Dear YSU Family:
It is with an abundance of gratitude and thankfulness that Ellen and I plan to step aside as President and First Lady of our beloved YSU, effective February 1, 2023. It has been truly a blessing and labor of love to serve Youngstown State University in a number of capacities, and we will continue to do so, in whatever fashion that the YSU Board of Trustees sees fit.
Nearly sixty (60) years ago, I landed a job to deliver newspapers for the Cleveland Plain Dealer...seven mornings per week. This was appropriate training for a career in teaching, coaching and administration to follow, as I have spent the last forty-seven (47) years in Higher Education positions, working seven days per week. I cannot thank my family enough for allowing my schedule, and the needs of our University, to take priority and center stage. It is now only fair to have Ellen, our wonderful children and grandchildren, extended family, friends, and former students set the schedule.
I am so thankful to our students, faculty, staff, YSU Board of Trustees, and YSU Foundation, as well as the entire Mahoning Valley, as you have ALL been patient and kind as I have learned on the job. I am particularly proud of our dramatic rise in the graduation rate, numbers of graduates, fundraising dollars, and the physical transformation of our beautiful campus and city. It has been a blessing to serve alongside so many people that love and believe in the impact and importance of YSU.
I plan to work seven days a week for the next seven months to assist our transformation and ensure that we truly "Take Charge of Our Future". These are extremely challenging times in Higher Education and in our world as a whole; however, the opportunities are many, and together we will continue to make great things happen.
Education is the key to our future, and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership in the educational and business communities. Our students and our future leaders are the keys to NE Ohio, the Buckeye State, and our great nation.
Go YSU,
