BGSU trustees recognize distinguished alumni, honor faculty success at June meeting

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – In recognition of those who have made significant contributions to society and the University, Bowling Green State University is honoring alumni and faculty for their support of student success and work in driving economic, research and creative activities in the region and beyond.

At its June 22 meeting, the BGSU Board of Trustees approved a building naming, celebrated teaching quality and finalized the University's general and operating budgets for the new fiscal year.

Mathematical Sciences Building receives new name

In recognition of the generous contributions of two BGSU alumni and Falcon Flames, the board approved the renaming of the Mathematical Sciences Building to Mitchell B. McLeod Hall.

Mitchell B. McLeod '85 and Julie A. McLeod '85 graduated from BGSU with bachelor's degrees in mathematics and social work, respectively, and pursued successful careers in their areas of study. Since then, the McLeods have given back to the University in countless ways through scholarships and other philanthropic means.

“We are so grateful for Mitch and Julie McLeod’s longtime support of Bowling Green State University, and this naming will forever honor their unwavering commitment to their alma mater,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “As a student, Mitch spent countless hours in this building, studying and working in the math lab to help his peers, paving the way for future success. We are honored to have such great alumni in Mitch and Julie and thank them for their generosity and longtime support of our students.”

Mr. McLeod started his career with the U.S. Department of Defense as a cryptanalytic mathematician where he was awarded four Special Performance Awards for exemplary service on mission-critical projects. In 1993, he founded ARCOS, LLC, a Columbus, Ohio, based software company that provides real-time solutions for electric and gas utilities and power plants to respond to day-to-day events and emergencies. Additionally, Mr. McLeod served as the company's president and chairman until 2013 and on its Board of Directors until 2021.

At BGSU, Mr. McLeod served as a member of the BGSU Foundation Board and was inducted into the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Hall of Fame in 2018.

Mr. McLeod earned a master’s degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University in 1990.

Mrs. McLeod began her career as a social worker for the state of Maryland and later went on to work as a medical social worker for Children’s Hospital and Mount Carmel Health in central Ohio. She currently serves as board vice president of Laces of Love, a charity that provides new shoes to school-age children, and actively volunteers at Grace Place for Children.

In support of student success, the McLeods established the Mitch McLeod Scholarship in Mathematics in 2017. The pair have also supported additional BGSU scholarships, including the Bridge to BG and the Thompson Working Families Scholarship. Additionally, the McLeods have generously supported the University as a whole through the Excellence Fund for BGSU and the Mathematics and Statistics Department Fund and are members of The Presidents Club and Leadership Circle.

First opened in 1970 as the Mathematical Sciences Building, the more than 113,000 square-foot space houses classrooms, lecture halls, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Department of Computer Sciences, the Digital Forensics Lab and the recently established Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design.

Alumnus, industry leader awarded honorary degree

In recognition of an extraordinary career as an author, presenter, consultant and thought leader in education, the BGSU Board of Trustees approved the awarding of an honorary doctorate of education for Wiley Blevins '87.

After graduating from BGSU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, Blevins went on to teach in a variety of settings across the nation and around the globe. He later used his experience and skills to become a thought leader in the education field, shaping literacy development and phonics instruction for readers and making teachers’ lives and instruction more effective, including at BGSU.

Blevins has worked with several leading publishing companies to edit numerous educational books and series and earned countless accolades as an author. Additionally, he has worked directly with children, teachers and administrators as a consultant and facilitator to develop reading materials rooted in evidence-based practices for learners of all levels.

Blevins earned a Master of Education from Harvard University in 1990.

Recognizing faculty success

Supporting teaching quality, research and creative activities, the board reviewed and approved applications for faculty tenure and emeritus status.

Dr. Stephanie Wladkowski, associate professor in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services, and Amorak Huey, professor in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences, received tenure for their teaching and research efforts.

Dr. Kamau Mbuthia, associate teaching professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was granted emeritus status after nearly 20 years of teaching and research activities in the BGSU Department of Biological Sciences.

"BGSU is proud to have quality faculty who support student success and outcomes," said Dr. Joe B. Whitehead Jr., provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. "The granting of tenure and emeritus status for faculty members demonstrates a commitment to teaching quality, research and creative activities that benefit every student."

Falcon Tuition Guarantee keeps education affordable

Dedicated to providing an education of value, BGSU is once again locking-in tuition and fees for all first-time, undergraduate students and their families for four academic years, or 12 consecutive semesters, through the Falcon Tuition Guarantee.

For Fall 2023, trustees approved a 1.15% increase – or $25.50 per credit hour – in undergraduate instructional and general fees for in-state students on the Bowling Green campus.

Students at BGSU Firelands are also covered by the Falcon Tuition Guarantee where new, incoming students will see a similar 1.15% increase – or $11.30 per credit hour – in tuition and fees.

The board voted not to increase the out-of-state surcharge for undergraduate and graduate instruction fees.

Out of Ohio's 14 four-year public universities, BGSU continues to remain one of the most affordable choices for students and their families, ranking as the fifth least-expensive university for total cost in the state.

Action items of the board

The BGSU Board of Trustees finalized its meeting schedule and the University's general and operating budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, which include a 2.9% increase in share of state instruction by the State of Ohio.

Meeting dates for trustees in fiscal year 2025 include Sept. 26-27, Dec. 5-6, Feb. 20-21, May 1-2 and June 26-27.

Trustees additionally approved a moderate increase in compensation for administrative and classified staff members beginning in September. The board authorized equally similar increased compensation for full-time faculty members through a collective bargaining agreement with the BGSU Faculty Association.