Trustees on Thursday honored each scholar as a Distinguished University Professor. The permanent honorific title is awarded annually to tenure-track professors who have been at Ohio State for at least five years and have demonstrated truly exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work, and service. Distinguished University Professors become members of the President’s and Provost’s Advisory Committee and are awarded a $30,000 one-time grant to support their academic work. The university has awarded just 78 faculty since the creation of the honor in 1987.

The recipients are:

• Gail E. Besner, H. William Clatworthy Jr. Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine
• Shan-Lu Liu, professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Alan Luo, professor, Donald D. Glower Chair in Engineering, College of Engineering
• Giorgio Rizzoni, professor, Ford Motor Company Chair in ElectroMechanical Systems, College of Engineering
• Brent Sohngen, Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
• Claudia Turro, Dr. Melvin L. Morris Endowed Professorship in Inorganic Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

“Academic excellence is only possible because of our people,” President Ravi V. Bellamkonda told trustees on Thursday. “World-class research, exceptional scholarship, dedicated service — we have lots of reasons to be incredibly grateful for and proud of our distinguished faculty.”

Trustees also reviewed the tenure of Bellamkonda, praising his progress on goals including academic excellence, integrating AI into undergraduates’ academic experience, and driving transformative research and innovation. Bellamkonda was named the 18th president of Ohio State in March.

“You do a great job articulating a really compelling vision for the kind of university that we can be and ought to be,” Board Chair Jeff M. S. Kaplan said. “The urgency, enthusiasm and action that you bring to this role, we believe, are exactly what we need.” 

The board agreed to a 3% adjustment to Bellamkonda’s base salary as part of the university’s Annual Merit Compensation Process, and an annual performance award for achieving agreed-upon goals of $420,000, or 30% of his base salary.

Trustees approved the president’s fiscal year 2027 goals, focused on inspiring, innovating and empowering people across Ohio and beyond, and building upon the themes of the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan.

The goals are:

• Academic excellence, which includes enhancing Ohio State’s signature undergraduate experience, advancing life-changing research, cultivating dynamic people and leaders, and bolstering strong colleges and programs.
• Healthcare excellence, in which Ohio State will help to reshape and transform healthcare by providing world-class care for every person, pursuing relentless innovation to improve lives, and being the best place to work and learn.
• Athletic excellence, a space in which the university is positioned to define the future of college sports.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Establishment of academic programs approved
The board approved the establishment of the Bachelor of Science major in biotech science and the Bachelor of Arts major in civics, law and leadership. The major in biotech science addresses a growing workforce need within Ohio’s rapidly expanding biotechnology and life sciences sector, and the civics, law and leadership major offered by the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society advances Ohio State's land-grant mission by preparing students to participate thoughtfully and lead effectively in civic life through the study of history, constitutionalism, law and leadership.

Revision of program curricula approved
Trustees approved revisions to the classics major, comparative studies major, natural resource management major and the environmental policy and decision-making major.

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

• Douglas Laycock, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
• Dianne McIntyre, Doctor of Arts, honoris causa

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Edward “Ned” J. Behrman, who died on March 7. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• R. Bruce Curry, professor emeritus in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• James R. “Jim” Helt, who died on June 15. He was an associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Floyd L. Herum, who died on Jan. 12. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Michael Jon Kindred, professor emeritus in the Moritz College of Law and former associate dean.

• Cheryl Lee Krueger, former member of the Board of Trustees, who died on June 13.

• Robert Frederic Lawson, professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Aug. 9, 2025.

• Sheila J. Marion, associate professor emerita in the Department of Dance in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on June 22.

• Thomas Edgar Noyes, assistant professor emeritus within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on April 6.

• John D. Ong, former member of the Board of Trustees, who died on June 4.

• Russell “Russ” M. Pitzer, professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on May 25.

• Richard P. Swenson, professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Feb. 20.

Personnel actions approved 
Trustees approved the following appointments and reappointments:

Appointments

• Karin Allenspach has been appointed professor (The Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Oncology and Biomedical Research) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from Sept. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031.
• Natarajan Balasubramanian has been appointed professor (The Robert and Anne Hoyt Fund) at Fisher College of Business for a term running from Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2031.
• Susie Breitenstein has been appointed professor (Centennial Endowed Professor of Nursing) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Aug. 20, 2026, through Aug. 19, 2031.
• Kristi Cheramie has been appointed professor (The Hubert Schmidt Chair in Landscape Architecture) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Edward Dodson has been appointed professor-clinical (The William H. Saunders M.D. Professorship in Otolaryngology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from August 15, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Kiely Fletcher has been appointed vice provost for strategic enrollment management in the Office of Academic Affairs effective June 15, 2026.
• Frank Jacobus has been appointed professor and director (Walter H. Kidd Designated Professorship KSA) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Osama Khalil has been appointed associate professor (Dr. Charles Saltzer Professorship in Mathematics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 16, 2027, through Aug. 16, 2032.
• Kami Maddocks has been appointed professor-clinical (Natalie M. Knutsen Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Sept. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Antoinette Marsh has been appointed professor (Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Parasitic and Infectious Diseases) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from Sept. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031.
• Dustin Mixon has been appointed associate professor (Russell C. Shaw and Lynn B. Shaw Endowed Professorship in Mathematics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Nathan Mowery has been appointed professor-clinical (Margaret Bowers Hardymon Professorship in Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Michael Neblo has been appointed professor (Ann and Darrell Dreher Chair in Political Communication and Policy Thinking) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Kathy Northern has been appointed associate professor (Joanne Wharton Murphy/Class of 1965 and 1973 Professorship in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Efthimi Parasidis has been appointed professor (The Robert J. Lynn Chair in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Robin Queen has been appointed professor and chair (Bertha Lamme Professorship) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Jeffrey J. Walline has been appointed dean of the College of Optometry from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Balasubramaniam Shanker has been appointed interim dean of the College of Engineering from Aug. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Reappointments

• Elizabeth Cooke has been reappointed professor-clinical (Frank C. Woodside III Clinical Professorship of Trial Advocacy) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Monica Cox has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Laura Dugan has been reappointed professor (Ralph Mershon Designated Professorship of Human Security) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez has been reappointed professor (Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Andrew Glassman has been reappointed professor and chair (Frank J. Kloenne Chair in Orthopedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
• John Horack has been reappointed professor and vice president (Neil A. Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Igor Jouline has been reappointed professor (Rod Sharp Professorship in Microbiology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Ahmet Kahraman has been reappointed professor (Howard D. Winbigler Designated Professorship) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Sanjay Krishna has been reappointed professor (George R. Smith Chair in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Dhabaleswar Kumar has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Tasha Lewis has been reappointed associate professor-clinical (Nina Mae Mattus Professorship) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Jamie Lipp has been reappointed associate professor-clinical (Mary Fried Endowed Clinical Professorship) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Rama Mallampalli has been reappointed professor and chair (S. Robert Davis Chair of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Matthew Mayhew has been reappointed professor (William Ray and Marie Adamson Flesher Endowed Professor in Educational Administration) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• David McComb has been reappointed professor (Ohio Research Scholar in Materials) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Marta Nowak has been reappointed assistant professor (Christos Yessios Endowed Professorship) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• John Nusstein has been reappointed professor (Dr. William J. Meyers Endowed Chair in Endodontics) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Phillip Popovich has been reappointed professor and chair (Ray W. Poppleton Research Designated Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Dongbin Xiu has been reappointed professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Scientific Computation) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Ahmed Yousef has been reappointed professor (Virginia Hutchison Bazler and Frank E. Bazler Chair in Food Science) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Xiaodong Zhang has been reappointed professor (Robert M. Critchfield Professorship in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.

Trustees also approved a market compensation adjustment for Jake Wozniak, treasurer, vice president of financial services and innovation and deputy chief financial officer.

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

East Hospital endoscopy expansion and catheter lab
Professional services totaling $3.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Hughes Hall renovation
Professional services totaling $5.2 million, to be paid for with university funds, state funds and partner funds.

Wexner Medical Center community facilities
Professional services totaling $20 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Ramseyer Hall renovation
Professional services totaling $3.1 million, to be paid for with university funds and state funds.

Research Center deferred maintenance, phase 1
Professional services totaling $4 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Airport capital improvements
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $1.3 million, to be paid for with university funds and partner funds.

Baker Hall portable air conditioning and electrical upgrades
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $4.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Blankenship Hall upgrades
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $1.5 million, to be paid for with university funds and partner funds.

Fawcett Center renovations
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $6.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Howlett Hall deferred maintenance
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $11 million, to be paid for with university funds and grant funds.

Knowlton Hall roof replacement
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $5.6 million, to be paid for with university funds.

North Towers renovations
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $145 million, to be paid for with university debt.

Outpatient Care East clinic renovations and relocations
Professional services and construction contracts totaling $14.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Tunnel rehabilitation, phase 1
Construction contracts totaling $6.1 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds, state funds and partner funds.

University Hospital pavilion air handling units review/repair
Construction contracts totaling $37.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Fiscal year 2027 capital investment plan approved
Trustees approved the university capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Joint use agreements approved
The board approved entering into joint use agreements between Ohio State and the following entities following funds appropriated in the state capital bill:

• Edison Welding Institute (EWI)
• Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
• Lifecare Alliance
• Rev1 Ventures

Settlement agreement and amendments to the concession agreement with Ohio State Energy Partners approved
Trustees approved a settlement agreement and amendments to the long-term lease and concession agreement for the Ohio State utility system.

Amendments to the bylaws of the Board of Trustees and Wexner Medical Center board approved
Trustees approved amendments to the bylaws of the Ohio State Board of Trustees and the bylaws of the Wexner Medical Center Board.

Board of Trustees committee appointments approved
Trustees approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2027 as follows:

Academic Excellence

• Reginald A. Wilkinson, chair
• Bradley R. Kastan, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• M. Katherine Holcombe
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Juan Jose Perez
• Patrick J. Tiberi
• Annabelle B. Feibel
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Eric Bielefeld (faculty member)
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio)

Engagement & External Relations

• Patrick J. Tiberi, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• M. Katherine Holcombe
• Pierre Bigby
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Kara J. Trott
• Annabelle B. Feibel
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio)

Finance, Audit & Investment

• Gary R. Heminger, chair
• Pierre Bigby, vice chair
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• George A. Skestos
• Kara J. Trott
• Patrick J. Tiberi
• Patrick C. Arp
• Amy Chronis
• Kent M. Stahl
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio)

Governance & Institutional Accountability

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, co-chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, co-chair
• Gary R. Heminger
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Tomislav B. Mitevsk
• Juan Jose Perez
• Kara J. Trott
• Patrick J. Tiberi

Master Planning & Facilities

• Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
• Suzanne R. Kiggin, vice chair
• M. Katherine Holcombe
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Pierre Bigby
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Annabelle B. Feibel
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Keith Myers
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio)

Talent & Compensation

• Juan Jose Perez, chair
• George A. Skestos, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Gary R. Heminger
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Suzanne R. Kiggin
• Patrick C. Arp
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

• Robert H. Schottenstein, chair
• Kara J. Trott, vice chair
• Gary R. Heminger
• Suzanne R. Kiggin
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• George A. Skestos
• Patrick C. Arp
• Leslie H. Wexner, chair emeritus
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan (ex officio, voting)
• Ravi V. Bellamkonda (ex officio, voting)
• Trevor Brown (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Finance Committee, Wexner Medical Center

• Stephen D. Steinour, chair
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Amy Chronis
• John J. Warner
• Michael Papadakis

Quality & Professional Affairs Committee, Wexner Medical Center

• Kara J. Trott, chair
• George A. Skestos, vice chair
• Suzanne R. Kiggin
• Trevor Brown
• Michael Papadakis
• John J. Warner
• Eric Bourekas
• Stacy A. Brethauer
• David E. Cohn
• Scott A. Holliday
• Daniel Like
• Kami J. Maddocks
• Traci Mignery
• Elizabeth Seely
• Corrin Steinhauer
• W. Kimryn Rathmell
• Andrew M. Thomas
• Crystal Tubbs
• Nicole Williams

Foundation Board Representative

• Pierre Bigby

Alumni Board Representative

• Bradley R. Kastan

Fiscal year 2027 Clinical Quality Management, Patient Safety, and Patient Experience Plan approved
Trustees approved the annual review of the Clinical Quality Management, Patient Safety, and Patient Experience Plan for fiscal year 2027 for the university hospitals.

Fiscal year 2027 Quality, Safety and Experience Council Plan approved
Trustees approved the annual review of the Quality, Safety and Experience Council Plan for fiscal year 2027 for the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center — James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Plan for patient care services approved
The board approved the annual review of the plan for patient care services for university hospitals.

Scopes of care approved
Trustees approved the annual review of the scope of patient care services the Ohio State Ambulatory Surgery Center — Outpatient Care New Albany, Dublin Ambulatory Surgery Center, Powell Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Extended Recovery Unit for Outpatient Care Dublin and New Albany clinical departments.

Direct patient care services contracts and patient impact service contracts evaluation approved
The board approved the annual review of the direct patient care service contracts and patient impact service contracts for the university hospitals.

Contracted services evaluation approved
Trustees approved the annual review of the contracted services for the Ohio State Ambulatory Surgery Center — Outpatient Care New Albany and Dublin Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Emergency General Surgery Program verification approved
Trustees approved the submission for verification of the Emergency General Surgery Program for university hospitals.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2027 approved
The board approved the fiscal year 2027 capital improvements plan for Ohio State Energy Partners.

University Foundation Report approved
The board approved, as of July 31, 2026, the establishment of two endowed chairs as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the James Mitchell Endowed Chair, the Barbara and Al Siemer Chair in Functional Medicine; one endowed professorship: the Jim and Christina Grote Professorship in Integrative Health Education; one endowed professorship fund: the Dr. Martha S. Pitzer Professorship Fund in Nursing; one fellowship: the Morell Family Fellowship; one scholarship as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 23 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 26 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Oklo Nuclear Reactor Laboratory in the College of Engineering
• The Christine Coultrip Dwarf Conifer Collection in Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens
• The CVS Health Innovation Hub in the Riffe Building
• The east-west portion of Carmack Road in the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory to Hess Road.
• The following internal spaces in the Engineering Research and Education Laboratories:
  • Ayanna Howard Innovation Space (room 2241)
  • Google Foundations Lab (room 1250)
  • Air Transport Services Group Charitable Foundation Office (room 2203)

Krishna is widely recognized for his work in infrared detector technology, successfully advancing academic discoveries into defense and commercial applications. His leadership will play a critical role in elevating The Ohio State University’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the university’s commitment to bringing research to market.

“I’m deeply honored to take on this role at such an important moment for Ohio State,” Krishna said. “The university has an incredible foundation of innovation, and I’m passionate about working alongside our faculty, staff and partners to translate discoveries into real-world impact.”

Ohio State President Ravi V. Bellamkonda has identified innovation and commercialization as a strategic priority for the university, with a particular focus on increasing the impact of Ohio State research. In alignment with this vision, the university is taking meaningful steps to strengthen how it supports faculty innovators and moves discoveries from labs, studios and offices into practical use.

Over the past year, university leaders partnered with internal teams, including a group of faculty innovators from across Ohio State and the Wexner Medical Center, as well as external collaborators and peer institutions, to take a fresh and comprehensive look at the university’s innovation approach.

In response, Ohio State is reorganizing its innovation and commercialization efforts to better serve faculty and researchers throughout the entire innovation lifecycle, not just at the point of intellectual property protection.

As part of the restructuring, the university will unify its licensing teams, currently in two offices – innovation and commercialization and health sciences innovation – into a “one front door” model. This approach will improve coordination, streamline communication and reduce duplication, while maintaining the deep domain expertise needed to support diverse research areas.

The reorganization will also elevate translation and venture development as core capabilities for the combined group. Recognizing that market readiness requires more than patenting, the university will expand support for translational funding, startup formation and early-stage company development. These enhancements will help bridge the gap between discovery and real-world application.

Additionally, Ohio State is positioning itself to take a more active role in supporting promising innovations through strategic funding approaches. The university aims to guide innovations through early stages of development, ensuring they are not stalled due to risk while maintaining alignment with academic values and public impact.

Under Krishna’s leadership, Ohio State will continue to build a robust, forward-looking innovation ecosystem that empowers researchers, accelerates discovery and delivers meaningful benefits to society.

“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about this next chapter for innovation at Ohio State,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research. “This approach reflects both the strength of our existing team and our commitment to evolving how we support our researchers. Sanjay brings a proven track record as an innovator and leader, and I’m confident that, together with our outstanding team, he will help accelerate the impact of our research and position Ohio State at the forefront of innovation.”

The rates include continuing the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee for in-state students, a program that provides cost certainty for tuition, housing and dining for four years, and highlights the university’s focus on affordability. 

The change in tuition and fees is for incoming students only, as most current students are covered by the tuition guarantee and will not see an increase. The new rate is set at $14,050 for Ohio residents starting in autumn 2026 – an increase of $409, or only 3%, from 2025. Combined with the tuition guarantee, which locks in those costs for four years, the effective annual tuition increase for in-state students is 0.7% – far below the annual inflation rate.

Ohio State is the second-most affordable among Ohio’s six selective public universities while U.S. News & World Report ranks the university first in Ohio and 15th among all public universities in America.

The university continues to expand resources and programs supporting access and affordability. Fall semester represents the inaugural academic year for three new financial aid programs that will open doors for more Ohio students to attend Ohio State:

• The Buckeye Bridge program, a partnership with Columbus State Community College, that covers tuition and fees for qualifying Ohio residents transferring to Ohio State from Columbus State.
• The President’s Scholars Program, which covers the full cost of attendance for Ohio students who score a perfect 36 on the ACT or a perfect 1600 on the SAT, along with up to $5,000 in enrichment grant funding.
• The Regional Campus Commitment, where eligible new first-year students who enroll at one of the university’s campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion or Newark, or at Ohio State ATI in Wooster, can attend Ohio State without having to pay tuition or mandatory fees. 

The board ratified a resolution related to Richard Strauss. The university and survivors involved in the pending litigation have reached settlements in principle and released the following joint statement: 

Ohio State and 279 of the 280 individual remaining Richard Strauss survivors involved in the pending litigation have reached settlements in principle in a total amount of $100 million. The university’s Board of Trustees has now publicly ratified these agreements in principle, and all parties thank the mediators for their assistance. The mediation and its confidentiality are continuing as the parties work to finalize the details of the settlements, and additional information will be shared as appropriate.

Trustees also authorized Ohio State leaders to continue negotiations on a partnership with the City of Columbus and Downtown Columbus Inc. that would create a downtown Columbus location for university classes and programming. 

This new academic facility would place Ohio State students at the heart of Columbus’ governmental, business, legal, civic and cultural life, with immediate access to experiential learning, interning and networking. Ohio State’s world-class scholars, clinicians and researchers will be steps away from city decision makers, state officials and industry leaders, fostering stronger connections, enhancing learning experiences, and directly connecting Ohio State expertise to the people of Ohio.

Trustees also announced the election of Jeff Kaplan as chairman of the board, replacing John Zeiger, whose nine-year term on the board is ending. Zeiger praised Ohio State’s growth during his tenure.

“Ohio State is already a great national university, but we’re in a moment of momentum which is second to none in my nine years,” Zeiger said at Wednesday’s full board meeting.

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to help lead the institution in this role,” Kaplan said, echoing Zeiger’s observations on the university’s momentum and his excitement to work with President Ravi V. Bellamkonda.

“I’d like Ohio State to be, and I believe we can be, the finest public university in the nation,” Bellamkonda said later in the meeting.

The board also approved the awarding of the Joseph Sullivant Medal to Lars Bildsten, director of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Frederick W. Gluck Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Bildsten, a 1985 Ohio State graduate, is a theoretical astrophysicist.

The medal is awarded once every five years as a memorial to the services of Joseph Sullivant. He was a member of the first Board of Trustees and contributed significantly in determining the character and future of Ohio State.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Personnel actions approved 
Trustees approved the following appointments and reappointments:

Appointments

• Trevor Brown as interim executive vice president and provost in the Office of the President for a term starting March 23, 2026.
• Paula Desplats as professor (The Clayton C. Wagner Parkinson’s Disease Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Peggy Hall as associate professor (The Paul L. Wright Chair in Agricultural Law) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from March 5, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2031.
• Thomas Jeffrey Hund as professor (The John H. and Mildred C. Lumley Chair in Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Scott Langenecker as professor (The Tom and Debra Feeney Family Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 3, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Jianrong Li as professor (Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Immunology, Oncology, and Vaccinology Research) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Stephanie Moulton as acting dean in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term running from May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, or until a permanent dean is named.
• Efthimi Parasidis as professor (The Kara J. Trott Endowed Professorship in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 15, 2025, through November 14, 2030.
• Kristin Stanford as professor (William D. and Jacquelyn L. Wells Chair at the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Christine Thomas as professor (The Phyllis and Richard Leet Endowed Chair in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2031.

Reappointments

• Sara Butler as professor (The King George III Professorship in British History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Lei Cao as professor (The William C. and Joan E. Davis Cancer Research Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Ricardo Carrau as professor (The Lynne Shepard Jones Endowed Professorship in Head and Neck Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• David Cohn as professor (The Stuart M. Sloan - Larry J. Copeland MD Chair in Gynecologic Oncology Initiated by a Grateful Patient) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Curtis Daniels as professor-clinical (Dottie Dohan Shepard Professorship in Cardiovascular Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Marcos J.G. de Lima as professor (The William Greenville Pace III Endowed Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Richard Gumina as professor (The James W. Overstreet Chair in Cardiology Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Yuchi Han as professor (Chair of Excellence in Cardiovascular Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Jeffrey Horowitz as professor (Endowed Professorship in Pulmonary Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• John Hummel as professor-clinical (Corrine Frick Chair in Cardiac Electrophysiology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Maria Ignatieva as professor (The Martha W. Farmer Endowed Professorship in Theatre) at Ohio State Lima for a term running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
• Daniel Jonas as professor (Endowed Professorship in Health Services Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Christopher Kaeding as professor-clinical (Judson D. Wilson Professorship in Orthopedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Anthony King as associate professor (The Anne K. “Nancy” Jeffrey Endowed Professorship for Mental Health Equity and Resilience) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Cathann Kress as vice president for agricultural administration and dean in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• E. Douglas Lewandowski as professor (The Jack M. George Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Bradley Needleman as professor-clinical (Edwin H. and E. Christopher Ellison Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• David O’Malley as professor-clinical (The John G. Boutselis, M.D. Chair in Gynecology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Georgios Papachristou as professor (Dr. Floyd M. Beman Chair in Gastroenterology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Jeffrey Parvin as professor (The Louis Levy Professorship for Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Benjamin Kuttikatt Poulose as professor (The Robert M. Zollinger Chair of Surgery Funded By The LeCrone-Baxter Memorial Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Rebecca Reczek as professor (The Berry Chair of New Technologies in Marketing) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Brad Rovin as professor (The Dr. Lee A. Hebert Endowed Professorship in Nephrology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
• Abhay Satoskar as professor (Research Endowed Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Sakima Smith as associate professor (Bob Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Alexander Sparreboom as professor (The Lucius A. Wing Chair of Cancer Research and Therapy) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Theodore Wagener as professor (Leonard J. Immke, Jr. and Charlotte L. Immke Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Henry Wang as professor (The Ohio State University Emergency Medicine Endowed Research Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Bruce Weinberg as professor (Eric Byron Fix-Monda Endowed Chair) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2031.
• Hua Zhu as professor (Karl P. Klassen Chair of Thoracic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.

Reestablishment of the Department of Aviation approved
Trustees approved the reestablishment of the Department of Aviation in the College of Engineering because of a resurgence in enrollment and research expenditures.

Establishment of academic programs approved
Trustees approved the establishment of the following academic programs:

• The Institute on Aging in the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge
• A master of science in medical physics degree program in the College of Medicine
• A bachelor of science in computer science and business degree program in the College of Engineering and the Fisher College of Business
• The following academic programs:
  • The integrated arts and sciences major
  • The assistive technology and accessibility major in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • The supply chain management specialization in the Fisher College of Business

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

East Hospital catheter lab
Professional services totaling $600,000, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Fisher College of Business facility improvements
Professional services totaling $9 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Blankenship Hall upgrades
Professional services and construction totaling $14.9 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Midwest campus chilled water connections
Professional services and construction totaling $10.6 million, to be paid for with university and partner funds.

Ohio Stadium/athletics upgrades
Professional services and construction totaling $22.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds and university debt.

Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute fire and HVAC system renewal
Construction services totaling $5.5 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Doan Hall PET/CT replacement
Construction services totaling $6.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Property agreements approved
The board approved the following property leases, agreements and acquisitions:

• The acquisition of property at 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road NW in Fairfield County, Ohio, at a purchase price of $8.75 million.
• The acquisition of property at 104-110 W. 10th Ave. and 1593-1599 Hunter Ave. in Franklin County, Ohio, at a purchase price of $2.325 million.
• The acquisition of property adjacent to the Outpatient Care Dublin Facility in Franklin County, Ohio, at a purchase price of $2.934 million. The university is also entering into an economic development agreement related to the property with the City of Dublin.
• The sale of property at 2072 Seacrest Road in Wayne County, Ohio, at a sale price of $115,000.
• The extension of a lease of the apartment building at 262-264 W. Lane Ave. in Franklin County, Ohio, and the bulk leasing of apartments at 1494 N. High St. in the same county.

Revising of program curricula approved
Trustees approved revisions to the Master of Social Work curriculum, the Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures undergraduate major, and the French and Italian undergraduate major.

Courses and course revisions approved
The board approved new courses and modifications to existing courses in various parts of the university.

Awarding of degrees and certificates approved
The board approved the conferral of degrees and certificates on Aug. 9, 2026, to those people who have completed the requirements for their respective degrees and certificates and are recommended by the colleges and schools.

Operating budget for fiscal year 2027 approved
Trustees approved the university’s operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Interim capital investment plan for fiscal year 2027 approved
Trustees authorized and accepted the interim capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Edwin Haering, who died on Jan. 17, 2026, at age 93. He was professor emeritus in the William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

•  Richard J. Hopkins, who died on Dec. 24, 2025, at age 86. He was professor emeritus in the Department of History.

• Sally Ann Miller, who died on April 1, 2026, at age 71. She was distinguished professor emerita in the Department of Plant Pathology.

Digital textbook fees approved
Trustees approved digital textbook pass-through fees at all campuses for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Authorization for designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities approved
Trustees approved authorization for designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities, to deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts held in the name of Ohio State, to designate depositories, and to execute treasury and insurance related agreements.

Appointments and reappointments to the Self-Insurance Board approved
Trustees approved the appointment and reappointment of the following members to the Self-Insurance Board for terms effective July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028:

Reappointment
Michael Leach
Demetries Neely

Appointment
Mark Russell

University Foundation Report approved
The board approved, as of April 30, 2026, the establishment of: four endowed chairs as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the James and Patricia Dietz Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering, the Maryann Z. and Larry Kennedy Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery, the Bernard and LaJune Cohen Endowed Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease Research, and The Tom and Debra Feeney Family Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; two endowed chairs: the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer Chair and the Thomas F. Mauger and L. Carol Laxson Chair for Ophthalmology Research; two endowed professorships: the Natalie M. Knutsen Professorship and The Williamson Family Professorship; eight scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 28 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 20 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Timashev Technology Tower in the Innovation District
• The Dr. Charles W. Pavey II Newborn Nursery in the University Hospital
• The David M. Galton Dairy Display Hall at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory

Internal spaces in Campbell Hall as follows:

• Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Plaza
• Kister Family Commons
• Kat DePizzo Innovation Lab
• The Geraldine Schottenstein Lobby
• The Geraldine Schottenstein Gallery

Internal spaces in Engineering Research and Education Laboratories as follows:

• Mark G. Tabler Makerspace (rm. 1320)
• Vertiv Makerspace (rm. 1260)
• Vertiv Design Foundations Lab (rm. 2230)
• Vertiv Core Foundations Lab (rm. 2240)
• Baysore Family Collaboration Space (rm. 4235)
• Baysore Family Seminar Room (rm. 4230)
• Baysore Family Lab (rm. 4240)
• Baysore Family Conference Room (rm. 4243)
• Baysore Family Collaboration Space (rm. 4227)
• Baysore Family Huddle Room (rm. 4229)
• Paul Bigley ’61 Inspire and Impact Huddle Room (rm. 3249)

Internal spaces in the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex as follows:

• Mahle Family Classroom (rm. 115)
• Clifford and Dale Baughman Outreach & Engagement Room (rm. 101)
• Patricia Kunz Brundige Classroom (rm. 119)
• Thomas E. Nygren Lab (rm. 121)
• Ohio Poultry Association Multipurpose Space (rm. D119)
• Steven C. Scherff Memorial Staff Office (rm. 123)

Ohio State Newark also changed the name of a portion of the existing University Drive to Partnership Way.

2026-2028 Completion Plan approved
The board approved updated completion goals for 2026-2028 that will focus on further improving retention and graduation rates for all undergraduate students through greater engagement of academic colleges in completion planning, enhanced coordination of student support and career readiness efforts, and continued alignment of academic pathways with Ohio’s workforce development priorities.

Amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty approved
Trustees approved amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty as recommended by the University Senate.

Fiscal year 2027 internal audit plan approved
Trustees approved the fiscal year 2027 internal audit plan. The department provides independent and advisory assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the operations of Ohio State.

Expression of appreciation approved
Trustees approved an expression of appreciation for Kendall C. Buchan, a graduate student trustee whose term began in 2024.

By Caroline Wagner
Professor of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University

China’s rapid rise in science has hit a milestone. The country’s investment in research and development has reached parity with – and by purchasing power measures has surpassed – that of the United States, according to a March 2026 report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Both nations have crossed the US$1 trillion threshold on research spending.

The AAAS Fellowship, recognizing scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications, is one of the most prestigious honors a U.S. scientist can receive. Fellows are elected by their academic peers. The 2025 class consists of 449 scientists, engineers and innovators across 24 AAAS disciplinary sections.

“The American Association for the Advancement of Science has a long history of honoring researchers whose exceptional work is expanding the impact of their respective disciplines,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research. “The contributions and achievements of Ohio State’s newly elected Fellows exemplify this standard of excellence and service.”

Ohio State’s newest Fellows represent the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. This year’s class, joining over 550 Ohio State scholars who have been granted this lifetime recognition since 1874, are:    

Tanya Berger-Wolf, director of the Translational Data Analytics Institute and professor of computer science and engineering; evolution, ecology and organismal biology; and electrical and computer engineering. For distinguished contributions to the field of computer science, particularly for interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in the area of computational ecology and Artificial Intelligence for science.

Stuart Ludsin, professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology. For distinguished contributions to interdisciplinary science at the nexus of limnology, fisheries ecology, global change biology and ecosystem management.

Steven MacEachern, professor of statistics. For distinguished contributions in Bayesian methodology and computation, and for outstanding leadership and service in advancing statistical education, research and professional engagement. 

Michael Poirier, professor of physics. For distinguished contributions to the fields of gene regulation and chromatin biology, particularly for biophysical studies of pioneer transcription factors and chromatin dynamics. 

AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and publisher of the Science family of journals. Fellows are recognized for their achievements across disciplines, from research, teaching and technology to administration in academia, industry and government, to excellence in communicating and interpreting science to the public. 

The 2025 class of Fellows will be honored at a forum on May 29 in Washington, D.C.

The university’s expenditures grew 6% year over year, extending record-breaking annual increases and spotlighting the research enterprise powering discoveries that save lives and strengthen communities. President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. highlighted this and other achievements on Thursday at the full Board of Trustees meeting.

More than $797 million in research funding came from the university’s federal partners, a 3% increase from the previous year.

The university’s industry-sponsored research grew 10% to $174.8 million. Partnerships between Ohio State and business leaders like Honda help develop breakthroughs in battery technology.

“We’re also the nation’s No. 1 producer of Fulbright Scholars for the second straight year – which tells me we’re successfully preparing our students to live and work in a global economy,” Carter said.

Ohio State continues to place among the nation’s top-tier research universities. The new National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey rankings for fiscal year 2024 placed Ohio State 12th nationally among all universities for total research expenditures – above esteemed research programs at Harvard, Duke and Yale.

The Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, with support from the university’s colleges, tracks annual research and development funding. The combined total of federal, state, industry and institutional support measures the resources available for innovative scientific research and creative expression.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Distinguished Service Awards approved
Trustees approved the awarding of Distinguished Serve Awards to Matthew Desch, Johanna Sue DeStefano, Tahlman Krumm Jr. and Edgar Lampert.

Interdisciplinary master of science in quantum information science and engineering established
Trustees approved the creation of a master of science in quantum information science and engineering degree program in the Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering. The board also approved the creation of an interdisciplinary doctor of philosophy in quantum information science and engineering.

Master of energy sustainability established
The board approved the establishment of a master of energy sustainability, facilitated through the Sustainability Institute.

Honorary degree awarded
Trustees approved the awarding of a doctor of public service degree to E. Roe Stamps IV, the founder of the Stamps Scholars Program.

Acquisition of real property approved
The board approved the acquisition of 6515 Pullman Drive in Lewis Center, Ohio, at a purchase price of $7.5 million, to support the Wexner Medical Center’s long-term strategic plans.

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

Brain and Spine Hospital renovation
Professional services totaling $2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

15^th and High Arts Plaza
Professional services totaling $2.3 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Martha Morehouse pavilion concourse renovation
Professional and construction services totaling $5.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds and university funds.

Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center linear accelerator replacement
Professional and construction services totaling $4.9 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

North Towers renovations
Construction services totaling $15 million, to be paid for with university debt.

Outpatient Care East clinic renovations and relocations
Construction services totaling $3.9 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Doan Hall sprinkler installation
Construction services totaling $8.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• John Dewitt Jacob, who died on Jan. 20, 2026, at age 87. He was an alumnus, member and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees.

• John Joseph Kennedy, who died on Aug. 9, 2025, at age 85. He was professor emeritus of educational policy and leadership.

• Stephen F. Loebs, who died on Nov. 10, 2025, at age 87. He was former associate dean and professor emeritus in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy in the College of Public Health.

• George Arthur Skestos, who died on Jan. 9, 2026, at age 97. He was a civic leader, philanthropist and former member of the Board of Trustees and Wexner Medical Center Board.

Resolution specifying conditions for exemptions to the civic literacy course requirements in Ohio Senate Bill 1, the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act
Trustees approved conditions for exemptions to the civic literacy course requirements in Ohio Senate Bill 1.

Resolution establishing a process to review and approve new academic programs, degree programs, curricula/courses, general education requirements, colleges, departments, schools, centers and institutes
The board approved the process as explained in Ohio House Bill 96.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following faculty appointments and reappointments:

Appointments

• Robert Baker as professor (Andrei Baronov and Ratmir Timashev Professorship in Chemical Physics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2029.
• John Bozinovski as professor-clinical (The Gerard S. Kakos, MD and Thomas E. Williams, Jr., MD, PhD, Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Jessica Merlin as professor (The Julius F. Stone Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Amy Moore as interim dean in the College of Medicine for a term starting Jan. 20, 2026.
• Daniel Prevedello as professor (Dr. John M. McGregor Department of Neurosurgery Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• W. Kimryn Rathmell as professor and chief executive officer (Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Distinguished Chair in Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 27, 2025, through May 26, 2030.
• Curtis Roth as associate professor (Robert S. Livesey Professor in Architecture) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
• Triparna Sen as professor (The Max Morehouse Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Stephanus Viljoen as associate professor-clinical (The William E. Hunt, M.D. and Charlotte M. Curtis Chair in Neuroscience) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
• Lin Zhu as assistant professor (Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. (This is a correction of dates from the last meeting.)

Reappointments

• Eric Green as professor (Excellence in Veterinary Care Diagnostic Imaging Chair) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from March 5, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
• Dana Renga as professor (Divisional Dean for Arts and Humanities) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.
• Lydia Walker as assistant professor (Seth Andre Myers Chair in Global Military History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Dec. 4, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2027.

Trustees also approved the reappointments and compensation adjustments of Ayanna Howard as dean and Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, and Carroll Ann Trotman as dean of the College of Dentistry for a term running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. The board adjusted the compensation for President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. and Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi Bellamkonda.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Baughman Family Tower in Ohio Stadium
• The Kokosing Construction Management Program in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
• The education center in University Hospital as the Thomas M. and Debra F. Feeney Education Center
• The Vrable Center for Pharmacy Excellence in the Riffe Building
• The Dr. Gerald M. Gregorek Aerospace Learning Laboratory in Bolz Hall

Internal spaces in the Riffe Building as follows:

• Dr. Milap C. Nahata Welcome Atrium Made Possible by Ric Mora BS Pharm ’63
• Dr. Jack L. Beal Room Made Possible by Ric Mora BS Pharm ’63 (rm. R201)
• Ric Mora BS Pharm ’63 Kitchenette (rm. R103)
• The Sagraves Buckeye Huddle by Dr. Rosalie Sagraves PharmD, BS Pharm ’69 (rm. R208)
• Meijer Pharmacy Classroom (rms. R112 & R118)
• Ned Milenkovich Family Group Study Room (rm. R209)
• Dr. Sheila M. Thomas-Jackson BSPharm ’92 PharmD ’00 Group Study Room (rm. R205)
• Nancy Perilla Peoples and Max J. Peoples Sr. & Belinda D. Peoples, MS, OSU, 83 & William A. Peoples, BS, OSU 83 Collaboration Room (rm. R106B)
• Mary Schickling Peoples and Wayne W. Peoples & Violet Grace Hurd Berdine (Pharmacist) and Anthony A. Berdine Collaboration Room (rm. R106A)
• Julie Johnson, PharmD Deanna Kroetz, PhD Amy Wells Valley, PharmD, BS Pharm ’85, Group Study Room (rm. R207)
• The Lisa and John Warner, MD Welcome Desk and Lisa and John Warner, MD Family Lounge in University Hospital

Internal spaces in Engineering Research and Education Laboratories as follows:

• The Baysore Family Engineering Suite (containing rms. 4200, 4200A, 4200B and 4220)
• The George and Gretchen Smith Foundations Lab (rm. 1230)
• Doug “Ben” Herr and Jane Maliszewski Collaboration Space (rm. 4319)
• The Victor Yin Lab (rm. 1210)
• Saeid and Shelley Rahimian Processing Studio (rm. 1320B)
• John and Libby Toussant Wet Lab (rm. 1320C)
• KG and Nivedita Ganapathi Conference Room (rm. 3243)
• The Schavey Family Office (rm. 5229)
• The Clinical Research and Innovation Facility at 1960 Kenny Road
• The Institute of Brain, Behavior and Immunology at 460 Medical Center Drive

Degrees and certificates
The board approved the conferral of degrees and certificates on May 10, 2026, to those people who have completed the requirements for their respective degrees and certificates and are recommended by the colleges and schools.

Bylaws to rename committee approved
Trustees approved a resolution amending the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees to rename the Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee as the Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life Committee and to adopt a charter for the committee.

Amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty approved
Trustees approved amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty as recommended by the University Senate.

Obstetrical Services Standards for fiscal year 2026 approved
Trustees approved the annual review of the Obstetrical Services Standards for fiscal year 2026 for the hospitals at the Wexner Medical Center, including: Ohio State University Hospital, Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, Ohio State Harding Hospital and East Hospital.

University Foundation Report approved
The board approved, as of Jan. 31, 2026, the establishment of: five endowed chairs as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: The Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Oncology and Biomedical Research, The Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Parasitic and Infectious Diseases, the Endowed Chair in Comparative and Translational Immunology, Oncology, and Vaccinology Research, the Excellence in Veterinary Care Diagnostic Imaging Chair in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Kokosing Construction Management Endowed Chair; one endowed chair: The Paul L. Wright Chair in Agricultural Law; eight endowed chair funds as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the James and Patricia Dietz Endowed Chair Fund in Chemical Engineering, the Bernard and LaJune Cohen Endowed Chair Fund in Neurodegenerative Disease Research, the Libby and Rick Germain Chair Fund in Cancer Research, The Tom and Debra Feeney Family Endowed Chair Fund in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The John and Alix Ankele Endowed Chair Fund in Human Ethics, the Franklin Foundation Endowed Chair Fund, The Susan and Grant Douglass and Family Endowed Chair Fund in Pain Management, and the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer Chair Fund in Cancer Research; two endowed professorships: the Bertha Lamme Professorship and the Maryann Z. and Larry Kennedy Endowed Professorship in Drug Discovery; seven scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; two scholarships as part of the Joseph A. Alutto Global Leadership Initiative; 47 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 14 named endowed funds; and the closure of one named endowed fund.

Ohio State and its 36 varsity teams are experiencing the best-ever combination of academic and athletic success, Ross Bjork, the Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director, told trustees on Thursday in the Athletics committee meeting.

The NCAA recently released a new report on graduation success rates, which tracks the graduation rate of students receiving sport-based financial aid over a six-year period. Twenty-three teams had a rate of 90% or better, while 15 Buckeye teams had a perfect score.

“We’re just really proud of the academic profile,” Bjork said.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. told the full board meeting later in the day that this kind of success speaks to the culture that Bjork, coaches and staff are setting where the “student” part of “student-athlete” continues to be emphasized.

“We’re very proud of our tradition of excellence on and off the field,” Carter said.

Ohio State’s excellence isn’t confined to fields, courts and classrooms. It is spread across Ohio’s 88 counties.

A new university impact report shares accounts of the incredible work being done by the Buckeye community, telling a comprehensive story that helps to “bring greater visibility to our work and ensure that Ohioans have awareness of the ways Ohio State touches their lives,” the president said.

University officials also highlighted key projects in an annual review of major campus building projects, including the new University Hospital, in the Master Planning and Facilities committee meeting this week. The hospital is scheduled to open in early 2026 and its construction included more than 7 million hours worked by tradespeople, with a peak of 1,200 workers on site.

Construction began on the hospital in September 2020 and finished on time and on budget.

Carter extolled the largest single-facilities project in Ohio State history.

“While I’m excited to cut the ribbon, I’m far more excited about the transformational work that will take place inside this incredible new space,” Carter told trustees. “The advances in cancer care, women’s and infant health, stroke care, organ transplantation and other areas will change and save untold lives across Ohio and beyond.”

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Executive Master of Health Administration degree established
Trustees approved the creation of an Executive Master of Health Administration degree program in the College of Public Health. The program is an extension of the accredited full-time, residential, early career Master of Health Administration program and would extend the reach of the program to more experienced mid-career professionals.

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

East Hospital elevator renovations
Professional services totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

East Hospital fire suppression system
Professional services and construction totaling $7.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Newton Hall air handling unit replacements
Professional services and construction totaling $12 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Veterinary medical academic building library redesign
Professional services and construction totaling $4.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Dental simulation space modernization
Construction totaling $16 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds and state funds.

Ohio Stadium, Woody Hayes Athletic Center audio and video upgrades
Construction totaling $6.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds and university debt.

Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Powell
Construction totaling $4.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates to be conferred on Dec. 21, 2025, to people who have completed the requirements. 

The board also revoked a doctor of philosophy degree and a bachelor of arts degree after the appropriate bodies and administrative officers of the university complied with applicable procedures.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Ann D. Christy, who died on Oct. 3, 2025, at age 63. She was associate dean and professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Clyde C. Goad, who died on July 21, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the former Department of Geodetic Science and Surveying.

• William “Bill” E. Henderson, who died on Aug. 13, 2024. He was associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Paul R. Hothem, who died on July 7, 2025. He was assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• James “Jim” Gottling, who died on Oct. 29, 2025, at age 92. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering.

• Jacqueline E. LaMuth, who died on July 28, 2025. She was associate professor emerita in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

• Brian G. McHale, who died on July 27, 2025, at age 73. He was professor emeritus in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Helen Deacon Swank, who died on Aug. 6, 2025, at age 93. She was professor emerita of voice in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Desh Pal Singh Verma, who died on Oct. 10, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Molecular Genetics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

• Thomas A. Willke, who died on Aug. 21, 2025, at age 93. He was a founding member of the Department of Statistics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Report on low enrollment courses and duplicate programs approved
Trustees approved submission of the report to the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Ohio Revised Code requires each state institution of higher education to evaluate courses and programs based on enrollments and duplication with other state institutions of higher education within a geographic region.

Chatham Lane property purchase approved
Trustees approved the purchase of 2.646 acres at 941 Chatham Lane in Columbus at a price of $3.55 million.

Golf course dues and fees approved
Trustees approved golf course membership dues and fees for calendar year 2026. The Ohio State University Golf Club Green Committee and Athletics administration propose raising membership dues and initiation fees to cover rising costs, maintain financial stability, and fund club improvements in 2026.

Revisions to the interim policy on faculty appointments, faculty workload, tenure and retrenchment
The board approved revisions to the interim policy to align with the Ohio legislature’s faculty workload policy requirements.

Amendment to the rules of the university faculty approved
The board approved an amendment to the rules of the university faculty as approved by the University Senate. The amendment would change the process for reviewing complaints pertaining to research compliance to ensure that faculty with relevant research experience perform these research compliance investigations.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following faculty appointments and reappointments:

Appointments

• Elliott Bendoly as professor (The Richard M. Ross Chair in Management) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Laura Flannigan as assistant professor (The Warner Woodring Chair in History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Larry Garvin as professor (The Leon M. McCorkle Jr. Professorship in Commercial Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Anna Gawboy as associate professor (Colleen McMahon Professorship in Music) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Kurt Gray as professor (Weary Foundation Endowed Chair in Social Psychology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Dec. 4, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Roger Goddard as professor (Novice G. Fawcett Chair in Educational Administration) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Sept. 15, 2025, through Sept. 14, 2030.
• Jennifer Gold as professor and chair (The Harry C. and Mary Elizabeth Powelson Professorship of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Dec. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Maryanna Klatt as professor-clinical (Endowed Chair in Integrative Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Joseph Kwon as professor (Richard M. Morrow Chair in Polymer Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Robert Lount as professor (Irving Abramowitz Memorial Professorship) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Olan Munson as assistant professor (Dr. Chris Lee Endowed Professorship in Korean) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Michael Murphy as assistant professor-clinical (Smathers Designated Professor at the Moritz Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Efthimi Parasidis as professor (The Kara J. Trott Endowed Professorship in Law in honor of Prof. Morgan E. Shipman) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Nov. 14, 2030.
• Erik Porfeli as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, or until a permanent dean is appointed.
• Paul Reitter as professor (The Ohio Eminent Scholar in German) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Blaine Saito as associate professor (The Lawrence D. Stanley Professorship in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Colleen Settineri as professor-clinical (The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Professorship for the Administration of Justice and Rule of Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Nov. 14, 2030.
• Abraham Schneider as professor (The George C. Paffenbarger Alumni Chair in Dental Research) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Nov. 3, 2025, through Nov. 2, 2030.
• Bennett Tepper as professor (John A. Russell Chair for Communication Excellence) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Andrew Van Buskirk as professor (The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation Professorship in Business) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Xiaoguang Wang as assistant professor (The H.C. ‘Slip’ Slider Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Lin Zhu Newsad as assistant professor (Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Reappointments

• Yigit Akin as associate professor (Carter V. Findley Chair of Ottoman and Turkish History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Arnab Chakravarti as professor and chair (Klotz Family Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Jeffrey Chalmers as professor (Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Chemical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Daniel Chow as professor (The Frank E. and Virginia H. Bazler Chair in Business Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 16, 2025, through Nov. 15, 2030.
• Louis DiMauro as professor (The Dr. Edward E. and Sylvia Hagenlocker Chair in Physics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Edward Foley as professor (Charles W. Ebersold and Florence Whitcomb Ebersold Chair) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Nov. 16, 2025, through Nov. 15, 2030.
• John Fulton as professor (The Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering Endowed Professorship) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2029.
• Jingyin Huang as associate professor (The Alice Louise Ridenour Wood Chair in Mathematics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030.
• Dorothee Imbert as professor and director (The Hubert Schmidt Chair in Landscape Architecture) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Alan Michaels as professor (The Edwin M. Cooperman Endowed Chair at The Michael E. Mortiz College of Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Feb. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2031.
• Erin Moore as assistant professor (Dr. Carl F. Asseff Professorship in Anthropology and History of Medicine) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2030.
• David Nagib as professor (Dr. Harold “Hal” Miller and Betty J. Miller Endowed Chair in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Rita Pickler as professor (FloAnn Sours Easton Endowed Professorship in Child and Adolescent Health) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Oct. 1, 2025, through May 15, 2028.
• James Rocco as professor and chair (The Mary E. and John W. Alford Research Chair in Head and Neck Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Bruce Weinberg as professor (Eric Byron Fix-Monda Endowed Chair) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Dec. 4, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2026.

Trustees also approved the appointment of John Horack as vice president, Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, for a term running from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027, and Rob Lowden as vice president and chief information officer starting Aug. 1, 2025.

East Hospital Level III Trauma Center verification approved
Trustees approved the triennial review of a Level III Trauma Center at East Hospital.

Amendments to bylaws and rules and regulations approved
The board approved amendments to the bylaws of the medical staff at The Ohio State University Hospitals, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, and amendments to the bylaws and rules and regulations of medical staff at Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

FY25 Progress Report on the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency in Higher Education recommendations approved
The board approved the progress report as required each fiscal year by the Ohio legislature.

University Foundation Report approved
The board approved, as of Oct. 31, 2025, the establishment of: one endowed chair as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the Eric Byron Fix-Monda Endowed Chair; two endowed chairs: the Seth Andre Myers Chair in Global Military History and the Weary Foundation Endowed Chair in Social Psychology; one endowed chair fund as part of the Provost’s Endowed Chair Matching Program: the Horticulture and Crop Science Chair Fund for Future Molecular Plant Scientists - Bridging University Research and High School Classrooms; three endowed professorships: The William E. and Charlotte Curtis Hunt Professorship in the Department of Neurosurgery, The Daniel H. Reigle Endowed Professorship in Sarcoma Research and Care, and the Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship; five scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 34 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 13 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The registration room in The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute as The Herbert J. Block Memorial Tournament Patient Registration.
• The turfgrass innovation lab in the Secrest Welcome and Education Center at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus as the James L. Prusa Turfgrass Innovation Lab.
• The Capstone Room A (room W258) in Scott Laboratory as the Kimmet Family Capstone Room.
• The CARE Student Lounge in Hitchcock Hall as the Minnie M. McGee Academic Success Hub.

Trustees also approved the naming of the following internal spaces:

At University Hospital:

• Lampert Family Auditorium
• The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation Visitor Lounge (Rooms 14000, X1403L, 14040)
• Gift in memory of William and Peg Armbrust by their grateful son, Douglas W. Armbrust, MD ’67 (Room 17582)
• Jane’s Room (Room 23420)

At the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex:

• Dr. Charles H. Ingraham Memorial Lobby
• VAL-CO Broiler Room (room D113)

At Engineering Research and Education Laboratories:

• Douglas “Ben” Herr and Jane Maliszewski Impact Engineering Lab (room 4260)
• Douglas “Ben” Herr and Jane Maliszewski Impact Engineering Collaboration Space (room 4319)
• The George and Gretchen Smith Lab (room 1230
• The James L. and Anita Y. Balthaser Lobby (X104L
• The Victor Yin EED Teaching Prep Room (room 1210)
• Smariga Collaboration Space (room 2235)
• The Joseph and Mary Jane Paquin Makerspace Office (room 1320)
• Tim and Susan Sand Conference Room (room 2243)
• The Allan V. Johnson Reception Area (room 6300)
• Bud and Shelley Baeslack Conference Room (room 6215)
• KG and Nivedita Ganapathi IBE Innovation Space (room 3243)
• The Mark Eisenman Family Collaboration Space (room 2227)
• The Ece & Doruk Borecki Family Huddle Room (room 2229)
• The Schavey Family Graduate Office (room 5229)
• The Byrne Family Foundation Collaboration Space (room 1227)
• Lincoln Electric Foundations Lab (room 1240)
• Lincoln Electric Collaboration Space (room 1235)
• Lincoln Electric Conference Room (room 1243)
• Lincoln Electric Huddle Room (room 1229)
• Lincoln Electric Collaboration Space (room 1241)

Trustees also approved the administrative naming of the Engineering Research and Education Laboratories building at the corner of West Woodruff Avenue and College Road.

Trustees heard from Liang-Shih Fan, Distinguished University Professor and C. John Easton Professor in Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, as he accepted the Pierre Agostini Prize. Fan’s research focuses on creating cleaner, more efficient ways to produce energy, fuels and chemicals while reducing pollution.

The prize is Ohio State’s most prestigious honor for scholarly and artistic achievement. It memorializes Pierre Agostini, professor emeritus of physics at Ohio State, who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics with two of his colleagues, and highlights Ohio State’s commitment to the promotion of innovative and consequential research and creative expression. Agostini attended the ceremony.

The Agostini Prize is a celebration of Fan’s lifelong research. One of his most important innovations is a process called chemical looping, which allows fossil fuels, biomass or plastic wastes to be used for producing energy, fuels and chemicals without releasing harmful carbon dioxide into the air. Instead of burning fuel in the traditional way, his method uses special metal oxide particles to transfer oxygen, which helps generate energy while capturing the carbon dioxide before it escapes.

“We know that the work of our faculty changes and literally saves lives – we want to celebrate that accordingly,” Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. said Friday during the full board of trustees meeting.

Just this week, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers announced the creation of a new Institute-level high honor, the L.-S. Fan Award for Advancing Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering, which recognizes “significant and new contributions to fundamental practice in chemical engineering.”

“The decision through my life to stay on at Ohio State is the best decision I have ever made,” said Fan, an Ohio State faculty member since 1978. “I feel the impact that can be produced at Ohio State.”

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments:

• Aravind Chandrasekaren as interim dean of the Fisher College of Business for a term running from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
• W. Kimryn Rathmell as CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute for a term beginning May 27, 2025.
• Paula Song as dean of the College of Public Health for a term running from July 9, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
• Dukagjin Blakaj as professor (The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Colleen Cebulla as professor (Dr. Paul A Weber Chair in Ophthalmology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Jeremy Fantl as professor (The Steve R. and Sarah E. O’Donnell Professorship in Philosophy) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Stephanie Gorka as associate professor (The Kaufmann Family Professorship for Breakthroughs in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Nina Vanessa Kraguljac as professor (Dr. Lee E. Shackelford Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Somashekar Krishna as professor-clinical (Endowed Professorship in Internal Medicine Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Amy Margolis as professor (S.T.A.R. Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Molly McNett as professor-clinical (Helene Fuld Health Trust Endowed Professorship for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare) in the College of Nursing for a term running from May 20, 2025, through May 20, 2030.
• Leah Pyter as associate professor (Doctor John D. and E. Olive Brumbaugh Chair in Brain Research and Teaching) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Feb. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Christian Rolfo as professor (Diane Nye and Michael Rayden Chair in Innovative Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Christo Sevov as associate Professor (ASC Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2030.
• Ambro Van Hoof as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Molecular Genetics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

Trustees approved reappointments for the following:

• Vishnu Srinivasan as vice president and chief investment officer in the Office of Business and Finance for a term running from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Sujit Basu as professor (The Jack C. Geer M.D. Professorship in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Nicole Bernal as professor (The American Electric Power Foundation Chair in Burn Care) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Trevor Brown as dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term starting June 30, 2028.
• William Carson III as professor (The John B. and Jane T. McCoy Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Pierre Giglio as associate professor-clinical (The Esther Dardinger Endowed Chair in Neuro-Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Deliang Guo as professor (Urban and Shelley Meyer Professorship in Cancer) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Maria Ignatieva as professor (The Martha W. Farmer Endowed Professorship in Theatre) at the Ohio State Lima campus for a term running from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
• Wael Jarjour as professor (The Martha Morehouse Chair in Arthritis and Immunology Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ani Katchova as professor (The Farm Income Enhancement Endowed Chair in Agricultural Policy, Trade and Marketing) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029.
• Sorabh Khandelwal as professor (Samuel J. Kiehl III MD Chair in Emergency Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ryan King as divisional dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.
• Ching-Chang Ko as professor (Vig/Williams Endowed Chair in Orthodontics) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Jan. 27, 2025, through Aug.14, 2028.
• Susan Koletar as professor (Frank E. and Mary W. Pomerene Professorship in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ryan Nash as professor (The Hagop S. Mekhjian MD Chair in Medical Ethics and Professionalism) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Anil Parwani as chair and professor (The Donald A. Senhauser, MD, Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
• Kamal Pohar as associate professor (The Julius Skestos and Diana Skestos Chair in Urology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Matthew Ringel as chair and professor (The Ralph W. Kurtz Chair in Hormonology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
• Orlando Simonetti as professor (The John W. Wolfe Professorship in Cardiovascular Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Mytheli Sreenivas as chair and professor (Designated Professorship in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from March 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2028.
• Andrew Thomas as professor (The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation Chief Clinical Officer Chair in the Wexner Medical Center) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.
• Ingrid Werner as professor (The Martin and Andrew Murrer Professorship in Finance) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from March 1, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• Hsin-Jung Joyce Wu as professor (Ronald L. Whisler MD Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

Trustees also approved an extension for Karla Zadnik as dean of the College of Optometry for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Honorary degree awarded
Trustees approved an honorary doctor of public service degree to LeBron James, an Ohio native, professional basketball player and community leader. James visited the university virtually in February and spoke with a class in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs about his passion for bettering his community.

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

• Athletics technology modernization
  Professional services totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• North Towers building upgrades
  Professional services totaling $10 million, to be paid for with university debt.
• Tunnel rehabilitation, phase one
  Professional services totaling $1 million, to be paid for with university debt and funds, state funds and partner funds.
• Doan Hall sprinkler installation
  Professional services totaling $1.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Doan Hall SPECT CTs
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Outpatient East existing lot renovation
  Professional services and construction totaling $5.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds. 
• Outpatient East new west parking lot
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Schottenstein Center scoreboard replacement
  Professional services and construction totaling $5.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center
  Professional services and construction totaling $1.7 million, to be paid for with university and partner funds.

2025-2026 academic year undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees approved
Trustees approved tuition and mandatory fees, non-residential and international surcharges, and room and board rates for undergraduate students at all campuses of Ohio State for the academic year 2025-2026.

2025-26 academic year graduate tuition and mandatory fees approved
Trustees approved tuition and mandatory fees, and non-residential surcharges for graduate students at all campuses of Ohio State for the academic year 2025-2026. Graduate and professional fees and student health plan were also approved.

Zollinger Road property purchase approved
Trustees approved the purchase of 5.070 acres at 1800 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington, Ohio. The property, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Upper Arlington, supports the university’s plan for strategic investment in outpatient services for neighboring communities.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates to be conferred on May 4 and Aug. 3, 2025, to people who have completed the requirements.

Interim capital investment plan for fiscal year 2026 approved
Trustees approved the interim capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system interim capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2026 approved
Trustees approved utility system life-cycle renovation, repair and replacement projects by Ohio State Energy Partners.

Digital textbook fees approved
The board approved digital textbook pass-through fees at all campuses for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Non-resident tuition waiver for Ohio State students who are veterans, military members, or their immediate families approved
Trustees approved waiving, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, all but $5 of the non-resident tuition surcharge for Ohio State students who are veterans or military members, with 90 days or more of honorable service in the United States uniformed services, and their immediate families that do not otherwise qualify for in-state tuition.

Waiver of tuition for Ohio State students who enroll in university-approved third-party provider or direct enrollment study abroad programs approved
The board approved waiving, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, tuition and fees for students enrolled in a third-party provider or direct enrollment study abroad program and to allow the students to remain enrolled at the university while participating in these programs. The university has received this waiver since fiscal year 2015.

Resolutions in Memoriam

• Frank E. Battocletti, who died on May 28, 2024, at age 90. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Electric and Computer Engineering at the College of Engineering.
• Morris “Murray” Beja, who died on Feb. 6, 2025, at age 89. He was professor emeritus in the Department of English.
• Harding Ganz, who died recently at age 86. He was professor emeritus in the Department of History.
• Dennis R. Heldman, who died on April 3, 2025, at age 86. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Food Science and Technology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Richard Kenneth Lindquist, who died on Sept. 16, 2024. He was a professor in the Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• William J. Mitsch, who died on Feb. 12, 2025. He was Distinguished Professor of Environment and Natural Resources in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. 
• Forest V. Muir, who died on Jan. 2, 2025, at age 85. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Charles F. Parker, who died on July 19, 2024, at age 89. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
• Robert Hall Wagoner II, who died on Jan. 28, 2025. He was professor emeritus in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering.
• Gerald Winer, who died on Nov. 17, 2024, at age 83. He was professor emeritus of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Interim operating budget for fiscal year 2026 approved
The board approved the interim operating budget that will allow the university to continue to advance its academic and financial goals during the period from July 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2025.

Amendment to the rules of the university faculty approved
The board approved an amendment to the rules of the university faculty as approved by the University Senate. The amendment would modify salary recovery percentages for research faculty and allow them to engage in these additional required activities consistent with funding requirements.

Authorization for designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities, to deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts, to designate depositories and to execute treasury- and insurance-related agreements 
The board approved designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer securities, to deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts held in the name of Ohio State, to designate depositories and to execute treasury- and insurance-related agreements.

Reappointments to the Self-Insurance Board approved
Trustees approved the reappointment of two members of the Self-Insurance Board that oversees the University Self-Insurance Program:

• Cynthia A. Powell, CPA, term ending June 30, 2027
• D. Brent Mulgrew, term ending June 30, 2027

Issuance of general receipts, obligations and Multiyear Debt Issuance Program III approved
Trustees approved the program that authorizes the issuance and sale of general receipts obligations of the university in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $400 million for the purposes of financing, on an interim or permanent basis, the costs of certain university capital improvement projects, refunding the outstanding principal amount of current obligations of the university and paying costs and expenses associated with the issuance of such debt, and authorization for amendments to the existing trust indenture and other documents as required.

Easements approved

• Trustees authorized to Columbia Gas of Ohio a perpetual natural gas transmission easement across university property located on 6.069 acres located along Ackerman Road and the northern border of the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
• The board authorized the Board of County Commissioners of Wayne County a perpetual roadway easement across university property located along Messner Road in Wooster, Ohio.
• Trustees also authorized the city of Columbus a perpetual sanitary sewer easement across 1.438 acres of university property located along Woody Hayes Drive.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of March 31, 2025, which includes: the establishment of one endowed chair: the Dr. Lee E. Shackelford Chair in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; four endowed professorships: The Dr. Frederick H. Davidorf Honorary Professorship, the Margaret Bowers Hardymon Professorship in Surgery, the Honda Endowed Professorship in Automotive Manufacturing and The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy; six scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 35 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 13 named endowed funds.

Naming of spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Meta STEM Instruction Innovation Hub, room A, in Ramseyer Hall
• The Gary (Class of 1962) And Helen Cole Office, room 105A, in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex
• The Lasko Family Home Team Locker Room, room 183, in the Lacrosse Stadium
• The Dr. Jack L. Beal Room, room R200A, in the Riffe Building
•  Two buildings in the Waterman Complex at Lane Avenue and Kenny Road:
  • Waterman – Dairy
  • Waterman – Multispecies Animal Learning Center
• Internal spaces in Waterman – Dairy:
  • Galton Dairy Display Hall
  • Specht and Deam Family Viewing Walkway
  • Dale and Betty Hedge Family Automated Milking System Room
• Internal spaces in Waterman – Multispecies Animal Learning Center:
  • Clifford and Dale Baughman Outreach & Engagement Center
  • Dave and Dorothy Case Terrace
• The renaming of Medical Center Drive (east of Westpark Street to West 10th Avenue) and the naming of Medical Center Drive East and Medical Center Drive West in the Wexner Medical Center.
• The renaming of Wexner Medical Center buildings from:
  • Inpatient Tower to University Hospital
  • James A. Rhodes Hall - University Hospital to University Hospital – Rhodes Hall
  • Charles Austin Doan Hall to University Hospital – Doan Hall
  • Brain and Spine Hospital to University Hospital – Pavilion

Updates to charters for the Internal Audit Department and the Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee
Trustees approved the amended charters for the Internal Audit Department and Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee.

Amendments to retirement plans approved
The board approved the following amendments to various retirement plans:

• Fifth Amendment to The Ohio State University Retirement Continuation Plan
• Fifth Amendment to The Ohio State University Retirement Continuation Plan II
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University 403(b) Retirement Plan
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• First Amendment to The Ohio State University Alternative Retirement Plan
• Third Amendment to The Ohio State University Alternative Retirement Plan

Ratification of settlement agreement and amendments to cost allocation agreement approved
Trustees approved a settlement agreement and amendments to a cost allocation agreement regarding the Combined Heat and Power Plant.

Election of officers approved
Trustees approved the following slate of officers for the board of trustees:

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair

Ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 approved
Trustees approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2025-2026 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life
Reginald A. Wilkinson, chair 
Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler 
Jeff M.S. Kaplan 
Michael F. Kiggin 
Bradley R. Kastan 
Kendall C. Buchan 
Eric Bielefeld (faculty member) 
Stefanie Sanford 
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Athletics
Gary R. Heminger, chair
Michael F. Kiggin, vice chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler
Jeff M.S. Kaplan
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
George A. Skestos
Kendall C. Buchan
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Finance & Investment
Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
Pierre Bigby, vice chair
Gary R. Heminger
Michael F. Kiggin
George A. Skestos
Amy Chronis
Kent M. Stahl
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Legal, Audit, Risk & Compliance
Elizabeth P. Kessler, chair
Bradley R. Kastan, vice chair
Michael F. Kiggin
Juan Jose Perez
Kendall C. Buchan
Amy Chronis
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities
Juan Jose Perez, chair
George A. Skestos, vice chair
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Pierre Bigby
Bradley R. Kastan
Kendall C. Buchan
Robert H. Schottenstein
Keith Myers
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships
Kara J. Trott, chair
Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
Elizabeth A. Harsh
Juan Jose Perez
Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance:
Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
Gary R. Heminger
Reginald A. Wilkinson
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
Kara J. Trott 
John W. Zeiger (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center
Leslie H. Wexner, chair
Gary R. Heminger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
George A. Skestos
Kara J. Trott
Robert H. Schottenstein
Stephen D. Steinour
Cindy Hilsheimer
Amy Chronis
Hiroyuki Fujita
John W. Zeiger (ex officio, voting)
Walter E. Carter Jr. (ex officio, voting)
Ravi V. Bellamkonda (ex officio, voting)
Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Finance Committee, Wexner Medical Center
Stephen D. Steinour, chair
John W. Zeiger
Tomislav B. Mitevski
Juan Jose Perez
Pierre Bigby
George A. Skestos
Amy Chronis
John J. Warner|
Michael Papadakis

Quality & Professional Affairs Committee, Wexner Medical Center
Juan Jose Perez, chair
George A. Skestos
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Michael Papadakis
John J. Warner
Eric Adkins
Doreen Agnese
Jay M. Anderson
Carol R. Bradford
Stacy A. Brethauer
David E. Cohn
Scott A. Holliday
Elizabeth Seely
Deana Sievert
Corrin Steinhauer
Andrew M. Thomas

Foundation Board Representative
Pierre Bigby

Alumni Board Representative
Elizabeth A. Harsh

Trustees heard from assistant coach Brian Hartline, who lauded the team’s performance on its way to winning the first national championship in the 12-team playoff era. Returning student-athletes Caleb Downs, Carson Hinzman, Sonny Styles and Tegra Tshabola – along with the championship trophy – were featured during the meeting.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. celebrated the team, but noted Ohio State’s exceptionalism includes more than athletics.

“We strive for excellence in all aspects: athletics, student learning, research and patient care,” Carter said.

The board also honored coaches and student-athletes from the Buckeye spirit program, which last month won the national championship, its second in a row.

At the Monday meeting of the Athletics board committee, Head Coach Ryan Day outlined the major changes impacting college football – and how Ohio State has adjusted to them to become champions.

“With all this change going on, to me it was the timeless principles and values of this university that our team displayed which allowed us to reach our goals of becoming national champions,” Day said. Those include hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, courage, humility, excellence, perseverance and resilience.

Day also highlighted the academic achievements of the team. The most recent semester was the fifth straight for the team to achieve a cumulative GPA over 3 – with more than 120 student-athletes on the team – and a perfect academic progress rate of 1,000, tying Harvard University as the best in the country.     

The board on Wednesday approved Day’s contract extension through Jan. 31, 2032. Athletic Director Ross Bjork on Monday lauded the move for providing “longevity, stability, [and] continuity in this ever-changing world we think is so, so important, and we’re just blessed to have Coach Day’s leadership of our football program.” 

Trustees also approved the establishment of the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society as a tenure-initiating unit. The University Senate’s Council on Academic Affairs granted the Chase Center temporary center status in September 2023 to support the center’s initial organizational efforts pending the hiring of the Chase Center’s inaugural executive director, Lee Strang, in August 2024.

Initiated in 2023 by the state of Ohio, the Chase Center will serve as an academic home at Ohio State for teaching and researching the foundation of the American constitutional order and its impact on society. The Ohio General Assembly selected Ohio State and four other state universities for these independent academic units.

Trustees also approved the appointment of Richard Silveria as vice president and chief financial officer of the Wexner Medical Center, effective April 1, 2025, and the extension of Michael Eicher’s contract as senior vice president for advancement and president of the Ohio State University Foundation through June 30, 2025. The board also approved the reappointment of Trevor Brown as dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term ending June 30, 2028.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Distinguished Service Awards approved
Trustees approved the following Distinguished Service Awards to be presented in 2025:

• Patricia Brundige
• William Farrar
• Elizabeth and Richard Germain
• Gerald Newsom
• Charles Wise
• Melissa Conrath

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

Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital: Air handler replacement
Professional services totaling $5.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Dental simulation space modernization at Postle Hall
Professional services totaling $1.4 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Bus technology testing facility for Center for Automotive Research
Professional services and construction totaling $14.6 million, to be paid for with partner funds.

Schottenstein Center main roof replacement
Professional services and construction totaling $8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Cell therapy lab at Polaris
Professional services and construction totaling $4.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Emergency response radio system for Wexner Medical Center facilities
Construction totaling $3.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

James Outpatient Care: Nuclear medicine expansion
Construction totaling $5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Ohio State East Hospital: Emergency generator
Construction totaling $4.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Marion L. Cremer, professor emerita in hospitality management in what is today the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Nov. 6, 2024, at age 89.
• Mark E. Headings, professor emeritus of entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Dec. 19, 2024, at age 87. 
• Larry E. Miller, professor emeritus of agricultural education in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 5, 2024, at age 81.
• Carole Rogel Poirier, associate professor emerita of history in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Sept. 30, 2024, at age 85.
• Stacy Weislogel, professor emeritus in the former department of aviation in the College of Engineering, who died on Nov. 30, 2024, at age 85.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments and extensions:

• Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin as professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs, for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2029.
• Mitch Phelps as professor (Charles H. Kimberly Professorship in Pharmacy) in the College of Pharmacy, for a term running from Nov. 1, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2027.
• Emma Read, professor-clinical (Ruth Stanton Chair in Veterinary Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine, for a term running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030.

Trustees approved reappointments for the following:

• Marcelo Dapino as professor (American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Designated Professorship) in the College of Engineering, for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2025.
• Jonda McNair as professor (The Charlotte S. Huck Professorship in Children’s Literature) in the College of Education and Human Ecology, for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2030.
• John Nusstein as professor (Dr. William J. Meyers Endowed Chair in Endodontics) in the College of Dentistry, for a term running from July 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2026.

Joint use agreements approved
Trustees approved joint use agreements between Ohio State and PrimaryOne Health for $250,000 and Rev1 Ventures for $500,000.

Establishment of new affiliate for university-owned captive insurance company approved 
Trustees approved the establishment of a new affiliate for a university-owned captive insurance company, Great River Insurance, LLC, in the state of Vermont. The establishment is necessary to manage and mitigate risks, enhance cost-efficiency and improve the overall control of the insurance program and process for the university.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Dec. 31, 2024, which includes: the establishment of a designated professorship: the Smathers Designated Professor at the Moritz Entrepreneurial Business Law Clinic; one endowed chair: the Dr. Tom Mack Endowed Chair in Global One Health; one endowed chair fund: the Edward and Julie Bacome Foundation Head Basketball Coach Fund; two endowed professorships: The Russell C. Shaw and Lynn B. Shaw Endowed Professorship in Mathematics and the Kaufmann Family Professorship for Breakthroughs in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; four endowed professorship funds: The Dr. Frederick H. Davidorf Honorary Professorship Fund, the Elizabeth McKeever Ross Professorship Fund, The Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Professorship Fund in Radiation Oncology-Proton Therapy and the Tingkang Xia Endowed Professorship Fund in Physics; nine scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; two scholarships as part of the Joseph A. Alutto Global Leadership Initiative and 54 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 13 named endowed funds; and the closure of two named endowed funds.

Amendment to Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan approved
Trustees approved amending the Ohio State Energy utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2025.

Property sale approved
Trustees approved the sale of 23.5 acres at 3455 West Dublin Granville Road, located north of the Don Scott Airport.

Naming of internal spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Julia S. Hansen Auditorium in Morrill Hall, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave., in Marion.
• The Reid Family Career Closet in the Younkin Success Center, 1640 Neil Ave., in Columbus.
• The Reactor Annex at 1296 Kinnear Road (building 155), in Columbus.

Trustees approved several items regarding Carmenton, the university’s innovation district, including a master agreement that Ohio State will join between the university-affiliated Science and Technology Campus Corporation (SciTech) and real estate company Tishman Speyer to develop its next phase.

Ohio State’s board also reviewed a ground lease from Ohio State to SciTech, allowing SciTech to develop infrastructure to expand the district and sublease two vertical development parcels to Tishman Speyer for mixed-use development.

Carmenton will eventually add residential areas, green spaces, connector trails, restaurants and entertainment venues.

On Tuesday, members of the Athletics committee heard affirmation from Ross Bjork, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed athletics director, that Ohio State will continue to support 36 varsity sports and all varsity sports will continue to offer scholarship opportunities, reiterating a public commitment made by President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. during his recent investiture ceremony.

Trustees on Wednesday also approved the following administrative personnel appointments:

• Margaret Young, dean and director, Lima campus
• Jason Opal, dean and director, Mansfield campus
• Jennifer Schlueter, dean and director, Marion campus
• Matthew Smith, dean and director, Newark campus
• Chris Kabourek, senior vice president, Administration and Planning 
• Ravi Bellamkonda, executive vice president and provost

The board also approved the extension of Karla Zadnik’s appointment as dean of the College of Optometry from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and the interim appointments of Ryan Goerlitz and Bryan Pyles as co-leaders, Financial Services, at the Wexner Medical Center.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Creation of a Master of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust approved
Trustees approved a new master’s degree, with the goal to supply highly skilled individuals to the cybersecurity workforce in Ohio and the country. The program will be offered in partnership with the Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust and the College of Engineering’s Professional and Distance Education Program.

FY24 Progress Report on Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency in Higher Education recommendations approved
The board approved Ohio State’s FY24 progress report on the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency in Higher Education recommendations, which will be submitted to the chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Football ticket prices and golf course dues and fees approved
Trustees approved student football ticket prices for fiscal year 2026 and golf course membership dues for calendar year 2025.

Charter trustee appointment approved 
Trustees approved the appointment of Amy Chronis as a charter trustee to the Board of Trustees.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Charles “Chuck” F. Adams Jr., professor emeritus in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, who died on July 24, 2024, at age 79.
• Barbara Ann Brahm, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on April 24, 2024.
• Harry Russell Conrad, professor emeritus in the Department of Dairy Science, who died on June 2, 2024, at age 98.
• Jo Ann Davidson, former member of the Board of Trustees, who died on Oct. 25, 2024, at age 97.
• Richard L. Dobec, professor emeritus in the Department of Horse Production and Management, who died on April 30, 2024, at age 87.
• Ronald B. “Ron” Hammond, professor emeritus in the Department of Entomology, who died on April 26, 2024, at age 73.
• Lowell R. “Skip” Nault, professor emeritus in the Department of Entomology, who died on Nov. 6, 2024, at age 84.
• Albert Herman Soloway, dean and professor emeritus in the College of Pharmacy, who died on Sept. 7, 2024, at age 99.
• Anna O. Soter, professor emerita in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Oct. 14, 2024, at age 77.
• T. Davis Sydnor, professor emeritus of urban forestry in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 12, 2023.
• Paul L. Wright, associate professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Aug. 17, 2024, at age 85.
• Frank J. Zidonis, faculty emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on June 16, 2024, at age 94.

Audited consolidated financial statements to the Auditor of State approved 
Trustees approved the submittal of the university’s draft audited consolidated financial statements to the Auditor of State.

Amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty approved
The board approved amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty regarding Dean’s List recognition and the Council of Deans.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments and extensions:

• Mohamed Abdel-Rahman as professor (Irene D. Hirsch Chair in Ophthalmology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Dec. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Richard Bruno as professor (Carol S. Kennedy Professorship in Human Nutrition) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Ginny Bumgardner as professor (Olga Jonasson, MD Professorship in Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Cynthia Carnes as professor and senior associate vice president (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Chair) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2029.
• Anne Co as professor (Dow Professorship in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Ana-Paula Correia as professor (The Ted and Lois Cyphert Distinguished Professorship in Teacher Education) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Matthew Corriere as professor (The Luther M. Keith Professorship in Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jodi Ford as professor (Grayce M. Sills Endowed Professorship in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 21, 2029.
• Sarah Hayford as professor (Robert Lazarus Professorship in Population Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Benjamin Hoffmann as professor (Designated Professorship in French and Francophone Literature) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Ezekiel Johnson-Halperin as professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professor) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2029.
• John Maharry as acting dean and director at the Ohio State Marion campus for a term running from running from Jan. 1, 2025, through March 16, 2025.
• Winston Thompson as associate professor (The William H. and Laceryjette V. Casto Professorship in Interprofessional Education) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.

Reappointments for the following:

• Rafael Bruschweiler as professor (Ohio Research Scholar in Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 30, 2028.
• Gregory Caldeira as Distinguished University Professor (Ann and Darrell Dreher Chair in Political Communication and Policy Thinking) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• James Landers as associate professor-clinical (The Harold L. and Audrey P. Enarson Professorship in Public Policy) in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for a term running from Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Maria Palazzi as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Art and Design Technology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2029.
• Carmen Winant as professor (Roy Lichtenstein Chair of Studio Art) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2028.

The extensions of appointments for the following:

• Damon Jaggars as vice provost and dean of University Libraries in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
• Bernadette Melnyk as professor (Helene Fuld Health Trust Endowed Professorship for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 10, 2025.
• Rustin Moore as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

Degrees and certificates for autumn term 2024 approved
The board approved degrees and certificates to be conferred on Dec. 15, 2024, for students who have completed the requirements.

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:

• Airport planning services
  Professional services totaling $300,000, to be paid for with partner funds.
• College facility master plans FY25
  Professional services totaling $1 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• 1922 Club
  Professional services totaling $1.5 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Bus testing facility
  Professional services and construction totaling $1.5 million, to be paid for with partner funds.
• Doan Hall roof replacement
  Professional services and construction totaling $14 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Parks Hall third floor lab renovation
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.3 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Waterman Lab Multispecies Animal Learning Center
  Professional services and construction totaling $1.5 million, to be paid for with partner funds.
• James Outpatient retail pharmacy and infusion buildout
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.2 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Building envelope renewal FY25-26
  Professional services and construction totaling $7 million, to be paid for with state funds.
• Electrical renovations FY25-26
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.4 million, to be paid for with state funds.
• Elevator renovations F25-26
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.5 million, to be paid for with state funds.
• HVAC/control system renewal FY25-26
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.2 million, to be paid for with state funds.
• Roof renewal FY25-26
  Professional services and construction totaling $8.5 million, to be paid for with state funds.

James Outpatient advanced imaging
Professional services and construction totaling $9.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Waterman Lab infrastructure project
Professional services and construction totaling $6.9 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Joint use agreements approved
Trustees approved joint use agreements between Ohio State and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective for $500,000; Ohio State and the PAST Foundation for $300,000; and Ohio State and the Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center for $750,000.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Sept. 30, 2024, which includes: the establishment of one designated professorship: the Designated Professorship in French and Francophone Literature; two endowed chairs: the Roger E. Kirk Endowed Chair in Quantitative Psychology and the Carter V. Findley Chair in Ottoman and Turkish History; one endowed fellowship: the Roger E. Kirk Endowed Fellowship in Quantitative Psychology; five scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program and 23 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 11 named endowed funds; and the closure of one named endowed fund.

Naming of internal spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The blood draw lab (X110C) in the Outpatient Care New Albany facility, located at 6100 North Hamilton Road, as the Dr. Michael B. and Joyce Y. Hallet Lab.
• The following internal spaces in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center, located at 1645 Neil Ave.:
  • Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1971 in honor of George Paulson, MD (room 132)
  • Generous gift from the College of Medicine Class of 1999 in memory of Dr. John Stang (room 001)
  • Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1975 in memory of Margaret Hines, PhD (room 018)
  • Generous gift in memory of Christine Walker (room 015N)

Chief among them is the awarding of $26 million in federal funding to jumpstart natural rubber production in the United States and enhance workforce development.

The funds come from the National Science Foundation to create the “Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security” (TARDISS) Engineering Research Center. The first round of funding lasts five years, with the ability to renew for $26 million more for five additional years.

TARDISS will be composed of academic partners and supported by industry stakeholders. The principal investigator is Judit Puskas, professor of food, agricultural and biological engineering (FABE), who will lead the center along with its director, Ajay Shah, also a professor in FABE.

The board also praised Puskas for being named a Distinguished University Professor – the highest faculty honor at Ohio State. Puskas joined the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus in 2019. A world-renowned polymer expert, her impact on her field and her students is broadly recognized.

The Distinguished University Professor honorific title is awarded annually to tenure-track professors who have been at Ohio State for at least five years and have demonstrated truly exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work and service.

President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. celebrated the Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation’s commitment of $10 million to the College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of the late Rita Wolfe. The generous gift establishes the Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship, which will help create a sustainable future of excellence in veterinary medicine.

The president also outlined a new initiative called Listen. Learn. Discuss. that offers a centralized set of tools to help the university community develop skills to engage in respectful dialogue and provides opportunities to practice those skills.

He noted that Ohio State received a record 80,000 applications for admission, and that the incoming class is expected to be one of the largest in university history.

“Strong enrollment like this shows that something special is happening here at Ohio State,” he said. “It shows that people believe in the value of an Ohio State degree; that that they believe in the quality experience we offer on all of our campuses; that they believe in the future of this institution.”

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• James L. (Jim) Battersby, professor emeritus in the Department of English, who died on May 12, 2024, at age 87.
• Barbara Z. Kiefer, professor emerita in the Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on May 27, 2024, at age 78.
• Surinder K. Seghal, professor emeritus in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, who died on Feb. 26, 2024, at age 83.
• George L. Smith, professor emeritus in the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering, who died on Feb. 12, 2024, at age 88.

Amendment to the bylaws of the Board of Trustees approved
The board approved an amendment to the bylaws of the Board of Trustees. The last revision took place on Feb. 21, 2024.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments and extensions:

• Julia Applegate as senior lecturer (2024 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Kent Barnett as dean and professor (J. Gilbert Reese Chair in Contract Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Stephen Bell as professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Industrial Microbiology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Eric Bielefeld as professor and chair (2024 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Trevor Brown as interim dean in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
• Lisa Burris as associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Bryan Carstens as professor and chair (Robert W. and Estelle S. Bingham Designated Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Angela Collene as senior lecturer (2024 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Edward Cooper as professor-clinical (Wolfe Associates Inc. Endowed Professorship in Canine Clinical and Comparative Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Maryam Ghazisaeidi as professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Philip Hart as professor-clinical (Endowed Professorship in Gastroenterology Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Elizabeth Hewitt as professor and chair (2024 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Christopher Jaroniec as professor (2024 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Maureen Kelleher as associate professor-clinical (Trueman Chair in Equine Clinical Medicine and Surgery) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Ryan Kennedy as professor (Andrei Baronov and Ratmir Timashev Endowed Chair in Data Analytics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Katrina Lee as professor-clinical (2024 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Russell Lonser as professor and chair (Sanford and Rife Family Chair in Neuro-Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jason Newland as professor (Henry G. Cramblett Chair in Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jason Opal as dean and professor at The Ohio State University at Mansfield for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug.14, 2029.
• Joe Raczkowski as associate professor-clinical (2024 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Sunnie Rucker-Chang as associate professor (Kenneth E. Naylor Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Frances Sivakoff as assistant professor (2024 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Matthew Smith as dean and professor at The Ohio State University at Newark for a term running from Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2029.
• Dawn Starr as senior lecturer (2024 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Mary Sterenberg as assistant professor-clinical (2024 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Amy Tibbals as senior lecturer (2024 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Bryan Warnick as professor and interim chair (The Daniel Tanner Foundation Endowed Professorship in Curriculum Studies on Adolescence and Democracy) in the College of Education and Human Ecology for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Zach Woods as assistant professor-practice (2024 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching) in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Margaret Young as dean of The Ohio State University at Lima for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Ginger Breon as interim vice president and chief information officer in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term beginning Aug. 19, 2024.
• Damon Jaggars as vice provost and dean of University Libraries in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running through June 30, 2027.
• Rustin Moore as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running through June 30, 2027.

Reappointments for the following:

• Greg Allenby as professor (Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Marketing) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Oct. 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Sharyn Baker as professor (Gertrude Parker Heer Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Prosper Boyaka as professor and chair (Stanton Youngberg Professorship of Veterinary Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Teresa Burns as associate professor (Bud and Marilyn Jenne Designated Professorship in Equine Clinical Sciences and Research) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Osvaldo Campanella as professor (Carl E. Haas Chair in Food Industries) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from June 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Ralph Augostini as professor-clinical (Bob Frick Chair in Cardiac Electrophysiology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Daniel Clinchot as professor and chair (Harry C. and Mary Elizabeth Powelson Professorship in Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2025.
• Roger Fingland as professor (Frank Stanton Endowed Chair in General Practice and Canine Health and Wellness) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from June 1, 2024, through May 30, 2029.
• Christopher Hoch as associate professor (The Endowed Chair for Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Mark Landon as professor and chair (Richard L. Meiling Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
• Cheryl Lee as professor and chair (Dorothy M. Davis Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Peter Mansoor as professor (Major General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Chair of Military History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Sayoko Moroi as professor and chair (William H. Havener, M.D. Chair in Ophthalmology Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Jan. 5, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Andrew Niehaus as professor-clinical (Vernon L. Tharp Professorship in Food Animal Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Timothy Pawlik as professor and chair (Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Laura Selmic as professor (Teckie and Don Shackelford Chair in Canine Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Ori Yehudai as associate professor (Saul and Sonia Schottenstein Chair in Israel Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.

The extensions of appointments for the following:

• Eric Anderman as interim dean and director of The Ohio State University at Mansfield for a term running from July 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2024.
• William Macdonald as dean and director of The Ohio State University at Newark for a term running from July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024.
• Greg Rose as dean and director of The Ohio State University at Marion for a term running from July 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.

Amendments to the contracts of the following athletics coaches:

• Football coach Ryan Day, updated bonus structure based on the new playoff format.
• Women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff, annual merit increase and two-year extension.

The following for President Carter:

• A performance review for fiscal year 2024 and compensation reward and salary adjustment of 3.5%.
• The issuing of performance goals for fiscal year 2025.

Capital investment plan for fiscal year 2025 approved
The board approved the capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2025 approved
The board approved the Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2025.

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:

• Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute fire and HVAC system renewal
  Professional services totaling $1.8 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Ohio State University Airport capital improvements
  Professional services and construction totaling $7.9 million, to be paid for with university debt and partner funds.
• College Road rebuild
  Professional services and construction totaling $5.5 million, to be paid for with university debt.
• Rhodes Hall third floor lab expansion
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.7 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Riffe second floor classrooms
  Professional services and construction totaling $3 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Tunnel rehabilitation phase one
  Professional services and construction totaling $31.2 million, to be paid for with university funds, university debt, state funds and partner funds.

Real property acquisition approved
The board approved the purchase of 4.16 acres at 1165 Kinnear Road. Ohio State has leased the property since 2006.

Amendment to the university’s investment policy approved
Trustees approved an amendment to the university’s investment policy to clarify that certain gifts may be added to the economic development fund.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of June 30, 2024, which includes the pre-approval of one  endowed deanship: The Rita Jean Wolfe Deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine; the establishment of one designated professorship: The NetJets Designated Professor of Aviation; one endowed fellowship: the William G. and Ernestine R. Lowrie Endowed Chemical Engineering Fellowship; 13 scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 14 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 16 named endowed funds.

Naming of internal spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The classroom studio (Room N300) in the Timashev Family Music Building, located at 1900 College Road, as the Dr. Donald E. and Ruth L. McGinnis Music Collaboratory.
• Internal spaces in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center located at 1645 Neil Ave. as:
  • Generous gift from The Balaloski Family (Room 435)
  • Generous gift from Steven Suh MD ’94 & Daphne Yu Suh ’95 honoring Dr. Sang & Jung Suh and Drs. Edward & Imelda Yu (Room 025F)
• Internal spaces in the Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center at The Ohio State University at Lima, located at 1155 Bible Road, as:
  •  Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery Rotunda
  • Honda Robotics Lab (108)
  • Rudolph Foods Company Conference Room (202)

In their study, recently published in Nature Catalysis, researchers demonstrated that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, can be converted into a type of liquid fuel called methanol in a highly efficient manner. 

This process happened by taking cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules and spreading them evenly on carbon nanotubes, graphene-like tubes that have unique electrical properties. On their surface was an electrolyte solution, which, by running an electrical current through it, allowed CoPc molecules to take electrons and use them to turn carbon dioxide into methanol. 

Using a special method based on in-situ spectroscopy to visualize the chemical reaction, researchers for the first time saw those molecules convert themselves into either methanol or carbon monoxide, which is not the desired product. They found that which path the reaction takes is decided by the environment where the carbon dioxide molecule reacts.

Tuning this environment by controlling how the CoPc catalyst was distributed on the carbon nanotube surface allowed carbon dioxide to be as much as eight times more likely to produce methanol, a discovery that could increase the efficiency of other catalytic processes and have a widespread impact on other fields, said Robert Baker, co-author of the study and a professor in chemistry and biochemistry at The Ohio State University.  

“When you take carbon dioxide and convert it to another product, there are many different molecules you can make,” he said. “Methanol is definitely one of the most desirable because it has such a high energy density and can be used directly as an alternative fuel.” 

While transforming waste molecules into useful products isn’t a new phenomenon, until now, researchers have often been unable to watch how the reaction actually takes place, a crucial insight into being able to optimize and improve the process. 

“We might empirically optimize how something works, but we don’t really have an understanding of what makes it work, or what makes one catalyst work better than another catalyst,” said Baker, who specializes in surface chemistry, the study of how chemical reactions change when they occur on the face of different objects. “These are very difficult things to answer.”

But with the help of special techniques and computer modeling, the team has come significantly closer to grasping the complex process. In this study, researchers used a new type of vibrational spectroscopy, which allowed them to see how molecules behave on the surface, said Quansong Zhu, the lead author of the study and former Ohio State Presidential Scholar whose challenging measurements were vital to the discovery.

“We could tell by their vibrational signatures that it was the same molecule sitting in two different reaction environments,” said Zhu. “We were able to correlate that one of those reaction environments was responsible for producing methanol, which is valuable liquid fuel.” 

According to the study, deeper analysis also found these molecules were directly interacting with supercharged particles called cations that enhanced the process of methanol formation. 

More research is needed to learn more about what else these cations enable, but such a finding is key to achieving a more efficient way to create methanol, said Baker. 

“We’re seeing systems that are very important and learning things about them that have been wondered about for a long time,” said Baker. “Understanding the unique chemistry that happens at a molecular level is really important to enabling these applications.”

Besides being a low-cost fuel for vehicles like planes, cars and shipping boats, methanol produced from renewable electricity could also be utilized for heating and power generation, and to advance future chemical discoveries.

“There’s a lot of exciting things that can come next based on what we’ve learned here, and some of that we’re already starting to do together,” said Baker. “The work is ongoing.”

Co-authors include Conor L. Rooney and Hailiang Wang from Yale University, Hadar Shema and Elad Gross from Hebrew University, and Christina Zeng and Julien A. Panetier from Binghamton University. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the United States–Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) International Collaboration. 

The study, recently published in the journal Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, suggests that the genetic variation of two species, the Brazilian sibilator frog and the granular toad, both amphibians native to northeastern Brazil, were shaped by different processes.  

Results showed that the genetic variation in the sibilator frog was shaped mostly by population demographic events in response to habitat changes that occurred over the last 100,000 years.   In contrast, genetic diversity in the granular toad was mostly shaped by contemporary landscape factors – toads that are relatively more isolated, either by geographic distance or inhospitable habitat, were more likely to be genetically different.

While previous investigations have explored the effects of historical demographic and landscape factors on genetic diversity of these amphibians, they were conducted with separate sets of data for these factors, making it difficult to discern which was the most important. Now, researchers involved with this paper are the first to use artificial intelligence to consider how both processes shape genetic diversity equally, rather than making manual assumptions about which may have been more vital. 

“Prior to this work, we had to ask questions independently because you couldn't investigate both influences in the same framework,” said Bryan Carstens, co-author of the study and a professor in evolution, ecology and organismal biology at The Ohio State University. “What AI allows us to do is to simulate processes that are both happening ecologically in the present and during deep-time evolutionary events and compare those findings to the actual data that we collect from these frogs.”   

Due to the sheer amount of data that’s become available to geneticists and other wildlife biologists over the past few decades, it can be challenging for researchers to identify specific factors that might be important in certain experiments, said Carstens. But by integrating large swaths of information into simulations that can account for those elements in a single analysis, it’s possible to get a much more complete chronicle of a species’ development. 

“It takes a long time to build and train our AI models, but we wanted one l that could capture the range of potential variation in the species’ histories in a way that was as faithful as we could be to what we knew about the biology of the system,” said Carstens. 

For example, while the species this study investigated dwell in the same region, there are many differences in their natural histories. Despite both their eggs and larvae being fully aquatic, the sibulator frog reproduces continuously throughout the wet season and in underground chambers, while the granular toad’s reproductive events happen explosively because they are dependent on heavy rainfall. 

Combined with their machine learning approach, the researchers’ simulation determined their model scenarios were 100% supported regarding historical explanations for the sibilator frog’s expansion, and over 99% supported for those of the granular toad. 

One of the reasons their model is so accurate is due to its ability to account for recent demographic events, including measuring how events like human development or habitat change may have affected animal genetic diversity over a long period of time. 

But even when using AI, researchers have to be careful to avoid deceptive patterns in their results, said Carstens. 

“No analysis that we do is going to capture every single factor that has been important to these species over millions of years,” he said. “So we have to allow for a range of possibilities without making it so broad that essentially any model would be able to fit the data.”

That said, as technological strides allow researchers to answer niche ecological questions and test new hypotheses, their work is a precursor to creating an upgraded machine learning framework that could be applied to unique investigations of other species, said Carstens. 

“We’re likely to continue using different combinations of these AI tools in different ways to try to understand evolutionary history,” said Carstens. “And as we keep learning, the tools we’re using will change, and they’ll evolve to be even better.”

Emanuel M. Fonseca, who earned his doctorate from Ohio State in 2022, was a co-author. The study was supported by the Ohio Supercomputer Center, the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior in Brazil.

The building will be located near the Pelotonia Research Center and Energy Advancement and Innovation Center. SciTech, an affiliated real estate entity of the university, will develop the five-story, approximately 120,000-square-foot multitenant building supporting research and technology uses.

The Center for Software Innovation, announced last year as part of a historic $110 million gift from entrepreneur and investor Ratmir Timashev, will occupy 38,000 square feet in the top two floors.

The Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Center “maintains momentum in the innovation district,” Amanda Hoffsis, vice president of planning, architecture and real estate, told trustees of the Master Planning and Facilities committee on Thursday.

Carmenton is home to more than $900 million of public and private support and more than 350 acres of land re-imagined for development, which includes:

• The Pelotonia Research Center, a state-of-the-art laboratory building where researchers collaborate across disciplines.
• The James Outpatient Care, which houses Central Ohio’s first proton therapy treatment, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
• The Energy Advancement and Innovation Center, dedicated to bringing smart and sustainable energy systems research and other innovations to market, in partnership with ENGIE.

Trustees also set rates for tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year. The proposal includes continuation of the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee, which provides cost certainty in tuition, housing and dining costs for new, in-state students for four years.

Ohio State offers a world-class education at a lower cost than the majority of peer institutions. For in-state students, the university is the second most affordable of any school with a selective admission process in Ohio. In the expanded Big Ten Conference, 10 of the 18 schools are more expensive than Ohio State.

The university expects to distribute more than $465 million in financial aid in fiscal year 2024. Since fiscal year 2015, $305 million in additional need-based financial aid has supported more than 45,000 low- and moderate-income Ohioans.

Board members in the Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships committee meeting also heard from a panel of Buckeye innovators – a member of an Ohio State-led accelerator, a recent alum and a professor – who are all making strides in entrepreneurial innovation:

• Katie Garry is the founder of Seek, a company that created the first at-home lab test to measure how alcohol impacts women’s health. The New York City native chose Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, the university’s accelerator program for entrepreneurs launched last year, to boost her startup.
• Adithya Ramaswami is a recent alum who is founder and CEO of ParaWave, a startup that uses drones for first responders to assist during emergencies by providing a birds-eye view to help triage resources. ParaWave was part of the first President’s Buckeye Accelerator cohort.
• Emre Koksal is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Ohio State and the university’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. He holds 10 patents and is the founder and chief scientist of FenixPyre, an Ohio State startup company specializing in data security.

Trustees celebrated Hiroyuki Fujita, the board chairman and a trustee since 2016, for his service to the university. As his term on the board ends, John Zeiger, vice chair, will replace Fujita as chairman. Zeiger was appointed to the board in 2017 and his term ends in 2026.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Expressions of appreciation for Jay Kasey and Gene Smith
Trustees recognized two longtime administrators ahead of their retirement. Jay Kasey, senior vice president of Administration and Planning, is retiring in the summer after nearly 17 years at Ohio State. Gene Smith, senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director, will leave after leading the country’s largest and one of its most successful athletic programs for 19 years.

Naming of the Monda Student Resource Center approved
The board approved the naming of the Buckeye Resource Center, which will work to serve students impacted by financial insecurity by providing resources from the Buckeye Food Alliance Food Pantry and Career Closet. It will also create opportunities for campus and community partners to provide additional support in a centralized program. The naming recognized Keith D. Monda, who has provided significant contributions to the Office of Student Life.

New professional master’s degree established
The board approved the creation of a Professional Master of Applied Aeronautics in the College of Engineering, based on growing demand for skilled employees in this field.

Completion Plan approved
The board approved the 2024-26 Completion Plan, whereby the state requires each Ohio institution of higher education every two years to adopt a strategic completion plan designed to increase the number of degrees and certificates awarded to students.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of March 31, 2024, which includes the establishment of one endowed distinguished chair: the Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Distinguished Chair in Cancer; two endowed professorships: the Dr. Chris Lee Endowed Professorship in Korean and The Daniel Tanner Foundation Endowed Professorship in Curriculum Studies on Adolescence and Democracy; one endowed directorship: the Sarah Ross Soter Women’s Health Research Program Directorship; one endowed fellowship: the Arthur Mirsky Geology Fellowship Endowment Fund; one designated professorship: the Designated Professorship in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies; nine scholarships as part of the Scarlet & Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 18 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of 26 named endowed funds.

Personnel actions approved
Trustees approved the following appointments and extensions:

• The appointment of Jake Diebler as head coach of the men’s basketball team for a term running through April 30, 2029.
• The extensions of appointments for the following:
  • Eric Anderman, interim dean and director, Mansfield campus, through Aug. 14, 2024.
  • William MacDonald, dean and director, Newark campus, through July 31, 2024.
  • Gregory Rose, dean and director, Marion campus, through Aug. 31, 2024.
  • Karla Zadnik, interim dean, College of Public Health, through July 31, 2024.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Leonard L. Baird, faculty emeritus, professor of higher education and student affairs in the Department of Educational Studies, who died on Dec. 10, 2023, at age 83.
• Eula “Bernice” Hall, assistant professor emerita in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Sept. 11, 2021.
• Donald E. Kimmet, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 20, 2021.
• David R. Miskell, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Jan. 4, 2024.
• Byron H. Nolte, professor emeritus in what is now the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Feb. 12, 2023.
• Herbert W. Ockerman, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Jan. 11, 2024, at age 91.
• William “Bill” Phillips, associate professor emeritus in College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on April 20, 2023.
• Charles J. Reutter, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Jan. 19, 2022.
• Glen H. Schmidt, professor emeritus in the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Dec. 10, 2023, at age 92.
• Edward Lee Smith, assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Feb. 28, 2022.

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:

• Waterman Farms infrastructure improvements
  Professional services totaling $1.4 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• James Outpatient Care: Nuclear medicine expansion
  Professional services totaling $300,000, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Department of Economics relocation to Bricker Hall
  Professional services and construction totaling $10.3 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Microelectric Commons
  Professional services and construction totaling $4.3 million, to be paid for with partner funds.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2024-25 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Eric Bielefeld (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Finance & Investment

• Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
• James D. Klingbeil, vice chair
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• 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
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

• Alan A. Stockmeister, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• James D. Klingbeil
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

• Lewis Von Thaer, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Juan Jose Perez
• Bradley R. Kastan
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

• Leslie H. Wexner, chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
• Walter E. Carter (ex officio, voting)
• Karla Zadnik (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Finance Committee, Wexner Medical Center

• Stephen D. Steinour, chair
• John W. Zeiger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Amy Chronis
• John J. Warner
• Michael Papadakis

Fiscal year 2025 operating budget approved
The board approved the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

Personnel actions approved
The board approved the following faculty appointments:

• Amit Agrawal has been appointed associate professor (John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Anish Arora has been appointed professor and chair (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Scott Campbell has been appointed professor (Margaret Hall and Robert Randall Rinehart Chair) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Jared Gardner has been appointed professor (Secretary of the University Senate) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from June 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
• John Grecula has been appointed professor (John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Radiation Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Tamar Gur has been appointed associate professor (Sarah Ross Soter Women’s Health Research Program Directorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from May 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Oscar Harari has been appointed associate professor (Helen C. Kurtz Chair in Neurology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Aeriel Leonard has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Xuefeng Liu has been appointed professor (Professorship in Cellular and Molecular Biology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jun Liu has been appointed professor (Hazel C. Youngberg Trustees Distinguished Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Matthew Ohr has been appointed professor (Carl M. and Grace C. Baldwin Chair in Ophthalmology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Kristine Orion has been appointed associate professor-clinical (Philip Barbour Hardymon Professorship in Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from March 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Kevin Singh has been appointed assistant professor (John W. Wilkins Endowed Professorship of Physics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2029.
• Mytheli Sreenivas has been appointed professor and chair (Designated Professorship in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from March 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.

Reappointments

• Jaideep Anand has been reappointed professor (William H. Davis Chair in the American Free Enterprise System) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Ralph Augostini has been reappointed professor-clinical (Bob and Corrine Frick Chair in Cardiac Electrophysiology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Krystof Bankiewicz has been reappointed professor (Gilbert and Kathryn Mitchell Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Annette Beatty has been reappointed professor (Deloitte and Touche Chair in Accounting) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Oct. 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Doug Berman has been reappointed professor (Newton D. Baker-Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from March 15, 2024, through March 15, 2029.
• Gail Besner has been reappointed professor (H. William Clatworthy, Jr., Professorship in Pediatric Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• David Carbone has been reappointed professor (Barbara J. Bonner Chair in Lung Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Colleen Cebulla has been reappointed professor (Torrence A. Makley Research Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jordan Cloyd has been reappointed associate professor (Ward Family Surgical Oncology Designated Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Emil Coccaro has been reappointed professor (George T. Harding III, MD, Endowed Chair in Psychiatry) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Ruth Colker has been reappointed professor (Heck-Faust Memorial Chair in Constitutional Law) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from March 15, 2024, through March 15, 2029.
• Maged Costantine has been reappointed professor (Frederick P. Zuspan, MD, Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Glenn Daehn has been reappointed professor (Dr. Mars G. Fontana Professorship in Metallurgical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Lian Duan has been reappointed associate professor (Honda Chair for Transportation) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Vadim Fedorov has been reappointed professor (Corrine Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
• Andrew Hendershot has been reappointed professor-clinical (Thomas F. Mauger and L. Carol Laxson Professorship for Ophthalmology Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Ray Hershberger has been reappointed professor (The Charles Austin Doan Chair of Medicine Funded by the Charles Austin Doan Fund) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
• Steve Huefner has been reappointed professor (C. William O’Neill Professorship in Law and Judicial Administration) in the Moritz College of Law for a term running from March 15, 2024, through March 15, 2029.
• Thomas Hund has been reappointed professor (William D. and Jacquelyn L. Wells Chair at the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Joel Johnson has been reappointed professor (Burn Jeng Lin, PhD and Sue Huan Lin Endowed ElectroScience Laboratory Professorship) in the College of Engineering for a term running from June 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Bodo Knudsen has been reappointed associate professor (Henry A. Wise II, MD, Endowed Chair in Urology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Zihai Li has been reappointed professor (Klotz Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Robert Magnussen has been reappointed professor (Bruce and Susan Edwards Sports Medicine Endowed Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Ernest Mazzaferri has been reappointed professor-clinical (Charles A. Bush MD Professorship in Cardiovascular Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Laxmi Mehta has been reappointed professor-clinical (Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair for Women’s Cardiovascular Health at OSU Heart Center) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Michael Mills has been reappointed professor (Taine G. McDougal Professorship in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Bernadette Minton has been reappointed professor and chair (Arthur E. Shepard Endowed Professorship in Insurance) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Sept. 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Amy Moore has been reappointed professor and chair (Robert L. Ruberg MD Alumni Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Raymond Noe has been reappointed professor (Robert and Anne Hoyt Designated Professorship in Management) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from Oct.1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
•  Electra Paskett has been reappointed professor (Marion N. Rowley Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Blake Peterson has been reappointed professor and chair (John W. Wolfe Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Steven Ringel has been reappointed professor (Neal A. Smith Chair in Electrical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Cynthia Roberts has been reappointed professor (Martha G. and Milton Staub Chair for Research in Ophthalmology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Oded Shenkar has been reappointed professor (Ford Motor Company Chair in Global Business Management) in the Fisher College of Business for a term running from May 1, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Rachel Skaggs has been reappointed assistant professor (Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Endowed Professorship of Arts Management) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2029.
• Bryan Whitson has been reappointed professor (Jewel and Frank Benson Family Research Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Yiping Yang has been reappointed professor (Jeg Coughlin Chair in Cancer Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.

Trustees also approved the appointment and reappointment of chairpersons, faculty professional leaves and the awarding of emeritus titles.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates for students who have completed the requirements, to be conferred on Aug. 4, 2024.

Awarding of honorary degrees approved
The board approved the awarding of a doctor of public service, honoris causa, to Pierre Agostini and David Grann.

Naming of atrium, internal spaces
Trustees approved the following namings:

• The Brian and Mandi Yeager Atrium between the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and the Schumaker Complex, located at 535 Schottenstein Drive
• The following spaces in Louella Hodges Reese Hall on the Newark campus, located at 1179 University Drive:
  • The Stuart N. Parsons Plaza (outdoor plaza)
  •  The Newark Campus Development Fund Atrium (room 1021)
  • The Licking County Foundation Auditorium (room 1029)
  • The Michael D. Cantlin Agora (room 0065)
  • The Lindorf Family Foundation Lounge (room 2124)
  • The Hinderer Motor Company Lounge (rooms 1020 and 1026)
  • The LeFevre Foundation Lounge (room 0001
  • The Dr. Robert A. Barnes Executive Leadership Suite (rooms 2130-2144)
• Room 228 in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center at 1645 Neil Ave. as the Generous gift from Dr. Scott and Dianne Jewell – Department of Pathology

Interim capital investment plan for fiscal year 2025 approved
The board approved the interim capital investment plan, which will allow the university to begin or continue capital projects during the period of July 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2024.

Ohio State Energy Partners utility system interim capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2025 approved
The board approved the plan, which authorized Ohio State Energy Partners to make capital improvements.

Digital textbook fees approved
Trustees approved digital textbook pass-through fees at all campuses for the 2025 fiscal year.

Amendment to the lease and concession agreement for the parking system and approval of the change in control approved
The board approved a sixth amendment to the 2012 parking agreement and a change in control of the concessionaire.

Faculty rule amendments approved
Trustees approved amendments to the Rules of the University Faculty.

Joint use agreement approved
The board approved the entering of a joint use agreement with the Union County Community Improvement Corp.

Authorization for designated officials to buy, sell, assign and transfer, deposit or withdraw funds from bank and investment accounts approved
Trustees approved the annual resolution to authorize the university treasurer and/or the university senior vice president for the Office of Business and Finance to undertake a variety of financial transactions on behalf of Ohio State.

Revisions to the benchmarks for the university operating funds approved
Trustees approved revisions to the benchmarks utilized to measure the operating fund’s portfolio performance.

Reappointment to the Self-Insurance Board
The board approved the reappointment to the Self-Insurance Board of the following members:

• Douglas Robinette, term ending June 30, 2026
• Demetries Neely, term ending June 30, 2026

The university’s annual research and development expenditures reached $1.449 billion in fiscal year 2023, which represents a 6% increase over the prior year’s expenditures of $1.36 billion.

The numbers, tracked by the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, in partnership with Ohio State’s colleges, measure the resources available to perform cutting-edge science and creative expression research.

“This is a year of firsts,” Peter Mohler, executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge, said during the Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships board committee meeting.

Mohler’s remarks came after Pierre Agostini, Ohio State’s new Nobel Laureate, spoke from France via Zoom. Agostini and fellow Buckeye physicist Lou DiMauro discussed the science that led to the esteemed award and heard from trustees excited to soon meet Agostini on campus.

“You are an inspiration to the entire Buckeye community,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. 

Mohler also celebrated other firsts – the recently announced SOAR study and a first-in-the-country spectrometer that is expected to attract scientists from around the world.

Ohio State ranked 11th among all universities in research expenditures in the most recent National Science Foundation survey rankings, up one spot from the previous year. The university remained at 7th among public universities.

Federal expenditures totaled $694.7 million in fiscal year 2023, an increase of 9% from the previous year.

Trustees also approved the naming of two spaces for the Wexner Medical Center’s Hospital Tower project that will open in 2026: the John F. Wolfe Lobby and the Wolfe Foundation Crossroads.

The namings recognize the Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, which this week announced a $50 million commitment to the tower. This amount is among the largest gifts ever made to the medical center.

The inpatient tower is the single largest facilities project undertaken at Ohio State. Philanthropic commitments like this Wolfe Foundation gift play a key role in speeding progress toward new treatments and teaching opportunities.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Future Distinguished Service Award recipients named
The board approved awards for the following people:

• Michael and Leslie Bumgarner
• Natala Hart
• Stephen Mehallis
• Stanley and Joan Ross
• Virgil Strickler
• Lawrence Williamson, Jr.

Property transactions approved

• The board approved the sale of the following property:
• More than 26 acres at 2575 W. Dublin Granville Road in Columbus, situated north of the Don Scott Airport.
• More than 23 acres at 3455 W. Dublin Granville Road in Columbus, situated north of the Don Scott Airport.
• Units No. 101 to No. 126 at Riverwatch Tower at 364 W. Lane Ave. in Columbus.
• About a half-acre of property along Dover Road in Wayne County, Ohio.

The board approved the acquisition of the following property:

• About .27 acres at Oakwood Alley and Franciscan Way in Columbus.
• About .55 acres at 1781 Dover Road in Wooster.

The board approved a perpetual sanitary sewer easement of .561 acres at Woody Hayes Drive and Cannon Drive in Columbus.

Men’s basketball prices approved

The board authorized men’s basketball ticket prices for fiscal year 2025 and men’s basketball ticket price ranges for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Personnel actions approved

The board approved the following faculty appointments:

• Felix Chang has been appointed professor (Robert J. Watkins/Procter & Gamble Professorship in the College of Law) for a term running from Aug.15, 2024, through Aug.14, 2028.
• Marcelo Dapino has been appointed professor (Honda R&D Americas Designated Professorship) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2024.
• L. Camille Hébert has been appointed acting dean in the Michael E. Moritz College of Law for a term running from Feb. 1, 2024, until the dean returns or a new dean is hired.
• Jennifer Johnson has been appointed professor (Henry L. Cox Endowed Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2028.
• Blaise Kimmel has been appointed assistant professor (Umit S. Ozkan Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Jan.1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Ching-Chang Ko has been appointed professor (Vig/Williams Endowed Chair in Orthodontics) in the College of Dentistry for a term running from Jan. 27, 2020, through Jan. 26, 2025.
• Heather Payne has been appointed professor (Carter C. Kissell Professorship in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2024, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• D. Blake Stringer has been appointed professor (The NetJets Designated Chair of Aviation Modernization) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Susan Tsai has been appointed professor (Dr. Arthur G. and Mildred C. James - Richard J. Solove Chair in Surgical Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Jan. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
• Jeffrey Walline has been appointed acting dean in the College of Optometry for a term running from Jan.1, 2024, until Karla Zadnik returns to the role.
• Guo-Liang Wang has been appointed professor (Professorship in Plant Protection) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Dec. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Karla Zadnik has been appointed interim executive vice president and provost in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Jan. 1, 2024, until a new provost is appointed.

Reappointments

• Janet Box-Steffensmeier has been reappointed professor (Vernal G. Riffe Professorship in Government and Politics) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Russell Fazio has been reappointed professor (The Harold E. Burtt Chair in Psychology) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug.15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Maria Ignatieva has been reappointed professor (Martha W. Farmer Endowed Professorship in Theatre) at the Lima campus for a term running from July 1, 2023, through May 31, 2025.
• Jody Patterson has been reappointed associate professor (Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Endowed Chair of Art History) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029.
• Carmen Winant has been reappointed associate professor (Roy Lichtenstein Chair of Studio Art) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 16, 2023, through Aug. 15, 2024
• Kay Wolf has been reappointed senior vice provost in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Feb. 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024.

Trustees also approved the appointment and reappointment of chairpersons, faculty professional leaves and the awarding of emeritus titles.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Joe Cochran, former operations manager and interim director of Secrest Arboreturn, who died on Oct. 22, 2023.
• David Alan Munn, emeritus faculty member in the Agricultural Technical Institute, who died on Nov. 19. 2023.
• John C. Rice, assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Sept. 25, 2023.
• Keiko Komiya Samimy, professor emeritus of teaching English to speakers of other languages in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Nov. 25, 2023, at age 71.
• Steven Jay Schwartz, professor emeritus of food science and technology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Nov. 25, 2023.

Awarding of honorary degree approved
The board approved the awarding of a doctor of public service, honoris causa, to Elizabeth Lwanga-King.

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:

• Biomedical and Materials Engineering Complex: phase 2
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $4.3 million, to be paid for with university debt and funds, fundraising and state funds.
• Martha Morehouse facility improvements: SOAR MRI
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $8.8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds, university funds and grant funds.
• Veterinary Medical Center PET/CT space renovation
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $4.5 million, to be paid for with fundraising.
• Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Powell
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $165 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Waterman Multispecies Animal Learning Center
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $6.2 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds, fundraising and state funds.
• Department of Economics relocation to Bricker Hall
  Construction contracts totaling $900,000, to be paid for with university funds.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2024-25 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Susan E. Cole (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Finance & Investment

• Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
• James D. Klingbeil, vice chair
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• 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
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

• Alan A. Stockmeister, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• James D. Klingbeil
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

• Lewis Von Thaer, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Juan Jose Perez
• Bradley R. Kastan
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center:

• Leslie H. Wexner, chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
• Walter E. Carter (ex officio, voting)
• Karla Zadnik (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Bylaw changes to board approved
Trustees approved amendments to the bylaws of the Board of Trustees. The last revisions were made on Nov. 17, 2022.

Amendment to annuity premium approved
Trustees approved the amendment and restatement of the university’s annuity premium benefit plan.

Rules of university faculty approved
Trustees approved updating the practice of making reasonable academic accommodations for students’ religious beliefs and practices in accordance with applicable law. The amendments were recommended by the University Senate.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved degrees and certificates for students who have completed the requirements, to be conferred on May 5, 2024.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Dec. 31, 2023, which includes the establishment of one endowed professorship: the Professorship in Cellular and Molecular Biology; one endowed chair fund: the Weary Foundation Endowed Chair Fund in the Social Psychology of Polarization and Misinformation; one endowed fellowship: The Joshi Graduate Fellowship; one designated chair: The NetJets Designated Chair of Aviation Modernization; 18 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; one scholarship as part of the 100% TBDBITL Scholarship Endowment Initiative; 37 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 26 named endowed funds; and the closure of two named endowed funds.

Naming of university spaces approved
The board approved the naming of the following spaces:

• The Linda and Joe Chlapaty Terrace in the new Hospital Tower.
• The Lisa and Jeff Edwards Registration area in the new Hospital Tower.
• The David W. and Dorothy S. Case Resource Room in the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension building.
• The Thanks for Saving Fisher Dr. Carrie St. Clair Dr. Don Mann horse stall at the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena.

Internal spaces in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center:

• Jeri B. Block and Robert H. Schottenstein Forum
• OSU Physicians, Inc. Reading Room
• David Packo, MD OSUCOM ’89 Gallery
• Generous gift from the College of Medicine Class of 1976
• Generous gift from Carol R. Bradford, MD and David C. Bradford
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1995 in memory of Larry Semersky and Brett Gemlick, MD
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 2003
• Generous gift from the College of Medicine Class of 2013
• Generous gift from Dr. Gregory and Dianne Gerber
• Generous gift from donors in the College of Medicine Class of 1988

Internal spaces in the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex

• Mahle Classroom
• Nygren Lab
• David and Maxine Gerber Family Arena Corridor
• Bob Evans Farms Swine Observation Corridor
• The Patricia Kunz Brundige Learning Space
• Farm Credit Mid-America Learning Space
• Steven C. Scherff Memorial Staff Lounge
• Tarter Farm & Ranch Animal Holding Area

The Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, in partnership with the university’s colleges, tracks annual research and development funding. The numbers measure the resources available to perform cutting-edge science and creative expression research.

“Ohio State’s research community is deservedly recognized as among the best, and this record-breaking funding total highlights the university’s significant impact on our state and the world,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “The research conducted on our campuses changes lives for the better and is a critical part of Ohio State’s mission as a land-grant university to deliver discoveries the world needs now.” 

The analysis is part of the university’s submission to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey. Ohio State ranked 11th among all universities in research expenditures in the most recent survey rankings, up one spot from the previous year. The university remained at 7th among public universities.

The university ranked just behind Duke and Stanford and ahead of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Harvard.

“These numbers illustrate the incredible scientific talent and creativity at Ohio State. From foundational work in materials and physics to space exploration, artificial intelligence and breakthrough therapeutics that improve lives, Ohio State is leading the way in science with impact,” said Peter Mohler, executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge.

Federal expenditures totaled $694.7 million in FY23, an increase of 9% from FY22. University research saw growth across the portfolio of federal agencies. This includes:

• National Institutes of Health (14% increase)
• National Science Foundation (11% increase)
• Department of Defense (25% increase)
• Department of Energy (10% increase)

Industry expenditures totaled $155.2 million in FY23, up 9% from FY22. State-sponsored research expenditures totaled $61.9 million in FY23.

Growth in research expenditures is spread across the university, with eight of 15 colleges seeing 10% increases or more year-over-year: Business, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Public Health and Veterinary Medicine.

The inaugural academic council of seven members will conduct a national search for an executive director for the center.

This year the Ohio General Assembly selected Ohio State and four other state universities to establish academic centers for teaching and researching the foundation and growth of the American constitutional order and society. At Ohio State, the Chase Center will be an independent academic center physically housed in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

The seven scholars of the academic council are noted for their national reputations for academic excellence, and their appointment is subject to the consent of the Ohio Senate.

The Chase Center will be a focal point for advancing the values to which the nation is committed, including free speech, civil discourse, critical thinking and intellectual diversity.

The academic council members will recommend finalists for the executive director position to the president of the university, subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees. The scholars are:

• Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. 
• Vladimir Kogan, professor of political science at Ohio State.
• Lucas Morel, John K. Boardman, Jr. Professor of Politics and Head of the Politics Department at Washington and Lee University.
• Colleen Sheehan, professor, Arizona State University School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.
• Bradley Smith, Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nauly Professor of Law at Capital University Law School.
• David Van Slyke, dean, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business-Government Policy at Syracuse University.
• Jean Yarbrough, Gary M. Pendy Sr. Professor of Social Sciences at Bowdoin University.

Trustees also approved Karla Zadnik as interim executive vice president and provost, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

As interim provost, Zadnik will lead Ohio State’s mission as the chief academic officer.

Zadnik is the first woman dean of Ohio State’s College of Optometry, the first woman dean of a public school or college of optometry, and a prominent patient-oriented researcher in the field of optometry and vision science. She is an Ohio State Distinguished Scholar, serves as the lead dean for the university’s seven health science colleges and chairs the Biomedical Sciences Institutional Review Board.

She has been dean of the College of Optometry since 2014, and is the Glenn A. Fry Professor in Optometry and Physiological Optics. She has also served as interim dean of the College of Public Health since July. Zadnik will serve as Ohio State’s interim provost as well as remain in her position as interim dean of the College of Public Health.

Jeffrey Walline, associate dean for research in optometry, will lead the College of Optometry as interim dean. The university will announce the search committee for Ohio State’s next executive vice president and provost in the coming weeks.

The board and acting President Peter Mohler also discussed the Israel-Hamas War and safety and security on campus. Board Chair Hiroyuki Fujita strongly supported Mohler’s recent messages to the community, which reiterated that Ohio State does not tolerate violations of the law or university policy and does not tolerate hatred, intimidation or harassment of anyone based on their religious beliefs, nationality or identity. 

“Our focus on safety and supporting the Ohio State community is critical to creating an environment with zero tolerance for threats, discrimination and harassment of any kind,” said Fujita, who applauded Mohler’s leadership in recent weeks to add more lights, cameras, license plate readers, and more to help make the campus area safer.

Fujita called on Mohler to “take a bold step forward to make Ohio State a leader and convener in addressing crime and its causes over the long term” by bringing together stakeholders across Columbus, the region and Ohio. Mohler said he would work with senior leaders and incoming President Ted Carter, who joins the university on Jan. 1, 2024, to prioritize addressing crime and safety in the community.

Mohler emphasized that Ohio State will continue to support all members of the community.

“During times like this, it’s easy to focus on our differences,” he said. “But it’s important to remember that all of us are part of The Ohio State University – a place for people to come together – even and especially when our differences seem the greatest. We know everything we accomplish means more, and does more, when we accomplish it together.”

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:

• FY24 College Facility Master Plans
  Professional services contracts totaling $1 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• RadOnc Advanced Imaging Linac
  Professional services contracts totaling $900,000, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• 2001 Polaris Parkway ­– Cell Therapy Lab
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $6.9 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• The James Outpatient Care – Fourth Floor Ortho Sarcoma and Rehab
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $8 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Tunnel Rehabilitation Phase I
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $5.3 million, to be paid for with university debt and partner funds.
• Wexner Medical Center Inpatient Hospital
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $38.3 million, to be paid for with university debt, auxiliary funds and fundraising.
• Wexner Medical Center Outpatient Care Powell
  Professional services and construction contracts totaling $10.6 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center
  Construction contracts totaling $19.7 million, to be paid for with partner funds and grant funds.
• East Hospital – Fire Suppression
  Construction contracts totaling $5.4 million, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Property transactions approved
The board approved the sale of property located at:

• 7706 Olentangy River Road in Columbus, which no longer aligns with the Wexner Medical Center’s ambulatory care strategy.

The board approved the acquisition of property located at:

• 1795 Oil City Road near Wooster, which the university has been leasing. Ohio State has identified the site for long-term strategic purposes.

The board approved the ground lease of property located at:

• 3025 W. Dublin Granville Road in Columbus. The university is leasing 10 acres for use by the Voyager Space, Starlab, ground-based Terrestrial Analog Facility.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Edward “Ed” J. Kane, professor emeritus in the Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on March 2, 2023, at age 87.
• Stella Bicouvaris Kontras, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in the College of Medicine, who died on Aug. 8, 2023, at age 95.
• John David Latshaw, professor emeritus of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Sept. 10, 2023.
• Sean O’ Sullivan, associate professor in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Oct. 17, 2023, at age 58.
• Alma Montano Saddam, faculty emerita in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Sept. 25, 2023, at age 85.
• Neil E. Smeck, professor emeritus of soil science in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Aug. 14, 2023. 
• Ruben “Mark” Sulc, professor of horticulture and crop science in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who died on Sept.16, 2023. 
• Luther G. Tweeten, professor emeritus of agricultural economics in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 25, 2023.

FY23 progress report on Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency recommendations
The board approved the annual report required by House Bill 49, which says that the board of trustees of each state college and university must approve an efficiency report based on the task force recommendations each fiscal year and submit it to the chancellor of higher education.

Discontinuation of transcript withholding for unpaid balances approved
Trustees approved discontinuing the practice of transcript withholding for students and former students for unpaid balances.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2024-25 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Susan E. Cole (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Finance & Investment

• Tomislav B. Mitevski, chair
• James D. Klingbeil, vice chair
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• 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
• Bradley R. Kastan
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

• Alan A. Stockmeister, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Pierre Bigby
• George A. Skestos
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• James D. Klingbeil
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

• Lewis Von Thaer, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Juan Jose Perez
• Bradley R. Kastan
• George A. Skestos
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

• Leslie H. Wexner, chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
• Peter J. Mohler (ex officio, voting)
• Melissa L. Gilliam (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Bylaw changes to Wexner Medical Center board approved
Trustees approved amendments to the bylaws of the Wexner Medical Center Board.

Audited consolidated financial statements approved
The board approved the draft audited consolidated financial statements to the Auditor of State. The university annually seeks an independent audit of the consolidated statements as a matter of strong financial oversight.

Ratification of cost allocation agreement approved
The board approved a cost allocation agreement regarding the Combined Heat and Power Plant with Ohio State Energy Partners.

Code of Student Conduct amendments approved
Trustees approved revisions to the Code of Student Conduct, which the Council of Student Affairs is required to review every five years.

Personnel actions approved
The board approved the following faculty appointments:

• Xun Ai has been appointed professor (Fred A. Hitchcock Professorship in Environmental Physiology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Nina Kraguljac has been appointed professor (Dr. Lee E. Shackelford Professorship in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Whitney Luke has been appointed professor and chair (Dr. Ernest W. Johnson Endowed Chair) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Alan Luo has been appointed professor (Donald D. Glower Chair in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Samilia Obeng-Gyasi has been appointed associate professor (Endowed Surgical Professorship in Health Equity) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Eugene Oltz has been appointed professor and chair (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Chair for Clinical Research) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Kaya Sahin has been appointed vice provost for international affairs and global strategies in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2029.
• Claudia Turro has been appointed professor and chair (Dr. Melvin L. Morris Endowed Professorship in Inorganic Chemistry) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Diane Von Ah has been appointed professor (Mildred E. Newton Professorship) in the College of Nursing for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2028.
• Daniel Wozniak has been appointed professor (The Samuel Saslaw Professorship in Infectious Diseases) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Elizabeth Yu has been appointed associate professor-clinical (Dr. Benjamin R. and Helen Slack Wiltberger Memorial Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Nov. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.

Reappointments

• Ahmad Al-Jallad has been reappointed professor (M.S. Sofia Chair in Arabic Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug.16, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Skyler Cranmer has been reappointed professor (Carter Phillips and Sue Henry Professorship in Political Science) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Michael Early has been reappointed professor-clinical (Vision Service Plan (VSP) Chair for the Advancement of Professional Practice) in the College of Optometry for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
• Jared Gardner has been reappointed professor (Joseph V. Denney Designated Professorship in English) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 16, 2023, through Aug. 15, 2028.
• Benjamin Segal has been reappointed professor and chair (Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Chair in Neuromodulation) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Alexander Wendt has been reappointed professor (Ralph D. Mershon Professorship in National Security Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.

The board also approved the following senior employee agreements:

• Trevor Brown, extension as dean, John Glenn College of Public Affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs, through June 30, 2025.
• Jay Kasey, retention payment as senior vice president for Administration and Planning in the Office of the President, through June 30, 2024.

Degrees and certificates approved
The board approved the degrees and certificates for students who have completed the necessary requirements, to be conferred on Dec. 17, 2023.

Utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2024 approved
Trustees approved the Ohio State Energy Partners utility system capital improvements plan for fiscal year 2024.

Joint use agreements approved
The board approved joint use agreements with the following entities, as specified in the 2023-24 state capital budget:

• Highland Youth Garden
• Kitchen of Life
• Pickaway County Community Foundation
• Zora’s House

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Sept. 30, 2023, which includes the establishment of two endowed professorships: the Philip Barbour Hardymon Professorship in Surgery and the Endowed Surgical Professorship in Health Equity; three scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 12 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of five named endowed funds.

Football ticket prices and golf course membership dues approved
The board approved ticket prices for the Buckeyes’ eight-game, 2024 home football season. Trustees also approved a plan to allow the Department of Athletics to finalize football ticket price ranges for two future seasons – 2025 and 2026 – and approved an increase in membership dues for the Ohio State Golf Course.

Naming of university spaces approved
The board approved the naming of the following spaces:

• The student commons in Galvin Hall at the Lima campus as the G. Gilbert Cloyd Student Commons

Internal spaces in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center:

• Drs. Caroline Whitacre and Michael Para Administrative Suite (330)
• Anne E. Klamar, MD, and Robert C. Klamar, MD, Administrative Suite (405)
• Generous gift from Lisa and Larry Copeland (010)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1970 (012)
• Dr. R. Eugene Arthur and Catherine Arthur Conference Room (329)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1971 (132)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1973 (4-year program) (232)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1972 (234)
• Gary Bitonte, MD, FACS Dean’s Conference Room (Room 300C)
• Generous gift from John Lewis Melvin and Carol Melvin Pate (005)
• Generous gift from Milo Hilty, MD, Pediatric ID & Mrs. Susan Hilty (125)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1990 (135)
• Brenda R. & Joel E. Goodnough, ‘79 MD, Res, Conference Room and Library (440B)
• Generous gift from Dr. Ashish & Dr. Bethany Panchal, Class of 2005 (225)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1977 (235)
•  Generous gift from Mr. Laurence B. Stone and Dr. Linda C. Stone (305B)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1985 (320L)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1960 (320A)
• Generous gift from Dina K. Rooney ‘89 MD in memory of Dr. Bertha Bouroncle (015B)
•  Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1997 (002C)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 2000 (014)
•  Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1996 (015A)
• Howard H. Lee, ‘87 MD, Res and Jean S. Lew, DDS Study Room (016)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1975 (018)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1966 (025K)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1989 in memory of our classmates (025L)
•  Generous gift from R. M. Deamer ‘67 MD, in memory of Zena Deamer & G. H. Griffith (405D)
• Generous gift from Dr. Eric Okum (015C)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1992 (015E)
• Generous gift from the MD Class of 2002 (015G)
• Donna A. Caniano, MD Study Room (015Q)
• Generous gift from Dr. Eric Altneu & Dr. Kelly Copeland Hall (015R)
•  Generous gift from the College of Medicine Class of 2015 (340A)
•  Generous gift from Dr. Jeffrey and Mrs. Stephanie Caterino (420Q)
• Dr. James Hutchinson Williams Interview Room (425)
• Generous gift from Dr. Roger A. & Mrs. Marilyn B. Friedman (340B)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 2007 (350C)
• Generous gift from the Medical Class of 1986 (350A)
• Generous gift from Kevin D. Hollis MD, MBA & KaSheena Hollis, DMD and Demicha Rankin, MD & Chay Rankin MBA (428B)a

Internal spaces in the Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute:

• Benhase Family Respite Area (X1820C)
• Lisa H. Ricker Respite Area (X1920C)
• Kathy & Alec Wightman Respite Area (X2020C)

An internal space in the James Outpatient Care facility:

• Generous gift from Sandra and David Filbert (6246)

Internal spaces in Galvin Hall at the Lima campus:

• The Rudolph “Rudy” Schneidhorst, DVM Conference Room
• Dr. Earl, Brenda, Craig & Kevin Recker Catering Kitchen
• The Phelps Family Huddle Room

An internal space in the Veterinary Medical Center:

• Exam Room 5 as the Generously donated by Alpha Psi Alumni Association Alpha Chapter est. 1907

That young person might be experiencing homelessness, a condition that is rising among youth in our society. 

Homelessness among youth is not rare. Recent United States estimates indicate that 1 in 30 adolescents (ages 13-17) and 1 in 10 young adults (ages 18-25) experience homelessness each year.

To complicate matters, youth are disproportionately burdened by the opioid epidemic. Their reported rates of opioid use, often used to escape from the depression and trauma of homelessness, is up to 79%. The result: mental health issues, drug overdose and suicide.  

Yet research to end homelessness and prevent or intervene in drug use and mental health problems among these youth has lagged that of adults, which puts this segment of the nation’s future – our youth – in jeopardy. 

Researchers at The Ohio State University are committed to working to change these discouraging numbers. An interdisciplinary team that includes service providers in the community has begun a groundbreaking five-year, $6.9 million grant project.  

Funding comes from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse and its Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative. 

The project will provide nurses, counselors and mental health service professionals with a tested approach to intervene in opioid use. It is titled “Building Social and Structural Connections for the Prevention of Opioid Use Disorder among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Examining Biopsychosocial Mechanisms.”

The two principal investigators are Jodi Ford, professor in Ohio State’s College of Nursing, assistant director of the Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth, and director of the Stress Science Lab, and Natasha Slesnick, distinguished professor and associate dean for research in Ohio State’s College of Education and Human Ecology.

“Our research, and that of others, shows that exposure to adverse childhood and life experiences is linked to irregular patterns of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, and high levels of inflammation in the body,” said Ford. “That phenomenon may contribute to depression and death by suicide, as well as substance use, often used to reduce symptoms of psychological distress.”   

Ford’s and Slesnick’s research will be conducted in collaboration with Star House, the only drop-in center in Columbus serving youth experiencing homelessness. Ford said the project will document how evidence-based interventions targeting substance use, as well as connections to community services and safe and supportive people and places, can help prevent opioid and other substance misuse in Columbus’ population and across the country. 

Slesnick founded Star House in 2006. “We needed a 24/7 drop-in center because these youth tend to avoid services such as community shelters,” she said. “They cite issues such as predation by older adult shelter clients and fear of being returned to foster care or home settings where they had negative experiences.”  

An independent nonprofit since 2017, Star House provides young people ages 14-24 with immediate access to safety and acceptance. Their basic needs, such as meals, showers and computer access, are met. And each year, 1,200 unduplicated youth are accessing those services. Crucial, stabilizing resources are offered through mental health therapy, job-search support and help transitioning to housing. 

In addition to serving the youths’ needs, the location hosts ongoing best-practice studies by Ford, Slesnick and other researchers. The researchers can interview youth, gather and analyze data to determine how best to meet their needs, and invite them to return for follow-up interviews. 

In this project, the research team will train the therapists and youth advocates at Star House to implement evidence-based interventions, which include a motivational and substance use/mental health intervention and an advocacy intervention focused on linkage to community and social supports.

“Our goal is to test the real-world effectiveness of the interventions individually and in combination to understand which is most effective in preventing opioid use disorder and other substance use and in improving mental health outcomes as well as homelessness,” Slesnick said.

“We also will conduct the first cost-benefit analysis on this approach, which has not been done before,” she said. “Knowing the cost of the interventions will help agencies plan for their adoption. Our goal is for this work to have practical benefit to those serving youth across the country.” 

The team will examine whether the interventions work, how they work and if they work for all youth or only specific groups.  

“We will be investigating the social connections of youth, their social isolation in the community and relationships to stress biology,” Ford said. “Specifically, we’ll examine how the intervention enhances social connections and a sense of belonging and reduces toxic stress associated with the significant adversity these youth experience daily.” 

Slesnick emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth well-being.

“By confronting and dismantling the barriers faced by youth, who aren’t fortunate to have caring adults in their lives, such as unstable housing and limited education, we can forge a pathway to a healthier and brighter future for generations to come,” she said. 

“We appreciate partnering with Star House to help the youth in our community, as well as to inform community intervention practices around the country,” Ford said. “Youth experiencing homelessness have many strengths, and like all youth, they need the care and support of individuals and communities to help them experience a healthy transition into adulthood.” 

Ford’s and Slesnick’s research team for the project will include Professor Xin Feng and Associate Professor Tansel Yilmaz, both with the College of Education and Human Ecology; College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor Christopher Browning, Department of Sociology; and Beth Boettner, a research scientist in the Institute for Population Research, College of Arts and Sciences.  

Mohler had served as the interim leader since March.

Under Mohler’s leadership, annual research and development expenditures increased by double digits in fiscal year 2022, setting a new university record.

As the executive vice president of the university’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, Mohler plays a key role in expanding cutting-edge research, creative expression and scholarship, stimulating entrepreneurship and building strategic partnerships. He has been at Ohio State since 2011.

Board members also approved initial professional services funding for the new Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center. When operating in spring 2025 from a renovated warehouse space on Kinnear Road, the center will serve as dedicated battery cell research, production and support space for the Institute for Materials Research.

The center will accelerate the domestic development of battery cell materials and manufacturing technologies while serving as an experiential learning setting for advanced battery technology workforce development. It will also operate as a hub for academic and industry connections across the chemical and physical sciences, engineering, business and policy.

The following actions were taken during the full board meeting:

Philosophy on institutional and leadership statements approved
The board adopted a philosophy on institutional and leadership statements, which uses a standard framework to ensure consistency in responses and sets forth the principles to which the institution holds itself in determining when to engage in speech. It is aligned with the Chicago Principles and Kalven Report.

Framework 3.0 approved
Trustees approved Framework 3.0, an update to the university’s master plan, which includes planning principles, recommendations and a vision for the Columbus campus. Robust engagement with faculty, staff and students was instrumental in developing a flexible and responsible vision for the near- and long-term (five to 15 years) development of campus.

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:

Battery Cell Research and Demonstration Center
Professional services contracts totaling $2.4 million, to be paid for with university funds and federal grant funds.

Airport, taxiway A rehabilitation
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $4.5 million, to be paid for with grant funds and partner funds.

Department of Economics relocation
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $1.8 million, to be paid for with university funds.

Waterman, Multi-Species Animal Learning Center
Professional and construction services contracts totaling $48.9 million, to be paid for with university debt, university funds, fundraising and state funds.

Resolutions in Memoriam approved

• Norman Kent Booth, professor emeritus of landscape architecture in the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture in the College of Engineering, who died on April 3, 2023.
• Richard E. Burkart, professor emeritus in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on March 13, 2023, at age 91.
• Joseph A. Levey, professor emeritus in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on Jan. 26, 2023, at age 97.
• Aaron J. Miller, professor emeritus in the College of Education, who died on May 19, 2023, at age 93.

New doctorate approved
Trustees approved the establishment of a doctor of education in teaching and learning degree with a specialization in practitioner inquiry of equity-based advocacy in the College of Education and Human Ecology.

Faculty personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments:

• Sheikh Akbar has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Floor Backes has been appointed professor (The Larry J. Copeland, M.D. Professorship in Gynecologic Oncology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Steven Bengal has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Micah Berman has been appointed professor (The Stephen F. Loebs Professorship in Health Services Management and Policy) in the College of Public Health for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Lijuan Bi has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Nicholas Breitborde has been appointed professor (The Charles F. Sinsabaugh Chair in Psychiatry) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Steven Brown has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Amy Brunell has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Nick Brunelli has been appointed associate professor (Ervin G. Bailey Chair in Energy Conversion) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Christin Burd has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Carlos Castro has been appointed professor (The Ralph W. Kurtz Chair in Mechanical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Natalia Higuita Castro has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Wei-Lun (Harry) Chao has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ted Clark has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Stuart Cooper has earned the title of Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Greg Davis has been appointed professor (The George R. and Genevieve B. Gist Endowed Chair in Ohio State University Extension) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Laura Deeter has been appointed professor (Sandy and Andy Ross Endowed Director of the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Lin Ding has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Molly Downing has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Theodora Dragostinova has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Rachel Getman has been appointed professor (Bernice L. Claugus Endowed Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Eric Green has been appointed professor (Excellence in Veterinary Care Diagnostic Imaging Professorship in the College of Veterinary Medicine) in the College of Veterinary Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• L. Camille Hebert has been appointed professor (Robert J. Lynn Chair in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug.15, 2028.
• Elena Irwin has earned the title of Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Julie Johnson has been appointed professor (Dr. Samuel T. and Lois Felts Mercer Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Oct. 9, 2023, through Oct. 8, 2027.
• Kay Bea Jones has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Joshua Joseph has been appointed associate professor (Endowed Professorship for Research in Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine) for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Zak Kassas has been appointed professor (The Transportation Research Center, Inc. Chair in Intelligent Transportation Systems) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Stanley Lemeshow has earned the title Distinguished University Professor in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Jason Lemon has been appointed dean and vice provost for online learning in the Office of Academic Affairs starting July 1, 2023.
• Zaibo Li has been appointed professor-clinical (University Pathology Services Anatomic Pathology Professorship) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Trevon Logan has been appointed professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through May 1, 2028.
• Steven Lopez has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Bernadette Melnyk has been appointed professor (Vice President for Health Promotion and Chief Wellness Officer) in the Office of Academic Affairs for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
• Todd Monroe has been appointed research professor (Distinguished Professor of Aging Research) in the College of Nursing for a term running from April 24, 2023, through April 24, 2028.
• Steve Oghumu has been appointed associate professor (Excellence in Research and Education Leadership Professorship in the College of Medicine) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Joel Paulson has been appointed assistant professor (The H.C. ‘Slip’ Slider Professorship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ashley Perez has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Daniel Gallego Perez has been appointed associate professor (The Edgar C. Hendrickson Designated Chair in Biomedical Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Stephen Quaye has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Eduardo Reategui has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Katelyn Swindle Reilly has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Vincent Roscigno has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Abdollah Shafieezadeh has earned the 2023 Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Jenny Sheldon has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Patrick Sours has earned the 2023 Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Huan Sun has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Piers Norris Turner has earned the 2023 President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Devina Purmessur Walter has been appointed associate professor (College of Engineering Innovation Scholar) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Karla Zadnik has been appointed interim dean in the College of Public Health for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, or until a new dean is appointed.
• Patricia Zettle has been appointed professor (John W. Bricker Professorship in Law) in the College of Law for a term running from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 22, 2028.

Reappointments

• Stuart Cooper has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Isabelle Deschenes has been reappointed professor and chair (Bernie Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia) in the College of Medicine for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Liang-Shih Fan has been reappointed Distinguished University Professor (The C. John Easton Professor in Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Gerald Frankel has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Andrew Glassman has been reappointed professor and chair (Frank J. Kloenne Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.
• William Marras has been reappointed professor (The Honda Chair in Transportation) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Harvey Miller has been reappointed professor (Bob and Mary Reusche Chair in Geography) in the College of Arts and Sciences for a term running from Aug. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Umit Ozkan has been reappointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Boyd Panton has been reappointed professor (Lincoln Electric Company Endowed Professor) in the College of Engineering for a term running from Sept. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Mark Partridge has been reappointed professor (The C. William Swank Chair in Rural and Urban Policy Fund) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
• Kinh Luan Phan has been reappointed professor and chair (Jeffrey Schottenstein Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Resilience) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
• Giorgio Rizzoni has been reappointed professor (The Ford Motor Company Chair in Electromechanical Systems) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Brian Roe has been reappointed professor (The Fred N. Van Buren Professorship in Farm Management) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Ian Sheldon has been reappointed professor (The Andersons Endowed Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Linda Weavers has been reappointed professor (John C. Geupel Chair) in the College of Engineering for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
• Marcia Worley has been reappointed professor (Merrell Dow Professorship in Pharmaceutical Administration) in the College of Pharmacy for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.

Extensions
Wendy Frankel has been extended as professor and chair (Ralph W. and Helen Kurtz Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine for a term running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

Personnel actions approved
In addition to Mohler’s approval as executive vice president of research, innovation and knowledge, trustees approved severance updates that align the employment contracts for Jessica Eveland, secretary of the Board of Trustees, and Stacy Rastauskas, vice president of government affairs, with other senior leaders. The updates are effective Aug. 1, 2023. Both individuals remain with Ohio State.

Board committee appointments ratified
The board approved the ratification of committee appointments for fiscal year 2024-25 as follows:

Academic Affairs & Student Life

• Jeff M.S. Kaplan, chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh, vice chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler
• Reginald A. Wilkinson
• Michael Kiggin
• Pierre Bigby
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• 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
• Taylor A. Schwein
• 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
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Master Planning & Facilities

• Alan A. Stockmeister, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Elizabeth A. Harsh
• Pierre Bigby
• Joshua H.B. Kerner
• James D. Klingbeil
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships

• Lewis Von Thaer, chair
• Reginald A. Wilkinson, vice chair
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Phillip Popovich (faculty member)
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Talent, Compensation & Governance

• John W. Zeiger, chair
• Elizabeth P. Kessler, vice chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• Gary R. Heminger
• Lewis Von Thaer
• Jeff M.S. Kaplan
• Tom B. Mitevski
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio)

Wexner Medical Center

• Leslie H. Wexner, chair
• Alan A. Stockmeister
• John W. Zeiger
• Gary R. Heminger
• Tomislav B. Mitevski
• Juan Jose Perez
• Taylor A. Schwein
• Stephen D. Steinour
• Robert H. Schottenstein
• W.G. Jurgensen
• Cindy Hilsheimer
• Amy Chronis
• Hiroyuki Fujita (ex officio, voting)
• Melissa L. Gilliam (ex officio, voting)
• Michael Papadakis (ex officio, voting)
• John J. Warner (ex officio, voting)

Capital investment plan for fiscal year 2024 approved
Trustees approved the capital investment plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Operating budget for fiscal year 2024 approved
The board approved an interim operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Joint use agreements approved

• The board approved a joint use agreement with the Ohio Manufacturing and Innovation Center. Ohio State was allocated $500,000 in the most recent state capital bill that was specifically designated for use by the center.
• Trustees also approved a joint use agreement with the City of Upper Arlington. Ohio State was allocated $450,000 in the most recent state capital bill designated for use by the city to aid the design and construction of the Upper Arlington Community Center.

Naming of university spaces approved
The board approved the naming of the following spaces:

• Dr. Ira S. Niedweske (DVM, MS ’77) Organic Chemistry Lab in Celeste Laboratory at 120 W. 18^th Ave.
• The Richland County Foundation Smart Manufacturing Lab (room 232) in Conard Hall at the Mansfield campus
• The Charter Next Generation Films PLC Lab (room 233) in Conard Hall at the Mansfield campus
• The Boyce Family Lacrosse Shooting Room at the Lacrosse Stadium at 630 Irving Schottenstein Dr.

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of June 30, 2023, which includes the establishment of: two endowed professorships, the John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Radiation Oncology and the John & Christine Olsen Professorship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology; one designated chair, the Edgar C. Hendrickson Designated Chair Fund; two scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; 22 additional named endowed funds; and the revision of three named endowed funds.

Bylaw changes to Wexner Medical Center board approved
Trustees approved amendments to the bylaws of the Wexner Medical Center Board. The last revisions took place in November 2022.

Appointment to the Self-Insurance Board approved
The board approved the appointment to the board, which oversees the university’s Self-Insurance Program, effective Sept. 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2025, of D. Brent Mulgrew.

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.

Mohler, the university’s vice president for research, will transition into the role under the leadership of the current executive vice president, Grace Wang. Pending approval of the Board of Trustees, Mohler will assume the interim title on March 1 as Wang prepares to become president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute this spring.

“We are excited to have Dr. Mohler lead the university’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge. Ohio State continues to show incredible momentum toward the goal of doubling research expenditures over the next decade to address societal challenges and improve people’s lives and Peter has played a critical role in that progress,” said Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson.

Ohio State has seen record-breaking growth in research and development expenditures over the last two years. The university was 12th among all universities in overall research expenditures in fiscal year (FY) 2021, an increase of 12 positions from a previous ranking of 24th in FY2020. Ohio State’s ranking also increased among public colleges and universities, moving up from 15th in FY2020 to 7th in FY2021. 

Mohler has been at Ohio State since 2011, when he joined the university as director of the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and subsequently served as chair of the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology in the College of Medicine. Mohler also has previously served as vice dean of research in the College of Medicine. He continues to serve as the chief scientific officer of the Wexner Medical Center.

“Dr. Mohler is an exceptional research leader who has spent more than a decade in the university’s proud culture of excellence,” Wang said. “He has been capably leading the Office of Research and will continue our mission to achieve the transformative impact of research, creative expression, innovation and knowledge to advance our society, and further serve our community through partnerships and entrepreneurship.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue to grow our research and innovation environment, and thankful to the Board of Trustees, President Johnson and Dr. Wang for the opportunity to collaborate with the university’s outstanding research and innovation community of leaders, faculty, students and staff to positively impact people’s lives,” Mohler said.

Mohler has more than 250 publications, including manuscripts in Nature, Cell, New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Circulation, Nature Medicine and PNAS. His research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms underlying abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure with the goal of designing new diagnostics.

He has received multiple awards, including being named a Pew Scholar and an Outstanding Investigator of the American Heart Association. Mohler was named an inaugural NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Outstanding Investigator (R35 Award) and leads large program grants funded by the American Heart Association and the LeDucq Foundation.

Mohler received a bachelor’s in biology from Wake Forest University and his doctorate in cell and molecular physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and performed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University Medical Center.

Grace Wang, executive vice president of research, innovation and knowledge, highlighted a successful year in research on Thursday during a Board of Trustees committee meeting. Highlights include:

Establishing Carmenton: Carmenton is the newly named innovation district on west campus, which will bring private, public and academic sectors together to help develop new technologies and bring solutions to market.

Supporting faculty: The 43 projects awarded President’s Research Excellence seed funding support Ohio State’s goals to attract more externally sponsored research funding and address complex societal challenges.

Creating milestones in technology commercialization: University researchers filed 331 U.S. patents and filed 363 invention disclosures in fiscal year 2022.

Building new businesses: Eleven new startups were launched in the fiscal year, contributing to a total of 95 operational Ohio State startups.

Scoring big interdisciplinary wins in strategic areas: Researchers are involved in impactful spaces, from several multimillion dollar National Science Foundation grants in advanced computing and communication to $26.5 million to test new bus technologies and $17 million from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Center for Maternal and Pediatric Drug Research.

“We have built tremendous momentum in the strategic areas that I just revealed,” Wang, who has been named president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, told board members. “We want to continue to nurture a campus-wide culture of innovation and entrepreneurship so that we can play a very significant role in Columbus, in central Ohio and in the state of Ohio and across the nation.”

At another committee meeting, board members heard about Ohio State’s successes in making progress toward sustainability goals. The university’s carbon emissions have fallen 30% since it adopted a plan to cut carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and Ohio State has taken other major steps to address other sustainability goals.

Trustees also approved pricing for next season’s football games, with some individual ticket prices for non-conference games as low as $39. Student tickets will remain at $34 per game, which is unchanged since the 2013 season. Trustees also approved an 8% increase of membership dues for the Ohio State University Golf Club.

The board also heard from three individuals who are survivors of sexual misconduct committed by former Ohio State physician Dr. Richard Strauss, who worked at the university from 1978-1998 and died in 2005.

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:

• 19^th Avenue and Cockins vault tunnel repairs
  The project will maintain critical university infrastructure by designing and completing corrective action on the Cockins vault and the 19^th Avenue tunnel section near McPherson Chemical Laboratory. Trustees approved professional services and construction with contingency totaling $4.4 million, to be paid for with university funds.
• Blackwell Pavilion
  The project will construct an all-season, enclosed pavilion on the existing plaza at the Blackwell Inn. Trustees approved an increase of $3 million in professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with fundraising and university funds.
• Campbell Hall renovation
  The project will renovate 115,000 square feet in Campbell Hall and replace existing building systems, the roof and windows. This specific request will go toward renovating 9,000 square feet of office and lab space in Evans Hall for Campbell Hall faculty to use during the renovation. Trustees approved an increase of $8.2 million in professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with fundraising, university funds and state funds.
• East Hospital dock expansion
  The project will add 6,000 square feet to the existing loading dock. Trustees approved an increase of $2.6 million in professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.
• Equine Performance Evaluation Arena
  The project will construct a 12,000-square-foot arena for equine performance, connected to the Galbreath Equine Hospital. Trustees approved an increase of $1.8 million in professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with fundraising and university funds.
• Founders Hall enhancements at the Newark campus
  The project will upgrade the building mechanical systems and renovate classrooms and lab spaces. Trustees approved professional services and construction with contingency totaling $23.6 million, to be paid for with fundraising, university funds, state funds and partner funds.
• Wexner Medical Center Inpatient Hospital
  The project will design and construct the new hospital. Trustees approved an increase totaling $85 million for professional services and construction with contingency, to be paid for with university debt, fundraising, auxiliary funds and partner funds.
• Cannon Drive relocation – phase 2
  The project will rebuild Cannon Drive between John Herrick Drive and Woody Hayes Drive. Trustees approved an increase of $11.3 million for construction with contingency, to be paid for with university debt, partner funds and auxiliary funds.
• Doan Hall roof replacement
  The project will replace the roof as a three-year, three-phase project. Trustees approved $3.3 million for construction with contingency for pre-purchase of roofing materials, to be paid for with auxiliary funds.

Faculty personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments:

• Daniel Addison has been appointed associate professor (James Hay and Ruth Jansson Wilson Professorship in Cardiology Fund) in the College of Medicine from Nov. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Craig Bryan has been appointed professor (Trott Gebhardt Philips Endowed Professorship) in the College of Medicine from Dec. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Lisa Burris has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Terri Ennis has been appointed professor-clinical (James W. Shocknessy Professorship of Law) in the Moritz College of Law from Nov. 18, 2022, through Nov. 18, 2027.
• Lisa Florman has been appointed professor (Vice Provost for the Arts) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Sept. 15, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Richard Gumina has been appointed associate professor (James W. Overstreet Chair in Cardiology) in the College of Medicine from Nov. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Ian Howat has been appointed professor (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Professorship) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Sept. 1, 2022, while serving as director of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.
• Hasan Kwame Jeffries has been appointed associate professor (College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Professorship 3) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Zhiqiang Lin has been appointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Brian Mittendorf has been appointed professor (H.P. Wolfe Chair in Accounting) in the Fisher College of Business from Aug. 15, 2023, through Aug. 14, 2028.
• Eduardo Reategui Pizarro has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Jason Reece has been appointed associate professor (Vice Provost for Urban Research and Community Engagement) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 30, 2027.
• Paul Rose has been appointed professor (J. Gilbert Reese Chair in Contract Law) in the Moritz College of Law from Nov. 18, 2022, through Nov. 18, 2027.
• Abhay Satoskar has been appointed professor (Research Endowed Chair in Pathology) in the College of Medicine from Oct. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Ryan Schmiesing has been appointed associate professor (Senior Vice Provost for External Engagement) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Aug. 15, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Arwa Shana’ah has been appointed associate professor-clinical (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professorship in the College of Medicine) in the College of Medicine from Dec. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Natasha Slesnick has been appointed professor (EHE Distinguished Professor) in the College of Education and Human Ecology from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027
• Mary Stromberger has been appointed professor, vice provost and dean for graduate education (ENGIE-Axium Endowed Dean’s Chair) in the Office of Academic Affairs from Aug. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Yu Su has been appointed assistant professor (Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Matthew Sullivan has been appointed professor (College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Professorship 2) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug.15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Todd Thompson has been appointed professor (Allan H. Markowitz Endowed Chair in Astronomy) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2027.
• Richard Urman has been appointed professor and chair (Jay J. Jacoby M.D., Ph.D., Chair in Anesthesiology) in the College of Medicine from Oct. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Henry Wang has been appointed professor (The Ohio State University Emergency Medicine Endowed Research Chair) in the College of Medicine from Nov. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Jessica Winter has been appointed professor (Distinguished Professor of Engineering) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Shang-Tian (S.T.) Yang has been appointed professor (David H. George Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Yolanda Zepeda has been appointed interim vice provost for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the Office of Academic Affairs from Aug. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, or until a new vice provost is named.
• Hua Zhu has been appointed professor (Karl P. Klassen Chair of Thoracic Surgery) in the College of Medicine from Aug. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.

Reappointments

• David Brakke has been reappointed professor (Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Brad Bushman has been reappointed professor (Margaret Hall and Robert Randall Rinehart Chair) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Sept. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
• Sara Butler has been reappointed professor (King George III Professorship in British History) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2021, through Aug. 14, 2026.
• Bruno Cabanes has been reappointed professor (Donald G. and Mary A. Dunn Chair in Modern Miliary History) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug.15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Matthew Goldish has been reappointed professor (Samuel and Esther Melton Chair of Jewish History and Studies) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Pelagia-Irene Gouma has been reappointed professor (Edward Orton, Jr., Chair in Ceramic Engineering) in the College of Engineering from June 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Robert Holub has been reappointed professor and chair (Ohio Eminent Scholar in German) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug. 14, 2027.
• Brian Joseph has been reappointed professor (Kenneth E. Naylor Professorship) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 20, 2027.
• Christopher Kochanek has been appointed professor (Ohio Eminent Scholar in Cosmology) in the College of Arts and Sciences from Aug. 15, 2022, through Aug.14, 2027.
• Phillip Popovich has been reappointed professor and chair (Ray W. Poppleton Research Designated Chair) in the College of Medicine from June 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.
• Abdollah Shafieezadeh has been reappointed associate professor (Abba G. Lichtenstein Professorship in Civil Engineering) in the College of Engineering from June 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027.
• Jami Shah has been reappointed professor (Honda Designated Professor in Engineering) in the College of Engineering from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.
• Alexander Sparreboom has been reappointed professor (The Lucius A. Wing Chair of Cancer Research and Therapy) in the College of Medicine from Dec. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026.

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

Resolutions in Memoriam announced

• Phyllis J. Bailey, associate professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology’s former School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, who died on Oct. 1, 2022, at age 96.
• Gary Walter Bauer, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Jan. 10, 2022, at age 78.
• Jean Grover Bauman, instructor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Sept. 29, 2021, at age 84.
• Ella G. Copeland, associate professor emeritus, former director of the Library Learning Resource Center and head librarian at Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, who died on Aug. 12, 2022, at age 84.
• Robert E. Cox, assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Jan. 4, 2022, at age 81.
• Richard F. Hamilton, professor emeritus in the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, who died on June 15, 2022, at age 92.
• Patricia J. Long, assistant professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Nov. 20, 2021, at age 90.
• Naurine R. McCormick, professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Oct. 18, 2021, at age 96.
• Gail McCutcheon, associate professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on May 8, 2022, at age 80.
• Edna M. Menke, associate professor emeritus in the College of Nursing, who died on July 30, 2022, at age 81.
• Ruskin Donald Moore, associate professor emeritus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Nov. 17, 2021, at age 96.
• Robert F. “Bob” Rodgers, associate professor emeritus in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program in the College of Education and Human Ecology, who died on Aug. 12, 2022, at age 84.
• Elizabeth “Betty” Sawyers, associate professor emeritus in University Libraries, who died on July 23, 2022, at age 85.
• Juan Fernandez Sotos, professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, who died on May 8, 2022, at age 94.
• William J. “Bill” Sullivan, associate professor emeritus in the Department of English on the Lima campus, who died on Oct. 9, 2022, at age 84.
• Charles A. “Chuck” Triplehorn, professor emeritus of entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, who died on Aug. 25, 2022, at age 94.
• Chester Winter, professor emeritus in the Department of Surgery and former Division Director of Urology in the College of Medicine, who died on May 3, 2022, at age 99.

Reports on low enrollment and duplicate programs approved
Trustees approved the reports that are required by state law for state institutions of higher education to evaluate courses and programs based on enrollments and duplication with other schools.

Revisions to the rules of the university faculty approved
The board approved amendments to the rules as approved by the University Senate. The amendment is for a rule that provides students, faculty and staff the opportunity to hold personal financial interests in University Technology Commercialization Companies while protecting the integrity of the university’s teaching, research and creative expression.

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 $4.63 million project is for West Stream Line and Condensate System Infrastructure.

Joint use agreement approved
The board authorized a joint use agreement between the university and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The university was previously allocated $2.25 million in the state capital bill for use by the charity to partially fund design and construction of improvements and expansion.  

Personnel actions approved
The board approved the following appointments and contract amendments:

• Eric Anderman, appointment extension, interim dean and director of Ohio State at Mansfield, from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, or until a new dean is appointed

Compensation adjustments as of Dec. 1, 2022, for the following:

• Jessica Eveland, secretary, Board of Trustees
• Anne Garcia, senior vice president and general counsel, Office of Legal Affairs
• Elizabeth Parkinson, senior vice president, communications and marketing  
• Jeffrey Risinger, senior vice president for talent, culture and human resources

University Foundation report approved
The board approved the report as of Oct. 31, 2022, which includes the establishment of five endowed professorships: the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professorship in the College of Medicine, the Endowed Professorship in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research, the Endowed Professorship in Gastroenterology Research, the Excellence in Research and Education Leadership Professorship in the College of Medicine, and the Trott Gebhardt Philips Endowed Professorship; 12 scholarships as part of the Scarlet and Gray Advantage Endowed Matching Gift Program; two scholarships as part of the Joseph A. Alutto Global Leadership Initiative; and 12 additional named endowed funds; the revision of 10 named endowed funds; and the closure of two named endowed funds.

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
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
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
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
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
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)

Submission of audited consolidated financial statements (draft) to state auditor approved
The board authorized the draft audited consolidated financial statements to the Auditor of State. The university engages an outside auditing firm, currently KPMG, to audit its consolidated financial statements.

Bylaw amendments approved
The board approved revisions to the bylaws of the Ohio State board of trustees and the Wexner Medical Center’s board.

Creation of a master of geographic information science and technology degree program approved
Trustees approved the new program in the College of Arts and Sciences. The primary audiences for the program are current students wanting to pursue this field, current professionals who want to advance their career and military personnel.

Creation of the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics approved
Trustees approved the establishment of the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics in the College of Medicine.

Increase on the cap of clinical faculty in the College of Optometry approved
Trustees approved the College of Optometry’s request to adjust its cap on clinical faculty appointment types to 48% instead of no more than 40%. This enables the college to carry out its educational and clinical missions more effectively without relying excessively on associated faculty appointments.

Progress report on state affordability and efficiency task force approved
Trustees approved Ohio State’s fiscal year 2022 progress report on the Ohio Task Force on Affordability and Efficiency recommendations, which will be submitted to the Chancellor of Higher Education.

Revisions to the policy on purchasing and competitive bidding approved
The board approved updates to the university’s policy on purchasing and competitive bidding.

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

• Classroom W2210 in the Schumaker Complex at 615 Irving Schottenstein Drive as the Susan and Rob Savage Leadership Development Room
• Multipurpose room 140B in the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building at 2548 Carmack Road as the Wampler Family Conference Room
• Group study space room 345 in Celeste Laboratory at 120 W. 18^th Ave. as the Professor Andrew Wojcicki (OSU 1966-2001) Group Study Space
• Dental suite room 125 in the Frank Stanton Veterinary Spectrum of Care Clinic at 655 Vernon L. Tharp St. in honor of Alexis Jacobs
• The James Outpatient Care building at 2121 Kenny Road
• The James Outpatient Care garage at 2061 Kenny Road

Appointment to the Self-Insurance Board authorized
The board approved the appointment of Vincent Tammaro to the board with a term ending June 30, 2024.

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.

The annual Innovator of the Year awards recognize Ohio State researchers who are working to promote commercialization of university intellectual property. The researchers are usually honored at the annual Office of Research and Corporate Engagement Office Research and Innovation Showcase in April, which was canceled this year due to COVID-19 protocols. Now a series of surprise meetings over CarmenZoom serves as the announcement.

“Research and innovation are at the heart of what I want my presidency to be,” said President Kristina M. Johnson. “It’s also at the heart of our land-grant mission and it’s how we influence those we serve. The way to serve is by doing research in the betterment of society.”

Alper Yilmaz, professor of geo-informatics in the Department of Civil Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, is the university’s Innovator of the Year. Yilmaz was nominated because of his development of wireless geolocation technology. The patented technology is the basis of the startup firm Ubihere (pronounced you-be-here), providing a standalone solution to finding the position of an object or person.

Yilmaz’s cutting-edge research on map learning uses deep-learning methods similar to how humans learn to navigate an environment. Comprising two primary elements, an inertial measurement unit and an artificial intelligence processor, the wireless geolocation technology uses a map of the region and a multiple hypothesis approach to estimate a position of an object. His research has received over $11 million in funding from sources including NASA, the National Science Foundation and industry.

“It’s still an issue: How do we navigate without GPS and continue to advance the art of autonomous navigation? The work that you’ve done in this space is just truly amazing,” said Senior Vice President for Research Morley O. Stone.

“Your career is a model of innovation and your startup Ubihere is a tribute to your entrepreneurial spirit,” said Scott Osborne, vice president for economic and corporate engagement.

Yilmaz said he appreciated the support and leadership at Ohio State. The Zoom ceremony and award were unexpected.

“This was a big surprise. I wasn’t expecting it. It would not be possible without department support and the support of my graduate students,” he said.

The Early Career Innovator of the Year award for faculty and the Next Generation Innovator of the Year award, granted to students (undergraduate and graduate) or postdocs, were also announced.

Arnab Nandi, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, was named the Early Career Innovator of the Year. His work focuses on bridging human interaction and data infrastructure. He is also founder and CEO of Mobikit, a data infrastructure platform for the future of mobility.

Nandi said the award, like his research, was built with the support of department leadership, university partnerships and graduate and undergraduate students.

The Next Generation Innovator of the Year for 2020 is Devin Swiner, a PhD candidate in analytical chemistry and president of Ohio State’s chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. She has been working on development of a skin patch that can be used for cystic fibrosis screening.