Largest-ever gift to Ohio State establishes new Center for Software Innovation

The Ohio State University has received its biggest single gift: $110 million from Ratmir Timashev and his family to establish the Center for Software Innovation. 

The Timashev Family Foundation donation will create endowed professorships, cutting-edge academic offerings and hands-on industry experience for students. The Center for Software Innovation will catalyze efforts across the region to create a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and product development activity.

This will “further put Columbus on the entrepreneurial map, and that’s exciting,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson.

The idea was simple, Timashev said during the Thursday Board of Trustees meeting at which the gift was announced: “Make Ohio State, Columbus and the Midwest the new high-tech mecca.”

Timashev earned his master’s degree in chemical physics from Ohio State in 1996 and is a software and computer business entrepreneur.

The board also approved the naming of the new interdisciplinary research facility located in the university’s Carmenton innovation district as the Pelotonia Research Center.

The naming recognizes Pelotonia’s partnership and philanthropic support for cancer research: Since 2008, the Pelotonia ride community has raised more than $258 million, with every dollar earmarked for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

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:

• Ice Rink replacement
  Professional services, including design, to determine the full scope, programming and project cost for a new facility in the Athletics District for the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs Trustees approved professional services totaling $2.7 million, to be paid for with fundraising. Proceeding to construction will require additional board approval.
• Energy Advancement and Innovation Center
  The project will develop the center to serve as an experimental hub for energy research and technology incubation. Trustees approved an increase of $1.2 million in professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with auxiliary funds, university funds and partner funds.
• Riffe building second floor classrooms
  The project will renovate the former library space in Riffe with modern learning spaces and more. Trustees approved $5.4 million for professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with university funds.
• Roof renewal for fiscal year 2023-24
  The project will address roofs on the Agricultural Administration Building, Mendenhall Laboratory and University Hall that have reached their useful lives. Trustees approved $4.8 million for professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with state funds.
•  Healthy Community Center renovation
  The project will repurpose a vacated library located at 1600 E. Long St. Trustees approved $5.1 million for professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Martha Morehouse Tower HVAC infrastructure
  The project will provide HVAC upgrades for floors 1-3, 9 and 10. Trustees approved $13.4 million to increase construction contracts, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• The James Outpatient Care
  The project will construct a 385,000-square-foot cancer-focused ambulatory facility, including a 65,000-square-foot proton therapy center and a 640-space parking garage. Trustees approved $7 million to increase construction contracts, to be paid for with auxiliary funds, fundraising and partner funds.

Personnel actions announced
Trustees approved the following personnel actions:

• The hiring of John Warner as executive vice president and CEO of the Wexner Medical Center, starting April 1, 2023.
• The appointment extension of Trevor Brown as dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and senior advisor in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term starting Jan. 1, 2023, and ending Dec. 31, 2023.
• The appointment extension of Karla Zadnik as dean in the College of Optometry in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term starting June 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2025.
• A compensation adjustment for Mike Papadakis, senior vice president and CFO in the Office of Business and Finance, on Dec. 1, 2022.
• The interim appointment of Peter Mohler as executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge in the Office of the President, on March 1, 2023.

Distinguished Service Awards for 2023 proposed
The board approved awards for the following people in recognition of distinguished service to Ohio State, based on recommendations reviewed by the president’s Cabinet:

• Karen Bell, professor emerita in the Department of Dance, who has shared her passion and expertise with the university and the greater Columbus community.
•  Gil Cloyd, former Board of Trustees member who is recognized for his philanthropic leadership and volunteer service to the university.
• Karen Hendricks, an alumna and promoter of women in engineering, who has supported Ohio State with 41 years of giving.
• James King, who served the university for 50 years, including as director and associate dean of the School of Biomedical Science.
• Brad Myers, the former university registrar who enjoyed a 45-year history with Ohio State, starting as an undergraduate student.
• Tom Rieland, who retired as the general manager of WOSU Public Media after 19 years of service and led the campaign to build a custom headquarters at University Square.

Men’s basketball ticket prices approved
The board approved ticket prices for men’s basketball games for fiscal year 2024. The Athletic Council previously approved the prices.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Dec. 31, 2022, which includes the establishment of two endowed professorships: the Burghes Professorship in the College of Medicine and The Elizabeth and John Tinkham Endowed Professorship in Engineering; two endowed professorship funds: The Russell C. Shaw and Lynn B. Shaw Endowed Professorship Fund in Mathematics; and The Elwood “Buzz” Ellis III Professorship Fund in Business; 15 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; 26 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of seven named endowed funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam announced

• Gordon M. Clark, professor emeritus in the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering in the College of Engineering, who died on Sept. 11, 2022, at age 87.
• Brenda L. Dervin, professor emerita of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Dec. 31, 2022.
• Norton H. Neff, professor emeritus in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology in the College of Medicine, who died on Sept. 5, 2022, at age 86.
• Richard Reuning, professor emeritus in the College of Pharmacy, who died on Jan. 21, 2023.

Establishment of a professional practice faculty track in University Libraries approved
Trustees approved the establishment of a professional practice faculty track in University Libraries.

Faculty personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments:

• Shereen Azer has been appointed associate professor (Dr. and Mrs. Julian B. Woelfel Chair in Dentistry) in the College of Dentistry for a term starting Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate has been appointed associate professor (Endowed Professorship in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research) in the College of Medicine starting March 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Doug Jackson-Smith has been appointed professor (W.K. Kellogg Foundation Endowed Chair in Agricultural Ecosystems Management) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences starting Jan. 1, 2023, through May 15, 2027.
• Dianne Morrison-Beedy has been appointed professor (Centennial Endowed Professor of Nursing) in the College of Nursing starting May 19, 2022, through February 18, 2026.
• Loren Wold has been appointed professor (The John G. and Jeanne Bonnet McCoy Chair in the Ohio State University Heart Center) in the College of Medicine starting Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.

Reappointments

• Anil Arya has been appointed professor (The John J. Gerlach Chair) in the Fisher College of Business starting July 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Itzhak Ben-David has been appointed professor (Neil Klatskin Chair in Finance and Real Estate) in the Fisher College of Business starting Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Ken Boyer has been appointed professor (Fisher Designated Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business from June 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Simone Drake has been appointed professor (Hazel C. Youngberg Trustees Distinguished Professor) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2027.
• Isil Erel has been appointed professor (The David A. Rismiller Chair in Finance) in the Fisher College of Business starting June 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Nicholas Hall has been appointed professor (Berry Designated Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business starting June 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Kewei Hou has been appointed professor (Ric Dillon Endowed Professorship in Investments) in the Fisher College of Business starting June 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Igor Jouline has been appointed professor (Rod Sharp Professorship in Microbiology) in the College of Arts and Sciences starting Aug. 16, 2023, through Aug. 15, 2026.
• Zhengyu Liu has been appointed Professor (Robert Max Thomas Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences starting July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Rama Mallampalli has been appointed professor (S. Robert Davis Chair of Medicine) in the College of Medicine starting Nov. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Darren Roulstone has been appointed professor (John W. Berry Sr. Fund for Faculty Excellence Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business starting June 1, 2023, through Aug.14, 2028.
• Bennett Tepper has been appointed professor (Irving Abramowitz Memorial Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business starting June 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Michael Weisbach has been appointed professor (Ralph W. Kurtz Chair in Finance) in the Fisher College of Business starting Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.

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

Awarding of honorary degree approved
Trustees approved the awarding of an honorary doctorate degree of public service to Keith B. Key.

Awarding of spring term 2023 degrees and certificates approved
Trustees approved the awarding of degrees and certificates on May 7, 2023, to students who have completed the requirements and are recommended by the colleges and schools.

Naming of university spaces
The board approved the naming of the following university spaces in acknowledgment of donors:

• The Trimble Technology Lab (room 128) in Skou Hall at CFAES Wooster
• Trimble Technology Lab (AE164) and Trimble Technology Lab (AE148) in the Agricultural Engineering Building on the Columbus campus

The following internal spaces in the Interdisciplinary Research Facility:

• Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute Neighborhood (5170)
• Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Neighborhood (2130)
• Dorothy J. Mangurian Neighborhood (4150)
• Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Neighborhood (4170)

The following internal spaces in the James Outpatient Care building:

• Dragoni Family Terrace (Outdoor Terrace)
• Rich and Robin Porter Proton Treatment Room (1335)
• Sue and Courtney Horn – It’s All Good Foundation Room (1237)

The following spaces:

• The Amgen STEM Learning Center (room 260) in Ramseyer Hall
• “This Room is a Gift from Alumni and Friends in Honor of Gilbert Pierce, OD, PhD, FAAO” in room 3073 at the Optometry Clinic and Health Sciences Faculty Office building
• The Marilyn and Donald Harris Graduate Resource Room (N495) in the Timashev Family Music Building
• The Theatre, Film and Media Arts Building at 1932 College Road
• The Food Animal Health Building at 1323 Ferguson Drive in Wooster
• J. McLean Reed Hall at 4240 Campus Drive in Lima
• The Energy Advancement and Innovation Center in Carmenton

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
Pierre Bigby
Taylor Schwein
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
Michael Kiggin
Pierre Bigby
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
Juan Jose Perez
Taylor Schwein
Amy Chronis
Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities
Alexander R. Fischer, chair
Alan A. Stockmeister, vice chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Pierre Bigby
Taylor Schwein
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
Juan Jose Perez
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
Gary R. Heminger
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)

Amendment to Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2023 approved
Trustees approved an amendment to the Ohio State Energy Partners’ fiscal year 2023 plan to make capital improvements. The amendment is for steam vault repairs and replacements on 12^th Avenue and is projected to cost $3.9 million.

Perpetual storm sewer easement approved
Trustees approved a perpetual storm sewer easement to the city of Columbus along Kenny Road. The easement is needed to support west campus expansion.