BGSU trustees approve construction of innovative engineering facility, infrastructure improvements at June meeting

Board also honors generous supporters and officially welcomes new trustees

Committed to elevating the student experience, the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees is investing in state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure that drive academic success and support experiential learning.

At the June 20 meeting, board members approved critical campus improvements, honored generous supporters and officially welcomed new trustees.

Enhancing engineering education

Ahead of the University's launch of three engineering degrees to meet Ohio's workforce needs, trustees approved construction services for the Technology Building, which will be known as the Technology Engineering Innovation Center once work is complete. The renovated building will provide state-of-the-art classroom space, featuring cutting-edge technology for experiential learning.

Current construction plans include selective demolition of the building's southern facade, an expanded footprint to the south and renovation of the existing east wing. Additional improvements will include upgrades to the building's heating, cooling, electrical and security systems.

“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is developing new academic programs that are in great demand, in areas such as healthcare and applied sciences,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “These renovations will support our growing engineering programs and advanced technologies, providing our students with state-of-the-art facilities and learning opportunities to ensure they’re ready for career and life, as well as meeting critical workforce needs for our state.”

Beginning this fall, BGSU is offering three engineering programs in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Housed in the School of Engineering, the innovative programs will equip students with a comprehensive education that pairs the fundamentals of engineering design with strong foundations in math and science. Students also will acquire practical, hands-on engineering expertise in the classroom and in the field, enhancing their appeal to future employers.

With evolving technological advancements in engineering and advanced manufacturing, University leaders said the new Technology Engineering Innovation Center will provide flexibility for future growth and expansion.

"The Technology Engineering Innovation Center will feature a flexible floor plan that's needed for ever-changing fields," said April Smucker, associate vice president of planning, construction and campus operations at BGSU. "Bolstered by inviting collaborative space, the facility will feature all-new engineering and innovation labs with state-of-the-art technology that enhances student learning and experience. As new technologies emerge, BGSU will be well-positioned to adapt those spaces to fit future teaching needs."

Originally built in 1971 as the Industrial Education and Technology Building, the split-level structure currently houses College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering administrative offices, the visual communications technology program, engineering labs and classroom space.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of this year and be completed in the spring of 2026.

Updating critical network infrastructure

Embracing new technologies that drive the learning community forward, the board also approved the first of five construction phases to improve the University's current information technology network infrastructure, which has been in place for nearly 25 years.

The first phase of IT upgrades is set to include maintenance on critical components in Hayes Hall, the Wolfe Center for the Arts and other select buildings in the academic core of the Bowling Green campus. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2025.

Set to be completed over a 12-year period, the bolstered BGSU IT network will feature uninterrupted, redundant access, self-healing capabilities and more efficient data traffic management, creating a more secure and better overall experience for users.

Expanding online degree offerings

Expanding access to a BGSU education, trustees voted to approve the Associate of Science degree for 100% online delivery and completion.

Set to be offered through BGSU Online in a convenient, flexible format, the Associate of Science degree provides a solid foundation for pre-professional opportunities, including dentistry, engineering, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Students may also continue their studies in a multitude of BGSU bachelor's degree programs upon completion.

"At BGSU, students are empowered by academic programs that meet educational and workforce needs," said Dr. Joe B. Whitehead Jr., provost and senior vice president at BGSU. "Offering the Associate of Science degree online will allow our faculty to leverage technology to provide learners the same high-quality BGSU education as in-person programs. The program's flexible online format will also allow students to design their education in a way that fits their needs and lifestyle."

The Associate of Science degree will also continue to be offered for in person study at BGSU Firelands located in Huron, Ohio.

Honoring generous supporters

Recognizing generous contributions to BGSU throughout the years, trustees honored longtime supporters with namings in various spaces on the Bowling Green campus.

Welcoming new trustees

The board also welcomed three new trustees to the learning community following appointments by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and trustee votes.

Paula M. O'Reilly '93

An experienced consultant and strategist, Trustee Paula M. O'Reilly '93 joins the BGSU Board of Trustees for a nine-year term through May 2033.

Currently, O’Reilly serves as senior managing director and Midwest technology lead for Accenture, a global professional services company with leading capabilities in information technology and consulting. She was recently appointed to lead the company's Columbus office.

Throughout her career, O’Reilly has held several leadership roles with Accenture, focusing on managing capital markets, banking, insurance and risk and operations. In 2005, she was named partner, and her expanded portfolio now focuses on technology, digital, cloud and security.

Additionally, O’Reilly is active in the greater Columbus community, serving as a member of the Ohio Business Roundtable and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. She was also included in Columbus CEO Magazine's Future 50 Class of 2022.

Paul J. Hooker '75

In recognition of his professional accomplishments, national reach and contributions to the learning community, Paul J. Hooker was selected by the board as national trustee.

After graduating from BGSU in 1975 with a bachelor's in business administration, Hooker spent most of his professional career with SFERRA Fine Linens – a luxury bedding, bath and home decor store based in Edison, New Jersey – and eventually retired as CEO.

Previously, he served as a member of the BGSU Foundation Board and was a member of the Changing Lives for the World Campaign steering committee. Hooker also has supported the Alumni Laureate Scholars and the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center Building Fund.

Hooker is the namesake for the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business, which is one of only 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The center serves as northwest Ohio's premier resource for entrepreneurial education, featuring a weeklong Entrepreneurship Week each April that brings entrepreneurial leaders from around the country to campus.

Hooker's term as national trustee ends in May 2027.

Kathryn Ware '22

BGSU doctoral student and alumna Kathryn Ware '22 is serving as a non-voting member as graduate student trustee through May 2026.

Currently in her third year of graduate school, Ware is pursuing a doctorate in biological sciences. Her research focuses on how birds respond to various forms of disturbance, including forest management and hurricanes. At BGSU, Ware has served as the Graduate Student Senate environmental affairs representative for two years. She also serves in various other capacities, including as a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology, an officer of the Biology Graduate Student Association, member of the Biology Departmental Seminar Committee and founding member of the Biology Research Forum Committee.

Action items of the board

BGSU trustees also finalized the University's general and operating budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, which include compensation increases for all staff members. The board authorized similar increased compensation for full-time faculty members through a collective bargaining agreement with the BGSU Faculty Association. Additional investments were directed toward funding undergraduate scholarships and operating expense needs for the innovative BGSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Also approved were administrative fee revisions to parking fees, adjusting rates by $5 for faculty, staff and students.