OSU board meets, approves university matters - 12/02/05

COLUMBUS – Two new endowed chairs for faculty at The Ohio State University were established today (12/2) by the university's Board of Trustees.
A $1.78 million gift from partners of Deloitte Haskins and Sells and the Deloitte Haskins and Sells Foundation will support The Deloitte and Touche Chair in Accounting in the Max M. Fisher College of Business.
The George T. Harding III, MD, Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, funded with $1.5 million in gifts from family and friends of the late Dr. Harding, will support the professional activities of a psychiatrist within the Department of Psychiatry who will engage in clinical treatment and teaching activities. Dr. Harding was clinical professor emeritus at Ohio State and retired medical director of Harding Hospital in Worthington.
The new endowed chairs are part of $7 million in private gifts, including two professorships and 15 new endowed funds, given to the university during the month of October. The board also accepted 269 new research grants and contracts, totaling $33.5 million, awarded during October.
In other business, trustees approved a variety of personnel, fiscal and construction-related matters.
Named endowed professorships
•The University Pathology Services Clinical Pathology Professorship, $761,089, provided by gifts from University Pathology Services of Columbus to provide a professorship position supporting the advancement of medical knowledge in the field of pathology research

•The Grayce M. Sills Professorship, $657,223 (grandfathered), provided by gifts from alumni, friends and faculty of the College of Nursing to provide a professorship in behavioral health nursing in the College of Nursing
Named endowed funds

•Advancement of Diversity, Outreach and Engagement Endowed Fund, $1,129,979, provided by funds from the Transportation Research Center Inc. to facilitate outreach and engagement in promoting interest and awareness in engineering, including the transportation field, across diverse settings within the Honda-OSU community

•The Marion N. Rowley Chair Fund in Human Cancer Genetics Research, $300,000, provided by gifts from The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in memory of Marion N. Rowley of Glendale, Calif., to provide a chair supporting a distinguished scholar in human cancer genetics research

•Charles G. Orosz, Ph.D., Post Doctoral Fellowship Fund in Transplant Sciences, $250,000, provided by funds from the Department of Surgery to support a post-doctoral fellow engaged in full-time research under the direction of the deputy director of research for the Comprehensive Transplant Center

•Helen Cummings Berdelman Scholarship Fund in Elementary Education, $144,702, provided by a gift from the estate of Helen Cummings Berdelman (B.S.Ed., 1951) to support scholarships to students in the College of Education who are preparing to become elementary school teachers

•The Tom W. Davis Athletic Scholarship Fund, $100,000, provided by a gift from Tom W. Davis of Columbus to supplement the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of a student-athlete who is a member of a varsity team

•The Betty Sherwood Kinney Re-Entry Scholarship Fund, $80,000, provided by a gift from the trust of Betty Sherwood Kinney (B.S., 1939; Cert.Grad.Nurse, 1939) to provide scholarships for undergraduate students or students in the Graduate Entry program in the College of Nursing who are returning to school after a break in their education

•The Tom W. Davis Cheerleading Athletic Scholarship Fund, $50,548, provided by a gift from Tom W. Davis to supplement the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of a student-athlete who is a member of the varsity cheerleading team

•The Tom W. Davis Wrestling Athletic Scholarship Fund, $50,000, provided by a gift from Tom W. Davis to supplement the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of a student-athlete who is a member of the varsity wrestling team

•The Howard W. and Marjorie J. Kraft Family Endowment Fund for Lymphoma Cancer Research, $40,753, provided by a gift from Marjorie J. Kraft in honor of her family to support lymphoma cancer research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute

•The Class of 1955 Medical Education Scholarship Fund, $39,107, provided by gifts from members and friends of the OSU College of Medicine alumni class of 1955 to provide scholarships for fourth-year medical students enrolled in the College of Medicine

•The Mac A. Stewart Endowed Scholarship Fund, $26,232, provided by gifts from friends and colleagues of Mac. A. Stewart in honor of his 28 years of distinguished service to University College including 10 years as the dean. Income from the fund will provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students in the College of Human Ecology participating in an international education of service project with preference given to students who wish to travel in Africa.

•The Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation Postdoctoral Endowed Fellowship Fund in Pediatric Brain Tumor Research, $25,000, provided by gifts from The Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation in memory of Jeffrey Thomas Hayden to support a fellowship and/or support basic, clinical and transitional research to increase knowledge about pediatric brain cancer in the Division of Neurooncology

•The Ruth D. and George W. Sherman Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from the family of Ruth D. and George W. Sherman to provide scholarship support to undergraduate students who are studying sport and exercise science education

•Larry Zelina/Varsity “O” Endowed Athletic Scholarship Fund, $25,000, provided by gifts from the Men's Varsity &ldqou;O&rdquo Association of Columbus to support the grant-in-aid scholarship costs of a student-athlete who is a member of the varsity football team

•Forestry Forum Endowed Scholarship Fund, $15,555 (grandfathered), provided by gifts from the Forestry Forum to provide scholarships to student in natural resources active in forestry or urban forestry and in the OSU Forestry Forum
Change in name and description of named endowed funds

•James E. Gui Design Competition Awards Fund is now the James Gui '54 Design Competition Fund

•The Darrell K. Root Scholarship Fund is now The Darrell K. Root and Carolyn A. Root Scholarship

•The Wilma H. Schiermeier Wetland Complex Fund is now The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park Fund
Personnel appointments
•Joseph B. Stulberg has been named to the John W. Bricker Professorship in Law in the Michael E. Moritz College of Law, effective Aug. 16, 2005.

•Peter P. Swire has been named to The C. William O'Neill Professorship in Law and Judicial Administration in the Michael E. Moritz College of Law, effective Dec. 1, 2005.
Change in title

•William Curtis Steiner's title has been changed from senior vice president for external relations to senior vice president for university relations in the Office of University Relations, effective Dec. 2, 2005.
Heart Hospital board appointments
The board approved the following appointments as citizen members of the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital Board, effective December 2005 through December 2007:

•John B. Gerlach, Jr. (2nd term)

•Frank Wobst (2nd term)
Emeritus titles
•Charles F. Johnson, professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics, effective Dec. 1, 2005

•Gary W. Mullins, professor emeritus in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, effective Jan. 1, 2006

•Lynn B. Willett, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences, effective Jan. 1, 2006

•David L. Zartman, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences, effective Feb. 1, 2006

•Jeffrey D. Layman, assistant professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, effective Dec. 1, 2005
Resolutions in memoriam
•David J. Citino, professor in the Department of English and Poet Laureate of The Ohio State University, who died on Oct. 17, 2005

•Chester Devenow, former chairperson and member of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, who died on Nov. 6, 2005

•Charles Raymond Gambs, Jr., assistant vice president emeritus in the Department of Public Safety, who died on Oct. 26, 2005

•William H. Hall, vice president for student affairs, who died on Nov. 27, 2005

•Charles Maxwell Perry, associate professor emeritus in Ohio State University Extension, who died on Oct. 29, 2005

•M. Rosalind Pierson, associate professor in the Department of Dance, who died on Oct. 20, 2005

•Lida E. Wenzel, assistant professor emeritus in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the Mansfield Campus, who died on June 25, 2004
Construction projects
The board authorized the university to enter into a feasibility study contract for the following project:

•Michael E. Moritz College of Law. Projected study cost is $130,000 to be provided by college development funds and university central funds.
The board authorized the university to enter into design contracts for the following projects:
•Upgrade of the electrical system at 930 Kinnear Road to provide connection to a heavy duty dynamometer control and an outdoor fence enclosure of related research equipment for the Center for Automotive Research. Projected cost is $140,842 with funding provided by state funds and college development funds.

•Addition to the west end of the Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratory to enable the College of Engineering to hire a leading researcher in gas turbines. Projected cost is $442,380 to be provided by college development funds.

•Upgrade of elevators in the James Cancer Hospital, including the renovation of the equipment room and upgrades to the electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems. Projected cost is $667,400 to be provided by hospital operating funds.

•Replacement of the roof on Kennedy Commons, 251 West 12th Ave. Projected cost is $1.6 million to be provided by university bond proceeds.

•Replacement of existing incandescent and fluorescent lighting with energy efficient T-8 fluorescent fixtures in Gerlaugh Hall and Williams Hall on the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) campus. Projected cost is $109,827 to be proved by state funds.

•Upgrades to the Life Safety System at the OARDC. Projected cost is $970,000 to be provided by state funds.

•Renovations at University Hospital East to provide space for Endoscopy and Digestive Health areas. Projected cost is $1.36 million to be provided by hospital operating funds.

•Construction of a softball stadium for varsity women's athletics with seating for 1,500 to 2,000 spectators. The stadium will be located between the Woody Hayes Training Center and the Jesse Owens Track Stadium. Projected cost is $2.82 million to be provided by Athletics development funds.

The board authorized the university to enter into construction contracts for the following projects:
•Redesign of existing office space at 960 Kinnear Road to accommodate the Student Affairs Office of Information Technology and 24-hour Service Center, now located in Lincoln Tower. Projected cost is $1.1 million to be provided by 2007 bond proceeds.

•Renovation of the corridor restrooms in Bradley Hall, 221 West 12th Ave., and Paterson Hall, 191 West 12th Ave. Projected cost is $3.16 million to be provided by 2007 bond proceeds.

•Improvements to the South Dorms site, including storm sewer work. Projected cost is $1.26 million to be provided by state funds and 2005 and 2007 bond proceeds.

•Reorganization of clinical space and renovation of the Interventional Radiology area. Projected cost is $2.55 million to be provided by hospital operating funds.

•Reorganization of clinical space and renovation of two rooms in Rhodes Hall, 450 West 10th Ave., in preparation for the installation of new radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment. Projected cost is $93,900 to be provided by hospital operating funds.

•Reorganization of clinical space in Rhodes Hall to provide mechanical systems to support the Interventional Radiology and Minimally Invasive Surgery projects. Projected cost is $150,840 to be provided by hospital operating funds.

•Construction of a facility to house an Early Childhood Development Center in the Weinland Park area, southeast of the university. The existing childhood laboratory housed in Campbell Hall will be relocated to this new facility and will expand its services to include infants, toddlers and pre-school-age children. Projected cost is $11.6 million to be provided by College of Human Ecology development funds, Office of the President funds and 2005 bond proceeds.

•Renovation of the Fawcett Center Tower, 2400 Olentangy River Road, into office space. Projected cost is $8.09 million to be provided by 2007 bond proceeds.

• Renovation of the Information Technology and Communications department of the second floor of the Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road. Projected cost is $194,724 to be provided by Alumni Association development funds.

•Demolition of Dakan Hall and construction of a new Ohio 4-H Center, including outdoor program space, outdoor amenities and parking. Projected cost is $12.48 million to be provided by state funds and College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Ohio 4-H development funds.

•Separation of the storm sewer from the combined storm/sanitary sewer in the eastern portion of the South Dorms to eliminate flooding and sewer backup. Projected cost is $795,000 to be provided by 2007 bond proceeds.

•Renovation of two rooms of MacQuigg Laboratory, 105 West Woodruff Ave. Projected cost is $79,841 to be provided by a Wright Center of Innovation grant.

The board authorized the university to enter into a construction management contract for the following project:
•Construction of a new Ohio 4-H Center. Projected cost is $12.48 million to be provided by state funds and College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Ohio 4-H development funds.
Board hears quarterly update on capital projects
Trustees heard a quarterly report from William J. Shkurti, senior vice president for business and finance, on the status of current capital projects.

•Biomedical Research Tower and Laboratory Animal Facilities are in bidding and construction stage, on time and on budget. Estimated move-in is Autumn 2006.

•Jennings Hall renovation is in the construction stage and on budget. There was a five-month delay in the construction schedule for further bid analysis. Estimated move-in is Spring 2007.

•Larkins Hall replacement is in Phase II of construction. Construction on Phase II has been delayed due to weather-related issues during the construction of Phase I (now completed). Costs are higher due to weather delays, legal costs, delay claims and electrical contract rebid. Estimated move-in is Winter 2007.

•McCracken Power Plant Emissions Compliance Project is in the construction stage, on time and on budget. Completion is expected in January 2007.

•Ohio Union replacement is in the schematic design stage. Estimated move-in is 2009.

•Physical Sciences Research Building is in the close-out stage. Rupture of the chilled water main and bankruptcies of contractors have necessitated a delay in construction and increased costs. Estimated completion and move-in is Winter 2006.

•Psychology Building is in construction stage, on time and on budget. Estimated move-in is December 2005.

•Peter L. and Clara M. Scott Laboratory is in the construction stage, on time and on budget. Estimated move-in is Autumn 2006.

•Thompson Library Renovation is in the construction documents stage. Estimated move-in is Autumn 2009.
Interim authorization granted
Trustees gave interim approval to the university to enter into design, construction management and construction contracts for university capital projects as necessary prior to the Feb. 3, 2006 Board of Trustees' meeting, subject to written approval of the chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee.
Appointment of investment managers approved
The board approved the appointment and reappointment of external investment managers who assist in the management of the university's endowment fund. The board's Investments Committee periodically reviews the results obtained by the external managers and the amount of funds assigned to them, adjusting the mix as economic conditions and performances change.
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 currently has 26 lines of credit with an outstanding balance of $90.7 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 $1.8 billion as of Nov. 30, 2005, which is up from $1.6 billion as in November 2004. He also gave a long-term perspective on the fund. The income distribution to colleges is projected to be $81 million in 2006 compared with approximately $5.1 million in 1980. The average rate of return on the endowment during the past 24 years is 12 percent. In addition, its market value has increased from $29 million in 1965 to $1.8 billion, which is a 62-fold increase.
Faculty bylaws amended
The board authorized changes in the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees and Rules of the University Faculty to reflect a change in title for the senior vice president for university relations and to rescind the title of vice president for government relations. The senior vice president for university relations will continue to direct the units known as government relations, media relations, internal communications, marketing communications, research communications and the WOSU stations.
New physical therapy degree program approved
The board approved the establishment of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program that will emphasize advanced problem solving, critical thinking, clinical reasoning and management and differential diagnosis. The program is intended to support the level of independent practice expected of therapists in the decades ahead and reflects the fact that the Doctor of Physical Therapy is the preferred clinical degree of the American Physical Therapy Association.
University Honors and Scholars Center approved
The board approved granting "Academic Center" status to the University Honors and Scholars Center. As a formal academic center, the University Honors and Scholars Center will recruit high ability students to Ohio State; enrich the academic experience by creating and enforcing uniform minimum standards for all colleges; encourage and facilitate undergraduate research; provide enhancements to the academic experience; tailor quality academic advising for honors and scholars students; and assist students in preparing for post-graduate opportunities. Designation as an academic center will result in regular, formal reviews of the center by the Council on Academic Affairs.
Use of "center" approved
Trustees approved a request by the College of Medicine to use the term "center" for its Center for Robotic Surgery. Faculty rules specify that the use of "center" be limited to academic centers unless approved by the Council of Academic Affairs, which has approved this request.
College of Medicine renamed
The College of Medicine and Public Health will now be known as the College of Medicine following approval by the University Senate in November and the Board of Trustees, effective Winter Quarter 2006. The School of Public Health has endorsed the name change for the college and will continue as an integral part of the Health Sciences cluster of colleges.
Center renamed
The board approved the Fisher College of Business' request to change the name of the Center for Excellence in Manufacturing Management to the Center for Operational Excellence to better reflect the changing nature of the activities being undertaken.
Internal spaces named
The board approved naming the following internal spaces after the donors who supported the construction, equipping or furnishing of the classrooms, offices, laboratories and other spaces in order to recognize their generosity to the university.Project: Page Hall, 1810 College Road•Office provided through the generosity of FedEx, Room 150E, First Floor
•Alex Shumate Graduate Student Lounge, Room 230
•Longaberger Seminar Room, Room 240
•Pamela Conrad Seminar Room, Room 240A
•Office provided through the generosity of Harry Jacobs, Room 310D
•Office provided through the generosity of Stan Chesley and Susan Dlott, Room 310F
•SBC Distance Learning Studio, Room 310G
•Distinguished Visitor's office generously provided in memory of Frank and Jeanette Veno, Room 310K
•Office provided through the generosity of Brad and Cynthia Tillson, Room 310P
•Office provided through the generosity of Tom and Merilynn Kaplin, Room 310Q
•Lockheed Martin Boardroom, Room 340
•Annie Glenn Executive Conference Room provided through the generosity of Barbara K. Fergus, Room 350B
•Office provided through the generosity of Deborah and Andrew Merritt, Room 350C
•Ralph and Barbara Rockow Executive Director's Office, Room 350E
Project: College of Dentistry, 302 West 12th Avenue•Dr. Nancy Goorey Educational Suite, Room 3085
•Dr. Charles Solt Library, Room 4008
Project: Physics Research Building, 191 West Woodruff Avenue•David and Christine Vernier Commons, First Floor, off of the central atrium
•Alpheus Smith Seminar Room, Room 1080, First Floor
Project: Buckeye Village Community Center, 2724 Defiance Drive•Minkin Family Art Studio, Room 130, First Floor
•Dr. Beverly Guella Toomey, Room 124 (fireplace), First Floor
Project: Recreation and Physical Activity Center, 337 West 17th Avenue•Tom Davis Special Event Gym, Room B25
•Mary Daniels Wellness Suite, Room B130
•Jonathan Larrimer Members Lounge, Room B245
•Dave Griner Student Leadership Training Room, Room B251
Wetland complex renamed
The board approved renaming the Schiermeier Wetland Complex located at 352 West Dodridge Street as the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park in recognition of Schiermeier's generous estate gift to the university for the purpose of environmental research. Schiermeier's gift completed a major construction and endowment campaign to assure the future success of the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park.
Easements authorized
The board authorized the renewal of two easements to the City of Wooster to permit a water line and sewer line to and through the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.
Annexation of property approved
The board approved the annexation of approximately 495 acres of university property in Wayne County to the City of Wooster. The annexation will allow Wooster to provide water and sewer services essential to the development of property owned by the university for the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, the Agricultural Technical Institute and the new BioHio Research Park.
Student receives board recognition
Laurie Millward, a fourth-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine from Bellbrook, received the board's Student Recognition Award. In addition to pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, Millward is working toward a master of science degree from the Veterinary Biosciences Graduate Program. She has received research grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Institutes of Health and has served as secretary of the Radiology Club on campus. Following graduation, she hopes to complete a residency in clinical pathology, earn a Ph.D. degree and practice academic medicine.
Report of faculty work life heard
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee heard a report on "Flexibility on the Tenure Track" from Joan Herbers, dean of the College of Biological Sciences and Mary Juhas, senior assistant dean in the College of Engineering. Flexibility issues and their effect on recruitment and retention of faculty have captured national attention, and a President's Council on Women's Issues work group was charged with examining the feasibility of supporting part-time appointments and looking at all aspects of the university's tenure policies to recommend how they could be made less rigid and more welcoming to both women and men faculty. The group offered a series of recommendations that would encourage the university to make its existing policies on part-time faculty employment better known and better accepted.
Student financial health studied
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee heard a report from Constance Boehm, director of Student Wellness, and Barbara Wharton, director of Student Affairs Assessment, on student financial health. They found a direct correlation between financial stress and academic progress. Students with a high level of financial stress are less likely to graduate in four years and have lower grade point averages. Ohio State's wellness program, which has recently added a financial dimension, is a model nationwide, offering several initiatives for teaching lifelong financial skills.
University preparing for reaccreditation
The Academic and Student Affairs Committee heard an update on the institutional re-accreditation process. Randy Smith, vice provost for Curriculum and Institutional Relations, and Stephanie Davidson, associate professor of speech and hearing science, are preparing for the university-wide decennial reaccreditation process through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which will include a three-day site visit in April, 2007. The university will be judged on how well it meets criteria in five areas: mission and integrity; preparing for the future; student learning and effective teaching; acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge; and engagement and service. In addition, the university has opted to select a special emphasis area for a more customized and in-depth review. Ohio State has chosen the special emphasis area of "graduate and professional education."
Ohio State Extension focus of new report
The Agricultural Affairs Committee heard a report from Keith Smith, Ohio State University Extension director, on a recent study conducted by Battelle Institute on Extension's economic impact on Ohio. The study found that, in 2003, Extension brought $159 million to the state, nearly 2.5 times its annual operating budget. Extension also provided more than 1,900 jobs, $64 million in income and $4.8 million in state taxes.
Academic Plan and priorities highlighted
Provost Barbara Snyder outlined to the board the three academic priorities arising from a recent update of the Academic Plan: targeted investments in excellence, alignment of funding with quality in graduate education and a university-wide review of undergraduate education. Snyder said that academic excellence is the only path to achieving the Academic Plan's goal of positioning Ohio State as the premier public land-grant research university in the nation.
University's energy program updated
Associate Vice President for Facilities Operations and Development Melissa Bellini outlined a strategic energy and sustainability plan that includes energy conservation, transportation, recycling, maintenance, grounds and waste management, construction, use of environmentally friendly products and pollution prevention. To keep in step with soaring fuel costs and the increasing energy demands of a growing campus, the university is evolving from an "energy management only" strategy, to a broader approach that balances growing expenses and inflation and creates a sustainable and healthier physical environment.
Ohio State leader in robotic surgery
Dr. Scott Melvin, professor of surgery and director of the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Dr. Vipul Patel, of the Center for Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery, reported to the board on the university’s robotic surgery program, which has gained international recognition as one of the first such centers in the world, training more than 100 surgeons yearly and bringing in $8 million in research funding.
Faculty leaders heard
Philip T.K. Daniel, professor of educational policy and leadership and chair of the Faculty Council, and Christian K. Zacher, professor of English and secretary of the University Senate, presented their views on university faculty-related issues to trustees.

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