2022, through May 31, 2027.

Extensions

• Trevor L. Brown has been extended as dean of the Glenn College of Public Affairs from July 1, 2023, through July 30, 2024.
• Ronald L. Harter has been extended as professor and chair (Jay J. Jacoby MD, PhD, Chair in Anesthesiology) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
• Bernadette Melnyk has been extended as dean, vice president for health promotion, and university chief wellness officer in the College of Nursing from Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.
• Claire F. Verschraegen has been extended as professor (Diana Nye and Michael Rayden Chair in Innovative Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine from July 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022, or until a new director is named and in place, whichever occurs first.

The board also approved appointments and reappointments of department chairs, faculty professional leave arrangements and emeritus titles.

Property sales, leases approved
Trustees approved ground lease arrangements for the following:

• Property adjacent to Outpatient Care East
  • About 2.375 acres of property at Taylor and Atcheson streets for future medical utilization and development.
• Property at Don Scott Airport
  • About 1.5 acres of land at the airport near West Case Road for Labcorp to construct an airplane hangar.

Trustees approved the sale of College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences property for the following:

• 313 acres at 6723 West Old Lincoln Way in Wayne County
• 38 acres at 2145 Millersburg Road in Wayne County
• 31 acres along Prairie Lane Road in Wayne County
• 26 acres along Millborne Road in Wayne County
• 3.9 acres at 1427 Dover Road in Wayne County
• 3 acres along Dover Road in Wayne County
• 197 acres at 2800 East Pleasant Home Road in Wayne County
• 10 acres along State Route 621 in Coshocton County

Joint use agreement approved
The board authorized a second joint use agreement between the university and the Knox County Regional Airport Authority. The university was previously allocated $900,000 in the state capital bill for use by the airport authority to construct a state-of-the-art training facility. A new allocation of $150,000 helps to offset rising construction costs.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of June 30, 2022, which includes the establishment of: one endowed chair: the Jeffrey Schottenstein Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Resilience; one endowed professorship: the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Professorship; one endowed professorship fund: The Daniel Tanner Foundation Endowed Professorship Fund in Curriculum Studies on Adolescence and Democracy; six scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; one scholarship as part of the Joseph A. Alutto Global Leadership Initiative; 14 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 14 named endowed funds.

Bylaw amendments approved
The board approved revisions to the bylaws of the Ohio State board of trustees.

Naming of university spaces
The board approved the naming of the following university spaces at Jane E. Heminger Hall at 1577 Neil Ave. in acknowledgment of donors:

• John and Betty Baird Seminar Room (Room 370)
• Deans Anderson, Lenz and Melnyk Leadership Conference Room (Room 300L)

The board approved the naming of the following internal university spaces at Celeste Laboratory at 120 W. 18^th Ave. in acknowledgment of donors:

• Erwin T. Raphael Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant Office (Room 431)
• Dr. Ray S. Wheasler III Lab Support Room (Room 480)

The board approved the naming of Paul Hartman scoreboard at the Lacrosse Stadium at 630 Irving Schottenstein Drive in acknowledgement of John J. Schiff Jr.’s philanthropic support. Trustees also approved the naming of the shooting room rooftop at the stadium as the Suz in acknowledgement of Susan and Grant Douglass’ support.

Trustees approved the naming of the fertigation room (Room 132) in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex at 2515 Carmack Road. The room is named the General Hydroponics Fertigation Room in acknowledgment of significant support from Scotts Miracle-Gro.

The board approved the naming of the Center for Automotive Research facility at 930 Kinnear Road, which is currently referenced officially by its address.

Degrees and certificates for winter 2022 approved
The board approved the issuance of degrees and certificates on Dec. 18, 2022, to those who have completed the necessary requirements.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2023 approved
Trustees approved Ohio State Energy Partners’ fiscal year 2023 plan to make capital improvements. Trustees also approved the change in cost of a previously approved project, for which the university will reimburse Ohio State Energy Partners.

Capital investment plan for fiscal year 2023 approved
Trustees authorized the capital investment plan for fiscal year 2023 ending June 30, 2023.

New charter approved
The board approved the amended charter for the Internal Audit Department, which reports to the Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

New board of trustees committees approved
The board approved the Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance and Finance and Investment Committee charters effective Aug. 18, 2022.

Revision to facilities improvement projects, planning studies, and real estate transactions policy approved
The board approved changes to the policy to clarify the review and approval review for all facilities improvement projects estimated to cost $200,000 or more.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2023-24 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life
Jeff M.S. Kaplan, Chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh, Vice Chair
Abigail S. Wexner
Elizabeth P. Kessler
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Michael Kiggin
Susan E. Cole (faculty member)
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Finance & Investment
Tom B. Mitevski, Chair
James D. Klingbeil, Vice Chair
John W. Zeiger
Gary R. Heminger
Lewis Von Thaer
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Michael Kiggin
Tanner R. Hunt
Amy Chronis
Kent M. Stahl
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Legal, Audit, Risk & Compliance
Elizabeth P. Kessler, Chair
Michael Kiggin, Vice Chair
Alan A. Stockmeister
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities
Alexander R. Fischer, Chair
Alan A. Stockmeister, Vice Chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Reginald A. Wilkinson
James D. Klingbeil
Robert H. Schottenstein
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships
Lewis Von Thaer, Chair
Reginald A. Wilkinson, Vice Chair
Alexander R. Fischer
Tanner R. Hunt
Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance
John W. Zeiger, Chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler, Vice Chair
Abigail S. Wexner
Alexander R. Fischer
Gary R. Heminger
Lewis Von Thaer
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Tom B. Mitevski
Hiroyuki Fujita (Ex Officio)

Wexner Medical Center:
Leslie H. Wexner, Chair
Abigail S. Wexner
Alan A. Stockmeister
John W. Zeiger
Tom B. Mitevski
Tanner R. Hunt
Stephen D. Steinour
Robert H. Schottenstein
W.G. Jurgensen
Cindy Hilsheimer
Amy Chronis
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
Kristina M. Johnson (ex officio, voting)
Melissa L. Gilliam (ex officio, voting)
Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
Jay Anderson/Andrew Thomas (ex officio, voting)

Revisions to the rules of the Classified Civil Service approved
The board approved revisions to certain chapters of the Ohio Administrative Code governing the university’s Classified Civil Service staff.