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Strickland to appoint chancellor for higher education
Krystle Hively
Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: News
University officials are either not talking or offering very few words about a proposed overhaul of the state agency that funds, directs and controls the future of Youngstown State University.
YSU President David Sweet said it will benefit YSU.
"The governor has indicated a strong interest in higher education, and higher education will play a huge role in the economy," he said.
Academic Senate Chair Sunil Ahuja said he hasn't researched the topic enough to give out any information to the press.
Sweet's spokesman, Ron Cole, also had little to say. He said he does not know much about the plan and referred calls to George McCloud, special assistant to the president for university advancement.
"What's positive is that the governor is paying serious attention on the issue of higher education. Just three weeks ago, the governor met for five hours with university presidents in Ohio," McCloud said.
McCloud said there are pros and cons to everything, but no one can question how serious Strickland is when trying to better higher education.
Just last week, a bill was introduced into the Ohio House of Representatives that would eliminate the Ohio Board of Regents' power to name the chancellor. Instead, Strickland would like to appoint the chancellor.
In addition, the bill would strip the Ohio Board of Regents of its historic power to make decisions affecting higher education in Ohio. Instead, the Board of Regents would become an advisory panel.
Faculty members were not as silent as administrators about how Strickland's plan could impact YSU. Julia Gergits, president of the YSU-Ohio Educational Association, is one of them.
"The Board of Regents is made up of multiple voices, whereas with this change, there will be fewer voices. The board of regents hasn't always been a friend to YSU and we certainly don't owe the board any allegiance," Gergits said.
Republican Jon Husted, House Speaker agrees with this idea, even though it is not very popular among the states. He says that giving more control of higher education to the governor is the first step in making the system more accountable.
YSU President David Sweet said it will benefit YSU.
"The governor has indicated a strong interest in higher education, and higher education will play a huge role in the economy," he said.
Academic Senate Chair Sunil Ahuja said he hasn't researched the topic enough to give out any information to the press.
Sweet's spokesman, Ron Cole, also had little to say. He said he does not know much about the plan and referred calls to George McCloud, special assistant to the president for university advancement.
"What's positive is that the governor is paying serious attention on the issue of higher education. Just three weeks ago, the governor met for five hours with university presidents in Ohio," McCloud said.
McCloud said there are pros and cons to everything, but no one can question how serious Strickland is when trying to better higher education.
Just last week, a bill was introduced into the Ohio House of Representatives that would eliminate the Ohio Board of Regents' power to name the chancellor. Instead, Strickland would like to appoint the chancellor.
In addition, the bill would strip the Ohio Board of Regents of its historic power to make decisions affecting higher education in Ohio. Instead, the Board of Regents would become an advisory panel.
Faculty members were not as silent as administrators about how Strickland's plan could impact YSU. Julia Gergits, president of the YSU-Ohio Educational Association, is one of them.
"The Board of Regents is made up of multiple voices, whereas with this change, there will be fewer voices. The board of regents hasn't always been a friend to YSU and we certainly don't owe the board any allegiance," Gergits said.
Republican Jon Husted, House Speaker agrees with this idea, even though it is not very popular among the states. He says that giving more control of higher education to the governor is the first step in making the system more accountable.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
642-873
posted 6/08/09 @ 12:59 AM EST
Gov. Ted Strickland is trying to assert more power over higher education in Ohio, and he's attempting to do so by taking away one of the Ohio Board of Regents' main functions ? appointing the chancellor. (Continued…)
Jhonson
642-446
posted 6/08/09 @ 1:07 AM EST
Strickland outlined a $1.7 billion jobs stimulus package, Building Ohio Jobs, which will invest in job-creating industries and Ohio workers.
Through issuing bonds, the $1. (Continued…)
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