OSU board accepts funds, approves university matters
COLUMBUS – A new endowed fund honoring the outgoing chair of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees was established Friday (5/2) at the board’s regular meeting. The James F. Patterson Land-Grant University Lectureship Fund will support an annual lecture in Patterson’s name that will focus on the university’s land-grant mission, bringing to campus a prominent figure to speak on the challenges facing land-grant institutions in the 21st century. The Patterson Lectureship is funded with gifts from The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, the Nationwide Foundation, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and friends.
Ice cores, cartoons and turf grass are among the many other Ohio State programs that will benefit from gifts given the university by alumni and friends during the month of March to strengthen the university’s mission. During its meeting, the board accepted nine new endowed funds, totaling $1.05 million. The board also accepted 264 research grants and contracts totaling $25.3 million awarded to the university in March.
In other business, trustees approved a variety of personnel, fiscal and construction matters.
Named fellowship
• Herschel and Suzanne Meredith Endowed Graduate Fellowship in the Fisher College of Business, $500,000, provided by gifts from Herschel T. Meredith to provide fellowships to M.B.A. students with no other form of financial aid
Named endowed funds
• James B. and Harriett Beard Graduate Fellowship Fund in Turf Grass Physiology/Biochemistry, $155,117, provided by gifts from Harriett and James B. Beard (B.S.Agr., 1957), family, friends and industry leaders to provide support for graduate fellowships for students enrolled in the study and research of turf grass
• Ice Core Paleoclimate Research Endowment Fund, $150,000, provided by funds received from the 2002 Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences awarded to Lonnie G. Thompson (M.S., 1973; Ph.D., 1976), professor of geological sciences, to provide support for the efforts of the ice core research group
• Dr. Frank L. Himes Associateship in Soil Science Fund, $52,731, provided by a gift in honor of Himes from John D. Watson (B.S. Agronomy, 1963; M.S. Agronomy, 1967) of HILLIARD to provide support for undergraduate or graduate students assisting in teaching soil sciences courses
• Garth W. Volk Associateship in Soil Science Fund, $51,506, provided by a gift in honor of Volk, former chairperson of the agronomy department, from John D. Watson (B.S. Agronomy, 1963; M.S. Agronomy, 1967) of HILLIARD to support undergraduate and graduate students employed on special projects related to administration for the School of Natural Resources
• The Cartoon Research Library Program Endowment Fund, $35,333, provided by gifts from library friends and donors to support operations, programs and exhibitions of the Cartoon Research Library
• The Edith Cockins Fund, $26,622, provided by gifts from various friends of the university and the class of 1916 in honor of Cockins, Ohio State’s first university registrar, to recognize outstanding accomplishments by employees of the Office of the University Registrar
• Carroll County 4-H Endowment Fund, $25,100, provided by gifts from friends of Carroll County 4-H to support the group’s Youth Development Program
• Washington County 4-H Endowment Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from friends of Washington County 4-H to support the group’s Youth Development Program
• The Jacquelyn L. Wells Endowment Fund in Ovarian Cancer Research, $25,000, provided by a gift from William D. Wells to support ovarian cancer research programs at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
Change in description of named endowed fund
• The Paul A. and Betty L. Whittington Endowed Scholarship Fund
Personnel appointments
• Robert W. Brueggemeier of UPPER ARLINGTON has been named dean and professor in the College of Pharmacy, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008. Brueggemeier received his doctorate in medicinal chemistry from the University of Michigan and was a postdoctoral research fellow in biological chemistry at Harvard Medical School. His areas of research specialization are medicinal chemistry, steroid chemistry and biochemistry, hormones and breast cancer and radiochemistry.
• Richard R. Freeman has been named dean and distinguished professor in the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, effective Aug. 1, 2003, through June 30, 2008. He is currently Edward Teller Professor and chair of the Department of Applied Science at the University of California at Davis. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard University and has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications in major technical journals.
• Mary Ellen Wewers of UPPER ARLINGTON has been named to the Mildred E. Newton Professorship in the College of Nursing, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2007. Wewers is co-director of the Nursing Center for Tobacco Intervention, funded by the American Nurses Foundation.
• David A. Rignery of WORTHINGTON has been named interim chairperson of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, effective Jan. 1, 2003, through Dec. 31, 2003.
• Ardine K. Nelson has been reappointed interim chairperson of the Department of Art, effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004.
• Diane W. Birckbichler has been named chairperson of the Department of French and Italian, effective Oct. 1, 2003, through Sept. 30, 2007.
• Carole A. Anderson of COLUMBUS (43201) has been reappointed vice provost for academic administration, effective July 1, 2003.
Emeritus titles
• Charles A. Ebner, professor emeritus, Department of Physics, effective July 1, 2003
• Osamu Fujimura, professor emeritus, Department of Speech and Hearing Science, effective July 1, 2003
• Robert Gold, professor emeritus, Department of Mathematics, effective July 1, 2003
• Herman A. Tolbert, professor emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, effective July 1, 2003
• Robert D. Fleming, associate professor emeritus, Ohio State University Extension, effective July 1, 2003
• Timothy W. Kahrl, assistant professor emeritus, Department of English (Mansfield Campus), effective July 1, 2003
• Nancy S. Wardwell, assistant professor emeritus, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, effective July 1, 2003
Cancer Hospital board appointments
Trustees approved the appointment of three community members to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Board:
• John S. Eesley of WESTERVILLE, effective May 14, 2003, to May 13, 2007. Eesley is a manager of KMPG accounting firm.
• Edward G. Razek of GALENA, effective May 14, 2003, to May 13, 2007. Razek is president and chief marketing officer for brand and creative services for Limited Brands.
• Robert B. Smith (reappointment for third term) of COLUMBUS (43229), effective May 14, 2003, to May 13, 2007. Smith is retired editor-in-chief of The Columbus Dispatch.
University Physicians board appointments
Trustees authorized R. Reed Fraley, senior vice president for health sciences, and Fred Sanfilippo, dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health, to serve on the board of directors of the Ohio State University Physicians, the college central medical practice group.
Regional campus board appointments
Trustees approved the following persons for terms beginning July 1, 2003:
Mansfield Campus
• John Jordan, three-year term
• Robert J. Kehoe, three-year term
• Richard D. Witchey III, three-year term
• Cynthia A. Tishue, one-year term (student appointment)
Newark Campus
• Eschol Curl, three-year term
• Thomas J. Hall, three-year term
• David E. Railsback, three-year term (third reappointment)
• Angela K. Mitchell, one-year term (student appointment)
Green space named for Hansford
Trustees approved naming the green space bounded by Denney Hall on the south, Lord Hall on the east, the Science and Engineering Building on the west and West 18th Avenue on the north Jean Hansford Quadrangle, in honor of the late Hansford (B.Arch. 1965), who served Ohio State as campus planner and steward of the University Master Plan. Hansford protected the open areas and green space on the Columbus Campus, helping to create additional parks and plazas. In naming the space, the trustees waived a portion of the Administrative Code regarding naming buildings and areas after employees of the university.
Requests for design authorized
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for the following projects:
• Construction of first-floor retail space in the Graduate and Professional Student Housing facility. Preliminary project estimate is $2.5 million with funding provided by future university bond issues with debt service paid by the Office of Student Affairs
• Upgrade of patient rooms and renovation of nurses’ stations and hallways on the third floor east and third floor south of the James Cancer Hospital. Preliminary project estimate is $1.5 - $2.5 million with funding provided by the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
• Renovation of the patient procedure room and control area of the second floor linear accelerator room and installation of a new cooling system in the room in the James Cancer Hospital. This project was originally included in the hospital’s second floor renovation project and is being separated because of time constraints. Preliminary project estimate is $250,000 with funding provided by the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
• Renovation of the third floor laboratory and classroom space at Galvin Hall on the Lima Campus to provide additional classroom facilities. Preliminary project estimate is $367,657 with funding provided by House Bill 850.
• Construction of 220 parking spaces on the Marion Campus displaced by construction of the Marion Campus Student Services Building. Preliminary project estimate is $359,310 with funding provided by House Bills 675 and 640 and the Marion Campus.
• Extension of water and sewer service to the Peach Point area of South Bass Island and Gibraltar Island and upgrading existing water and sewer pipes on Gibraltar Island. Preliminary project estimate is $2.5 million with funding provided by future university bond issues.
Construction projects authorized
The board authorized the university to enter into construction contracts for the following:
• Renovation of the Biological Sciences Building to meet current standards for a BioSafety Level 3 containment facility. Preliminary project estimate is $353,156 with funding provided by the College of Biological Sciences.
• Replacement of two pedestrian bridges across Carmack Road on West Campus. Construction document project cost is $260,000 with funding provided by House Bill 675.
• Renovation of the 11th floor of Doan Hall to consolidate the infectious diseases office space. Construction document project cost is $560,276 with funding provided by University Hospitals
• Replacement of the turf on football practice field #4 with an artificial surface. Construction document project cost is $540,000 with funding provided by university bond proceeds with debt service paid by the Department of Athletics
• Competitive bidding for a firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract, known as Job Order Contracting 2003.B, for the Camera Center and 650 Ackerman Road. Pre-established guaranteed minimum and maximum contract values are set for one-year terms with an option for three additional one-year terms. The university will report a summary of Job Order Contract projects at the end of each calendar year.
• Upgrading of the existing laboratories, office space and restrooms and installation of a new elevator and chiller system in Hayden Hall on the OARDC Wooster Campus. Revised (from 2001) anticipated project cost is $1.03 million with funding provided by House Bills 675 and 790 and OARDC.
• Construction of a new community center at Buckeye Village. Revised (from 2002) construction document cost is $5.67 million with funding provided by future university bond proceeds with debt service paid by the Office of Student Affairs.
• Replacement of the artificial turf on the indoor football field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Construction document project cost is $480,000 with funding provided by the Department of Athletics.
Property purchases approved
The board authorized the university to purchase the following properties:
• 26.4 acres of improved real property located at 650 Ackerman Road, owned by The Ohio State University Foundation, for a purchase price of $16.3 million. The property is adjacent to the Columbus Campus and will provide needed space for research and other mixed uses that support the Academic Plan. Funding will be provided by university bond proceeds, with rental income paying debt service and operating expenses.
• Four improved Columbus real properties, located at 226 W. Ninth Ave., 218-220 W. Ninth Ave., 208-212 W. Ninth Ave. and 1549-1569 Worthington St., owned by Thomas D, Thompson and Charles R. Derson. The purchase price of $845,000 will be provided by the Office of Student Affairs. The properties, totaling approximately .57 acres, are adjacent to the site of the university’s graduate and professional student housing project and just outside the university’s South Campus acquisition area.
Long-term lease option approved
Trustees approved seeking a long-term lease on a four-story brick building located at 1934 Indianola Ave., owned by The Ohio Theta House Corporation, an Ohio not-for-profit organization. The Office of Student Affairs currently is entering into a one-year lease with several one-year renewal options for the property, and it would be beneficial to have a longer lease. The house will be subleased to both fraternity and non-fraternity members beginning Autumn Quarter 2003. This use is consistent with the university’s Master Plan and with planning principles established by Campus Partners for the area east of High Street, where the emphasis is on preserving historic structures for Greek housing.
Competitive bidding waivers accepted
Trustees accepted the quarterly report of waivers of competitive bidding requirements granted during the period from January to March 2003. The senior vice president for business and finance granted 54 waivers for annual purchases totaling approximately $9.1 million, and the vice president for health services granted 27 waivers for annual purchases totaling approximately $4.4 million. Waivers are granted in the event of an emergency, when a sufficient economic reason exists or when books or services can be purchased only from a single source.
Investment managers appointed
The board approved the appointment and reappointment of a number of external investment managers who assist the university in the management of its endowment fund. The Investments Committee of the Board of Trustees periodically reviews the results obtained by the investment managers and the amount of funds assigned to them and makes adjustments as economic conditions and performances change.
Third-quarter budget report adopted
Higher than projected enrollment for summer through spring quarters increased the university’s student fee revenue by $2.7 million, but was offset by a state budget cut that took $11.2 million from the university’s coffers, university budget director Lee Walker told the trustees. Trustees adopted the regular third-quarter budget report for the current fiscal year, which also showed that University Health System finances have improved since last year, and the Blackwell Inn is making positive strides, with occupancy increasing each month. The report also indicated that Athletics operations are within budget and benefiting from increased merchandise sales, and the Schottenstein Center is operating within its budget.
Trustees hear budget update
University Treasurer James L. Nichols updated trustees on the value of the university’s endowment, which was up 4.4 percent for the month. The endowment stood at $875 million as of April 25, compared to $843 million as of March 31, Nichols said.
Selective investment outcomes presented
Yuan F. Zheng, professor and chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Peter March, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics, reported to the board on the impact of the Selective Investment program on their departments. The Selective Investment initiative identifies some of the university’s strongest departments and programs and gives them the resources they need to move to the very top of their fields. The presenting departments have used the investment funds primarily to hire outstanding new faculty and to enhance graduate programs.
Trustees hear report on freshman seminars
Trustees heard a presentation about the Freshman Honors Seminar Program in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Through the seminars, students can learn about research opportunities and areas of study that are available in the college. The seminars also give students the chance to work with faculty members on research projects.
Trustees hear report on graduate research forum
Trustees also heard a report on the 17th annual Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum, which was held on April 26. Graduate students are chosen to present their research at the forum after they submit abstracts that are reviewed by professors in their academic disciplines. At the forum, students present their research in front of a panel of judges and then answer any questions the professors may have. The forum helps graduate students prepare to present research and to gain a better understanding of the academic research process.
Student receives board recognition
Keisha Wells, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in economics, received the board’s Student Recognition Award. During the last three years, she worked as a brand management intern at Procter & Gamble. There, she led two product design development initiatives and presented a recommendation for market entry of both products to senior management. At Ohio State, she received the Fisher College Pace Setter award, which recognizes the top business students, and the college’s 2003 “Most Outstanding Female” award. She is a member of Fisher College’s Honors Cohort and the Mortar Board National Honor Society, and was recognized at the 2003 President’s Salute to Undergraduate Academic Achievement. Wells, from Mason, also is the former secretary of Ohio State’s chapter of the NAACP and has served as a representative to the Office of Minority Affairs Advisory Board. She volunteers as a peer mentor in the Office of Minority Affairs and as a tutor at Indianola Middle School.
Board committee appointments announced
The board approved the following appointments to committees and boards:
Academic and Student Affairs Committee:
Tami Longaberger, chair; Daniel M. Slane, vice chair; Douglas G. Borror; new trustee; Paula A. Habib
Fiscal Affairs Committee:
Robert M. Duncan, Chair; Jo Ann Davidson, Vice Chair; Dimon R. McFerson; Karen L. Hendricks; new student trustee
Facility Planning (ad hoc)
(Subcommittee of Fiscal Affairs)
Robert M. Duncan, chair; Daniel M. Slane; Karen L. Hendricks; Douglas G. Borror
Audit Committee:
Dimon R. McFerson, chair; Tami Longaberger, vice chair; Jo Ann Davidson; Karen L. Hendricks
Agricultural Affairs Committee:
Daniel M. Slane, Chair; Fred L. Dailey, vice chair, ex officio; Robert M. Duncan; Karen L. Hendricks; new trustee; new student trustee
Governance Committee:
Zuheir Sofia, chair; Tami Longaberger vice chair; Daniel M. Slane
Government Relations Advisory Council:
Jo Ann Davidson, Chair; Douglas G. Borror, Vice Chair; Daniel M. Slane, Dimon R. McFerson, Paula A. Habib, new trustee, David L. Brennan, Michael F. Colley, William Blair, Stan Aronoff
The Arthur G, James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute Board:
Robert M. Duncan (3 years), chair; Jo Ann Davidson (3 years)
University Hospitals Board:
Robert M. Duncan (3 years), Jo Ann Davidson (3 years)
Campus Partners Board:
Douglas G. Borror (3 years)
Research Foundation Board of Directors:
Karen L. Hendricks (2 years)
University Foundation Board ex officio: Class of Directors:
Tami Longaberger (1 year), Dimon R. McFerson (2 years), Douglas G. Borror (3 years)
Wexner Center Foundation Board
Leslie H. Wexner (2005), Jo Ann Davidson
Ohio State University Affiliates, Inc.: Affiliated Entities Committee:
Zuheir Sofia (1 year), Tami Longaberger (2 years), Daniel M. Slane (3 years)
Regional Campus Trustee Liaisons:
Jo Ann Davidson, Mansfield; Tami Longaberger, Newark; Robert M. Duncan, Marion; new trustee, Lima
Self-Insurance Trust Board:
Dimon R. McFerson (3 years)
Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital:
Dimon R. McFerson
