BGSU trustees celebrate collective momentum, commitment to student experience and opportunities at September meeting

Board also deepened its support for innovative learning spaces and accepted transformative gifts for education and campus spaces

Supporting students with countless learning opportunities and an unmatched experience, the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees continue to build positive momentum on campus and in the community as the fall semester progresses.

During their first meeting of the 2024-25 academic year, trustees acknowledged the University's record-breaking first-year enrollment and retention success, deepened their support for innovative learning spaces and accepted transformative gifts for education in the arts and the fan experience in Slater Family Ice Arena.

Celebrating collective momentum at BGSU

At the Sept. 27 meeting, the board praised BGSU faculty and staff for their collective efforts in welcoming the largest and highest-achieving freshman class in University history, with new student enrollment up 14% compared to fall 2023 and up 22% over fall 2022. Enrollment also is up nearly 9% overall this fall at BGSU Firelands, the University’s regional campus in Huron, Ohio.

This fall, the BGSU Class of 2028 comprises more than 3,900 new, first-time students and boasts the highest grade point average in University history at 3.69 with a median ACT score of 25.1.

BGSU is also experiencing a second consecutive year of record-high retention, with growth rooted in student engagement and success initiatives, including the University's one-of-a-kind Life Design program.

The University's continued momentum underscores its recent ranking by The Wall Street Journal as the No. 3 public university overall in the U.S. students would choose again for their education. For the fifth consecutive year, BGSU retained its spot as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest students said they would choose again.

The Wall Street Journal also ranked BGSU as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student learning experiences and opportunities for 2025, highlighting a commitment to elevating education through state-of-the-art facilities in a vibrant, diverse learning community.

“We are proud that our students have again recognized Bowling Green State University as one of the best in the nation for student learning experiences and opportunities," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "Bowling Green is big enough to provide all the opportunities of a comprehensive research university, but small enough that each of our students can actually take advantage of it, something that has long made our University so special. We are intentionally empowering our students to take advantage of all we have to offer from day one, and we will absolutely continue to provide a great education of value."

In the publication's 2025 rankings, BGSU was also honored as the No. 1 public university in Ohio for career preparation, emphasizing the University’s dedication to blending classroom learning with experiential opportunities.

Elevating engineering education

With students officially enrolled in the University's reimagined engineering programs, the BGSU Board of Trustees deepened their commitment to elevating engineering education with final approvals for the state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center.

Set for completion in spring 2026, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will be a renovated version of the current Technology Building, featuring seven large-scale specialty labs to facilitate experiential learning on the latest robotics and engineering technology. The cutting-edge 24,000 square-foot facility will also house ultra-modern classrooms and collaboration space to support quality teaching and creative activities.

"Our one-of-a-kind facility will enhance engineering education while promoting career readiness," said Dr. Wael Mokhtar, dean of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. "In addition to learning alongside world-class faculty, students in the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will be empowered to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology and advanced equipment they will encounter in the workforce. Our innovative and collaborative facility will truly differentiate a BGSU engineering education."

The adaptable Technology Engineering Innovation Center will serve as the centerpiece to the University's evolving science, technology, engineering and mathematics corridor, which is set to introduce new and reimagined facilities over the next 15 years to support learning and career preparation in those growing fields.

Home to longstanding ABET-accredited programs in applied engineering, BGSU launched innovative degrees this fall in robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering that drive student success and address growing employer demands. The unique programs differentiate BGSU engineering education by blending strong foundations in math and science with practical, hands-on experience in classrooms and labs and in the field.

Transforming arts education and experiences

As part of its meeting, the board accepted a transformative $5 million gift from an anonymous donor for student experience and education in the BGSU School of Art, driving cultural vitality in the region and beyond.

Among the largest in BGSU history benefiting the arts, the increased commitment to funding will establish the RING Center for Experiential Learning in Art and Design, expanding opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge and skills through study abroad, internships, professional development and experiential learning opportunities.

Students across the School of Art's five divisions – studio, digital arts, graphic design, art education and art history – will be offered unique opportunities to refine their talents, gain new skills and make professional connections, further positioning BGSU as Ohio’s leading public university for art education.

Initial funding that led to the RING Center's founding began in 2017 with support for students in photography and study abroad. Over the years, gifts gradually increased, culminating in the donation that will now include support for all students enrolled in School of Art programs.

Slater Family Ice Arena mezzanine naming

The BGSU trustees also approved the naming of the Green, Remeis and Green Mezzanine in Slater Family Ice Arena to honor the generous contributions of multiple supporters of the University. Home to BGSU Falcon hockey, the ice arena is currently undergoing extensive renovations to enhance the fan and game day experience.

As owners of A.A. Green Realty Inc., and Allen A. Green Builder & Developer, Inc., Allen and Mary Green are longtime supporters of BGSU and active members of the learning community, contributing generous gifts to multiple student success-focused campaigns at the University in addition to athletics programs. Additionally, the pair has established multiple endowed scholarships in athletics, business and education. In 2020, Mr. Green was inducted into the Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame.

Alumni and Falcon Flames Mark ’91 and Michelle ’92 Remeis earned degrees from BGSU in economics and fashion merchandising, respectively. Mr. Remeis serves as partner and broker for A.A. Green Realty, Inc., serving on several industry professional boards and creating the real estate investment course at BGSU. Ms. Remeis is co-owner of Mecca Management, Inc., partner in GREM Family Investors and previously served on the BGSU Alumni Board. Together, the couple has supported multiple BGSU athletic scholarships, facilities and spaces.

Steven Green ’90 graduated from BGSU with a bachelor's degree in communications and currently serves as a developer and real estate consultant. He also works as a broker with A.A. Green Realty, Inc. and is co-owner of Mecca Management, Inc. During his career, Green has held multiple board-level roles on the Northwest Ohio Apartment Association and served on the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Circle and the “Bring Back the Glory” campaign committee to support the Slater Family Ice Arena and hockey program. Michelle (Misty) Green holds business and law degrees and is a sole practitioner in Bowling Green focused on real estate, landlord-tenant relations, development and land use. Throughout the years, the couple has supported multiple BGSU athletics programs, campaigns and academic areas.

Advancing Great Lakes watershed research

Advancing the University's research and efforts in protecting freshwater resources, trustees appointed Dr. Sarah Emery as full professor with tenure in the BGSU Department of Biological Sciences where she will also serve as director of the Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies.

Emery joins BGSU after serving most recently as professor and director of graduate studies in the Biology Department at the University of Louisville. Her research focuses on understanding and mitigating the effects of global change on plants.

In her role as director of the Center for Great Lakes and Watershed Studies at BGSU, Emery will lead the University's collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to advancing the understanding of watershed systems by bringing together researchers and students to study various aspects of watershed sustainability.

Emery holds a doctoral degree from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree from Denison University.