President updates board on administrative strategic goals

September 27, 2011 | UToday
By Meghan Cunningham



The University of Toledo will continue its efforts to elevate the wellness and prosperity of the greater Toledo community and improve the relevance and quality of education during the 2011-12 academic year, UT President Lloyd Jacobs told the Board of Trustees last week.

Jacobs reviewed with the board the strategic objectives for the administration, noting what was accomplished in 2011 and what the goals are for this year.

The priorities are to elevate the health and wellness enterprise and wellness of the city; become a sustaining pillar of northwest Ohio’s prosperity and quality of life; and continue improvement of relevance, quality and vibrancy of general education.

In 2011, the University worked to elevate wellness with the establishment of the Academic Health Center relationship with ProMedica, completing a new 22-bed intensive care unit at the hospital, and achieving 98th percentile pass rates on the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.

In the coming year, Jacobs said, the University looks forward to the completion of the new Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, reaccreditation by the Joint Commission, continued expansion of the residency training programs, and further development of the Immersive Simulation Center.

In the area of economic development, the University applied for 50 patents and had 15 licenses granted in 2011, received $70 million in external research funding, and created Rocket Ventures, a joint venture between UT Innovation Enterprises and the Regional Growth Partnership. The incubator programs continue to succeed, Jacobs said, noting that assistance was given to 65 existing enterprises and 57 new company introductions, in addition to 320 hours of consulting expertise and more than $20,000 in student innovation investments.

In 2012, the president looks most forward to the completion of the highly anticipated Dorr Street Gateway Project and would like to see another $70 million in external research funding and for the University to apply for at least 30 patents and be granted at least 10 licenses.

A large number of efforts are ongoing in the University’s efforts to improve the quality and vibrancy of the general education. Last year, UT embarked on a reorganization of academic colleges and units, began a review of the core curriculum, and performed an extensive self-study for the Higher Learning Commission continued accreditation process.

Jacobs said he would like to build on that foundation, implementing the revised core curriculum, achieving full accreditation, and enhancing the distance learning and technological advances in education.

The president acknowledged that the outlook for 2013 is not bright due to budget shortfall projections and higher education changes sweeping the country; however, the University has a strong foundation built in recent years and is prepared to overcome the challenges.

Click to access the login or register cheese