Ohio State trustees meet, approve university matters - 12/03/04
COLUMBUS -- A new endowed chair and a professorship are among the named funds established by The Ohio State University Board of Trustees at their meeting Friday (12/3). The board also approved 19 other named endowed funds, totaling $2.9 million in private gifts to the university during October and accepted 229 research grants and contracts totaling nearly $27 million awarded to Ohio State in October.
In other business, trustees approved a variety of personnel, fiscal and construction-related matters.
Named endowed chair
· The Donald A. Senhauser, M.D., Chair in Pathology, $1,507,626, provided by gifts from University Pathology Services and from other friends and colleagues of Dr. Senhauser to support a chair position in the Department of Pathology that will advance medical knowledge through research, education and improved patient care outcomes
Named endowed professorship
· The Lowber B. Strange Designated Professorship in Civil Engineering, provided by earnings generated by the Lowber B. Strange Fund in Civil Engineering to provide teaching and research support for an outstanding member of the civil engineering faculty
Named endowed funds
· The Sharp Memorial Scholarship Fund, $659,785, provided by gifts from the estates of Silas A. Sharp (B.A., 1936) and Katheryn D. Sharp of San Antonio, Texas, to provide scholarships for undergraduate students from Ohio who are enrolled in the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences or the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
· The Michael R. Breschi Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship Fund, $104,084, provided by gifts from friends and family of Joe and Julie Breschi of Columbus to supplement the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of an undergraduate student-athlete member of the varsity men’s lacrosse team
· The Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., Endowed Fund in Chemistry, $74,005, provided by gifts from friends and family of the late Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., (Ph.D., 1965) to support discretionary activities in the Department of Chemistry that honor Dr. Lawrence’s memory
· E. Willard and Ruby S. Miller Endowment Fund, $70,050, provided by gifts from the estates of E. Willard (Ph.D., 1942) and Ruby S. Miller to provide awards to outstanding graduate students on the basis of success in writing, scholarship and potential to become leaders as professional geographers
· The Rausch-Spiers Family Scholarship Fund, $65,681, provided by a gift from Jack and Rita (B.S. Ed., 1967) Spiers to provide need-based scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students
· The Battelle Endowment Fund for Children’s Programming at the James, $52,500, provided by a gift from Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus to support The Children’s Program at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· The Margaret McCollister Plum Endowed Scholarship Fund in Nursing, $51,000, provided by gifts from Charles Walden Plum (B.S. Bus Adm., 1936) of Dallas, Texas, to support a research project and/or scholarships for students in the College of Nursing
· The Diane R. Sauer Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, $36,635, provided by a gift from Diane R. Sauer (B.S.Bus.Adm., 1975) to support undergraduate scholarships in The Fisher College of Business
· The Leo A. Paquette Endowment Fund, $33,942, provided by gifts from Professor Paquette’s former students and postdoctorals to support the annual Paquette Symposium in Organic Chemistry
· The Carole and David Schuller Endowment Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research, $32,210, provided by an anonymous gift in honor of David E. Schuller, M.D. (M.D., 1970 cum laude), to support research in the field of head and neck cancer at the Comprehensive Cancer Hospital - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· The Charles W. Hinson Endowment Fund, $27,633, provided by gifts from family, friends and colleagues in memory of Charles W. Hinson to support research in the prevention, care and treatment of cancer at the Comprehensive Cancer Hospital - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· The Dr. Arthur W. and Janice M. Fetter Endowed Scholarship Fund, $27,250, provided by gifts from Dr. Arthur W. (D.V.M., 1961; M.S., 1968; Ph.D., 1970) and Janice M. Fetter of Chino Valley, Ariz., to support a third-year student, based on academic merit and leadership, who is interested in specializing in equine medicine/surgery or veterinary pathology
· Mr. And Mrs. James M. Wiles Cancer Research Endowment Fund, $25,100, provided by a gift from James M. and Paul D. Wiles of Columbus to support cancer research at the Comprehensive Cancer Hospital - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· The Bordelove Family Endowment Fund in Memory of Louise Bordelove, $25,000, provided by a gift from the Bordelove family in memory of their beloved wife and mother, Louise, to support the Clinical Cancer Genetics Counseling Program at the Comprehensive Cancer Hospital - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· Marsha S. Bosley Memorial Scholarship Fund in Journalism, $25,000, provided by a gift from the estate of Marsha S. Bosley (B.A. Jour., 1976) to provide a scholarship to a student majoring in journalism
· The Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Dodd Hall Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by a gift from Stanley D. (B.A., 1962) and Joan H. Ross of Columbus to support programs and activities, as well as purchase equipment and supplies, for the patients, patient families and staff of Dodd Hall
· The Tony Tripodi Endowed Research and Scholarhip Award Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from Tony Tripodi, dean of the College of Social Work (1995-2005), to support a research or scholarship award to a faculty member in the College of Social Work
· The Donald E. Yingst Endowment Fund for Cancer Research, $25,000, provided by a gift from Donald E. Yingst (B.S.Agr., 1962; M.S., 1964) of Dublin, Ohio, to support chemoprevention and bionutrition research at the Comprehensive Cancer Hospital - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
· Social Work Faculty and Staff Endowment Fund, $17,328 (grandfathered), provided by gifts from faculty, staff and friends of the College of Social Work to provide scholarship assistance to graduate and undergraduate students in the college
Change in description of named endowed fund
· The Greater Cleveland Alumni Scholars Endowment Fund
Change in name of named endowed fund
· The Garstick Scholarship Fund is now The James R. and Vyless Calvert Garstick Permanent Endowed Scholarship Fund in the College of Optometry
Change in name and description of named endowed fund
· The Ohio State University College of Nursing Alumni Scholarship Fund is now The College of Nursing Scholarship Fund
· The David A. Rismiller Professorship in Management is now the David A. Rismiller Professorship in Finance
Personnel appointments
· Sanford H. Barsky has been named professor and holder of The Donald A. Senhauser, M.D., Chair in Pathology in the Department of Pathology, effective Feb. 1, 2005, through June 30, 2009.
· Randall C. Rowe has been named professor and holder of The Professorship in Plant Protection in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environment Sciences, effective Dec. 1, 2004, through Nov. 30, 2009.
· Daniel D. Sedmak has been named executive vice dean and associate vice president for health sciences and professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pathology, effective Jan. 1, 2005.
· Stephen P. Nameth has been named director of the Agricultural Technical Institute, effective Dec. 1, 2004.
· Clark S. Larsen has been reappointed chair of the Department of Anthropology, effective July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2009.
Emeritus titles
· Michael L. Benedict, professor emeritus in the Department of History, effective Jan. 1, 2005
· Gary W. Bauer, associate professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective Dec. 1, 2004
· Karl Kornacker, associate professor emeritus in the College of Biological Sciences (Sensory Biophysics), effective Dec. 11, 2004
· Terryl L. Beck, assistant professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective Jan. 1, 2005
Resolutions in memoriam
· Hugo Bekker, professor emeritus in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, who died Oct. 11, 2004
· Ellin E. Carter, assistant professor emeritus in the Department of English, who died on Nov. 5, 2004
· Carl L. Marshall, professor emeritus in the Department of English, who died on Oct. 21, 2004
· Marion L. Smith, associate dean emeritus in the College of Engineering, who died Oct. 5, 2004
Construction projects
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for the following:
· Modification of the existing engine test cell room and addition of a new test cell room to accommodate a new 300 horsepower test cell at 930 Kinnear Road. Preliminary project cost estimate is approximately $125,800, with funding provided by an Ohio Board of Regents Action Fund grant.
· Redesign of existing office space at 960 Kinnear Road to accommodate the Student Affairs Office of Information Technology and 24-hour Service Center. Preliminary project cost estimate is approximately $1 million with funding provided by university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by the Office of Student Affairs.
· Update of the second and third floor main classroom corridors and provision for seating and study spaces in Drinko Hall, 55 West 12th Avenue. Preliminary project cost is approximately $345,250, with funding provided by the Moritz College of Law.
· Phase II of a feasibility study regarding the development of a multi-disciplinary research facility. Preliminary study cost estimate is approximately $200,000, with funding provided by central university funds.
· Design phase only for the redesign of existing office space within the McCracken Power Plant, Central Services Building and Maintenance Building for the relocation of office and shop space. Preliminary design cost is estimated to be $300,000 to $500,000, and the project cost is estimated at $3 million to $5 million with funding provided by university bond proceeds.
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for the following:
· Renovation of office space at 650 Ackerman Road to relocate University Medical Center personnel from leased space at Battelle. Construction document project cost is $5,527,057 with funding provided by University Hospital funds.
· Replacement of the roof on Atwell Hall, 453 West 10th Avenue. Construction document project cost is $515,430 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Completion of roof replacement on Bricker Hall, 190 N. Oval Mall. Construction document project cost is $720,010 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Addition of code compliance measures and user requests as part of the clinical space reorganization in the 9th Floor Doan Hall renovation project. Construction document project cost has increased to $986,040 with funding provided by University Hospital funds.
· Renovation of the clean room in Dreese Laboratories, 2015 Neil Ave., to increase utilization. Construction document project cost is $235,045 with funding provided by an Ohio Board of Regents grant.
· Replacement of the existing plumbing and exhaust systems in Hopkins Hall, 128 North Oval Mall, as part of Phase II of the renovation of the ceramics facilities. Construction document project cost is $1,334,816 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Construction of a new administration and classroom building on the Mansfield Campus to house all student services, administrative functions and classrooms for the education and music departments. Construction document project cost has increased to $8,390,642 with funding provided by Mansfield development funds and university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by the Mansfield Campus.
· Replacement of selective meters critical to operations and emissions compliance for the McCracken Power Plant, 304 West 17th Ave. Construction document project cost is $250,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Provision for adequate containment and removal of storm water to meet EPA requirements at the McCracken Power Plant. Construction document project cost is $300,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Replacement of the current fire alarm systems in Morrison Tower, 196 West 11th Avenue, and Siebert Hall, 184 West 11th Ave., and replacement of light fixtures and suspended ceiling in Siebert Hall. Construction document project cost is $894,949 with funding provided by university bond proceeds with debt service to be paid by the Office of Student Affairs.
· Replacement of the existing roof covering on the Food Animal Health Research Program at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster. Construction document project cost is $89,954 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
· Completion of the unfinished portion of the Parker Food Science and Technology Building to meet the needs in soil microbial ecology. Construction document project cost is $1.25 million with funding to be provided by the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
· Renovation of office and teaching lab space in Smith Laboratory, 174 W. 18th Ave. to accommodate swing space for the Jennings Hall project. Construction document project cost is $900,000 with funding provided by the College of Biological Sciences.
Investments policy modified
Trustees authorized the adoption of modifications to the Endowment Investments Policy when needed to provide for the overall management of the investment portfolios.
Changes include the creation of a target allocation, rather than an allocation range for the asset classes of endowed funds; and the inclusion of a formula for calculating income distribution.
The formula calls for the endowment payout to be calculated on a five-year moving average of the market value of the portfolio, with a scheduled decrease in the payout rates from the previous 5 percent to: 4.75 percent for FY 05; 4.5 percent thereafter for endowments existing as of June 30, 2004; 4 percent for endowments approved after June 30, 2004; and a collar incorporating a maximum payout increase of 3 percent and a maximum payout decrease of 1 percent effective July 1, 2006.
Easement granted
The board authorized the university to grant the Village of Apple Creek an easement to continue two water distribution lines and provide water to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The consideration for granting the easement will be $1,000.
Continued support of SciTech Campus approved
The board approved the revised comprehensive development plan submitted by the Science and Technology Campus (SciTech) Corporation and the extension of the development agreement, the leases of university property and continuation of operating support of SciTech. The university is authorized to provide SciTech a yearly amount not to exceed $300,000 for the years 2004-2005 through 2006-2007 for operating support with the understanding that the corporation will continue to seek appropriate sustained support from the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio.
Guidelines set for Audit Committee
Trustees adopted a set of guidelines for the board’s Audit Committee, which was established in May 2003 to ensure oversight of the university’s operations. The committee, consisting of at least three members of the board and two citizen members, has the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within its scope of responsibility. It serves as an objective party, independent of management, to monitor the university’s financial reporting process and internal control system.
Quarterly report details status of construction projects
The Fiscal Affairs Committee heard a quarterly report from William J. Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, on the status of five of the university’s major construction projects. Shkurti said that Larkins Hall, Page Hall, Ross Heart Hospital, and the Physical Science Research Building are all on budget, but construction delays have slowed work on the Ross and Physical Science buildings. The rehabilitation of Hagerty Hall for the College of Humanities was delayed because of previously unidentified asbestos removal, but the building is expected to open by January.
Report lists university’s lines of credit
William J. Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, gave an annual report to the Fiscal Affairs Committee on the university’s lines of credit. The university has issued 23 lines of credit with an outstanding balance of $77.1 million, Shkurti said. All are being paid on schedule.
Endowment report and long-term perspective given
University Treasurer James L. Nichols told the board’s Investments Committee that the university endowment stands at $1.6 billion as of Nov. 26, 2004, which is up from $1.5 billion as of July 1, 2004. He also gave a long-term perspective on the fund. The income distribution to colleges is projected to be $76 million in 2005 compared with approximately $5.1 million in 1980. The average rate of return on the endowment during the past 44 years is 10 percent. In addition, its market value has increased from $29 million in 1965 to $1.6 billion, which is a 53-fold increase.
Trustees heard update on Fair Labor Standards Act
Larry Lewellen, associate vice president for the Office of Human Resources, gave trustees an update on university efforts to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires the university to reexamine staff to determine the status of employees. To date, between 800 and 1,500 staff members will be affected by changes in classification and they will move from monthly to weekly payroll. Affected employees will be determined in December, and the changes will go into effect in April 2005.
Trustees approve short-term financing for construction
Trustees approved the authorization, issuance and sale of up to $348 million of commercial paper to fund some construction projects, including the Recreation and Physical Activity Center, the Biomedical Research Tower, the Graduate and Professional Student Housing and two parking garages.
Trustees hear efforts to address energy cost, demands
During the administrative briefing, Associate Vice President for Physical Facilities Jim Stevens outlined procedures to curb the escalating demands for energy at Ohio State. Managing demand, he said, is dependent on designing new buildings to be more energy efficient, evaluating existing buildings for new efficiencies, updating the infrastructure and educating campus energy users on effective conservation practices. Stevens said energy rates are currently being contained by wholesale purchasing of electricity, locking in gas prices before price surges and burning low cost Ohio coal as much as possible.
Faculty member recognized for winning National Book Award
Trustees recognized Kevin Boyle, professor of history, for winning the 2004 National Book Award for Nonfiction. Boyle’s book, “Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age,” sheds light on a key civil rights case that occurred decades ago in Detroit.
Dean of Nursing reports on efforts to help resolve nursing shortages
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee heard a report by Elizabeth Lenz, dean of the College of Nursing, on efforts to address the shortage of nurses in Ohio and throughout the nation. Lenz said the Ohio State University Medical Center has funded six clinical faculty positions over the past three years and assisted in developing a nursing extern program.
In addition, Lenz said the College of Nursing is at its maximum undergraduate enrollment and has experienced a 33 percent increase in its graduate program. The college’s increases will add more than 135 nurses to the workforce over a three-year period beginning this year. She added issues related to faculty shortages, limited office space, classroom size and additional clinical sites must be addressed before additional applicants could be considered.
Student Affairs gives update on university efforts during Michigan-game weekend
Student Affairs officials told trustees about efforts to ensure safety during the Ohio State-Michigan game weekend. Among the efforts were: creating awareness among students about disciplinary actions through advertisements and discussions; involving students in the prevention methods; continuing the ongoing game-day efforts to enforce Ohio’s laws on drinking at the football games; working closely with University Police and the Columbus Division of Police; and formalizing the Student Affairs support team so they were a visible presence in the off-campus neighborhoods.
Student leaders discuss key initiatives
The presidents of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Council of Graduate Students (CGS) and the Inter-Professional Council (IPC) discussed their initiatives for this academic year.
USG president Aftab Pureval said his organization is working with university officials to evaluate the undergraduate academic experience and to strengthen the first-year survey classes. In addition, USG created an OSUVotes web site and took part in other initiatives to encourage voter registration. Student government also is focusing on safety issues in the off-campus neighborhood as well as addressing the rising cost of tuition.
CGS president Barbara Platz said the council is conducting a new study on the quality of graduate student life. In addition, members are focusing on initiatives to improve graduate student funding as well as improving aspects of graduate-level programs.
IPC president Chris Ries said the council’s representation is nearly 100 percent at every meeting. Among the group’s efforts are creating awareness of student funding options, working to create a more diverse student environment and conducting a survey on the quality of life for professional students.
Student receives board recognition
Michael Horan of Columbus, who is enrolled in a pre-doctoral dental and Ph.D. program, received the Board of Trustees Student Recognition Award. Horan, who is ranked 17 out of 104 students in his pre-doctoral dental class, has successfully defended his dissertation on “Altered Tissue Responsiveness in a Murine Model of Stress-Impaired Wound Healing” ahead of schedule. In addition, his research was recently honored at a national meeting in October where he was given one of three awards for the Most Outstanding Presentation in Clinical Research at the Hinman Student Research Symposium. He also has served as vice president of the College of Dentistry Student Research Group, has received the Collegiate All-American Scholar award, and is a member of the American Association for Dental Research, the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
