BGSU trustees recognize continued success as new academic year gets underway

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green State University continues to make great strides and create public good through national rankings and high-performing students, as presented to the BGSU Board of Trustees during its Sept. 24 meeting.

The board approved the additional naming of spaces across the BGSU campus, reviewed the performance of BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers and approved the refinancing of bonds to continue work on the Campus Master Plan.

BGSU sees continued growth in national rankings

In the U.S. News and World Report's 2022 Best Colleges rankings, BGSU saw the largest growth, in comparison to its four-corner peers, in both national and public rankings.

The University was named as one of the best national universities and top public schools in the 2022 rankings. BGSU also gained prominence as one of the best universities for social mobility, helping first-generation and Pell Grant recipients graduate and lead meaningful lives. U.S. News and World Report also ranked BGSU with top academic programs in business, computer science and nursing.

The Wall Street Journal also once again named BGSU as one of the best universities for teaching quality and student satisfaction in its 2022 rankings.

BGSU is America's No. 3 public university for teaching quality. In addition, when asked, “would you choose your college again,” BGSU students overwhelming answered “yes,” placing the University as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest for student satisfaction.

“The recognition from the U.S. News and World Report and The Wall Street Journal showcases the comprehensive success of Bowling Green State University,” Rogers said. “We are so pleased to remain a top tier public university and to have our students reaffirm their belief in a BGSU education.”

Action items of the board

The board awarded President Rogers an annual performance bonus of $120,000 for his leadership. During this past academic year, BGSU completed the Changing Lives for the World campaign, raising $255 million, far surpassing its $200 million goal. In addition, under President Rogers’ leadership, the University advanced and pivoted its strategic plan, Forward, and continues to navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic.

For the third consecutive year, President Rogers has donated the full amount of his bonus to the BGSU Foundation, Inc. to support the University’s strategic initiatives, including its signature Life Design program. President Rogers’ bonus donations has totaled $264,000 since the onset of his presidency.

"As president, I am honored to continue to help lead my alma mater, BGSU, to achieve its mission to create public good, and I want to express my sincere thanks to Chair O'Brien and the Board of Trustees for their leadership and support," Rogers said. “I am fortunate to have such talented faculty and staff colleagues who are committed to educating and supporting our students. Together, we will continue to move forward.”

Recognizing the leadership and generosity of alumni and donors, the board approved the naming of learning, collaborative and office spaces in buildings across the BGSU campus.

In the College of Health and Human Services, the board recognized the generous support of the Wood County Hospital with the naming of the Wood County Hospital Student Hub and Wood County Hospital Foundation Conference Room. Additionally, the late Dr. Julian Williford, former professor, was honored with the naming of the Julian “Dr. Joe” Williford Food Science Research Lab.

In the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center, trustees approved the naming of an associate dean's office as the Andrew B. Cajka Jr. Office. As alumni and hospitality industry leaders, Cajka and his wife, Donna, have supported BGSU through gifts to the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business and to Greek life for many years.

Opened last fall, the state-of-the-art Maurer Center serves as a gateway to the academic core of the BGSU campus. The facility is home to the Schmidthorst College of Business and will elevate the University’s longtime, quality business education and develop new, innovative programs in the future.

Additionally, the board authorized the vice president for finance and administration or the president to refinance outstanding bonds to continue capital projects associated with the current Campus Master Plan. This includes ongoing work on the Information Technology Services Infrastructure Master Plan, eventual demolition of the Administration Building and repairs and renovations to Olscamp Hall, the Park Avenue Building and other campus facilities.

Honoring the legacy of a diversity and belonging trailblazer at BGSU

Ahead of their regularly scheduled meeting, trustees attended a ceremony for the naming of the Robert L. Perry Veranda, located at Shatzel Hall on the Bowling Green campus.

Dr. Robert L. Perry ’59, ’65 served as the inaugural director of the University’s ethnic studies program. Among his vast accomplishments, Perry helped establish the University’s Cultural Diversity in the United States requirement in 1992, profiled in The Chronicle of Higher Education as the first of its kind at any university in the country. The requirement continues today and serves as the foundation of the University’s efforts to educate all students on the importance of race and democracy.

“Dr. Perry is a true trailblazer,” said Jennifer McCary, chief diversity officer at BGSU. “His impact is still felt today at universities across the country because of his commitment to advancing the curriculum, and helping people understand the value, richness and fullness that exists in this country when we embrace diversity.”

“The naming and unveiling of the Robert L. Perry Veranda will forever be another reminder of our commitment to ethnic studies and diversity and belonging,” Rogers said. “To know where we are heading as a University, we have to recognize and understand where we have been. Dr. Perry’s work is one of those mileposts of progress in our history. We thank Dr. Perry for his innovation, creativity and belief in his alma mater, BGSU. The Department of Ethnic Studies will continue to move us forward for years to come.”

Perry, distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ethnic Studies, retired in 1997 after chairing the department for nearly two decades.

BGSU welcomes highest-achieving freshman class in University history

This year's freshman class has an average GPA of 3.6, the highest in University history. In total, BGSU welcomed 3,291 first-year freshmen to its campuses this year.

Graduate enrollment is up again, with a 1% increase. In particular, eCampus and distance graduate programs are up 9% and are a driving factor behind the University's fall enrollment numbers. BGSU increased its transfer enrollment 5% this academic year. Total enrollment for the Bowling Green and Firelands campuses is 19,597 — and student retention is stable.

The University is offering GRE and GMAT waivers through spring 2022 in an effort to keep graduate education accessible and to ensure the BGSU community has the support and resources needed to adapt during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Graduate applications fees for new domestic applicants are also being waived. All other required documents must still be submitted for admissions consideration.