Bowling Green State University continues to adapt its academic offerings to support student success and workforce needs, while strategically investing in infrastructure to provide top-tier learning, teaching and research experiences.
Advancing the university’s momentum in those areas, the BGSU Board of Trustees on Friday (May 1) approved new and updated degree programs, supported facility upgrades, honored faculty accomplishments and recognized generous supporters.
The board approved the creation of two new degrees, while endorsing updates to three other degree programs.
Bachelor of Arts in Product Design and Innovation
Trustees authorized the creation of a new Bachelor of Arts in Product Design and Innovation to meet student needs and emerging career demands in the creative, technological and entrepreneurial sectors.
Leveraging the University’s longstanding strengths and resources in the creative arts, the new degree program will blend classroom learning with hands-on application through a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that empowers students to develop skills in strategic foresight and design for social impact in a variety of career fields.
The program’s creation comes as BGSU is seeing more students seek interdisciplinary programs that combine art, design, technology, engineering, sciences and entrepreneurship that allow them to prototype, test and launch solutions through applied experiences.
Bachelor of Science in AI + X expansion
As the number of AI-related jobs continues to grow, the board voted to expand the University’s first-of-its-kind AI + X bachelor’s degree program with four new specializations in arts, economics, education and manufacturing, further positioning BGSU as a national leader in customizable AI education.
The unique degree program initially launched with disciplines in computer science, history, journalism, mathematics, physics and public relations.
The innovative BGSU undergraduate program combines a core education in AI with a secondary discipline, allowing students to design field-specific solutions to support AI-driven tools and applications. The “X” represents a customizable add-on that allows students to apply AI to their field of choice.
The addition of four new tracks broadens student choice and will further empower graduates with the robust, interdisciplinary skills needed to address complex 21st-century challenges.
Additionally, trustees supported the creation of a new bachelor’s degree program in cultural and critical studies and updates to the Bachelor of Applied Health Science and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law.
BGSU plans to offer its new and updated degrees pending Ohio Department of Higher Education approval.
Also on Friday, the trustees honored the generosity of BGSU alumni and supporters, and approved the naming of various academic spaces across campus to enhance learning and research activities.
Actual Reality Technologies Student Collaboration Space
As the cutting-edge Engineering and Innovation Center comes online, Toledo area company Actual Reality Technologies is putting its support behind a collaborative space in the new building.
Located on the building’s second floor, the Actual Reality Technologies Student Collaboration Space highlights a strong and growing partnership between BGSU and the company that is focused on talent development, applied research and advisory insight, including on the University’s work to strengthen Ohio’s glass manufacturing industry.
Led by CEO Tom Bush, the company focuses on advancing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. The company also helps to prepare BGSU students for careers in technology-driven fields through internship opportunities and speaking engagements and provides valuable insight to the University’s Computer Science Advisory Board.
Donna M. and Fredrik R. Barnes Study Lounge
As the first named space in the new Engineering and Innovation Center, the Donna M. and Fredrik R. Barnes Study Lounge on the building’s first floor serves as a spacious and inviting area where students can gather between classes.
The generous estate gift will further support the University’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers in Ohio and beyond through hands-on experience.
Graduating from BGSU in 1951 with a degree in business education, Donna Barnes built a successful career at Boeing in Seattle, including becoming the company’s first female executive. She held the title of director of industrial relations at the Fortune 500 company and became the first woman elected to the board of directors of the Boeing Employee Credit Union.
As a student, Donna Barnes was active in the Delta Gamma sorority and Mortar Board and remained engaged in her alma mater for years after graduation. She served on several homecoming reunion committees and was recognized as an accomplished graduate of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business in 2011.
Fredrik Barnes was a retired engineer whose career included working at Boeing.
Mary Ellen Mazey Laboratory
Charles and Carol Harper, both 1964 alumni and Falcon Flames, have chosen to honor BGSU President Emeritus Mary Ellen Mazey through the naming of a biology laboratory in Moseley Hall.
Located on the building’s third floor, the Mary Ellen Mazey Laboratory recognizes the couple’s friendship with the former BGSU president following their return to Bowling Green upon retirement.
Since graduating from BGSU, the Harpers have been longtime supporters of the University, serving on the host committee for Bravo BGSU – a celebration of the arts – and backing The Excellence Fund, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Rex Lowe Biological Sciences Graduate Student Endowed Fund, the Medici Circle Patrons of Art fund, campus beautifications projects, the Falcon Club Scholarship and Success Fund and the Biological Sciences Activities Fund.
Additionally, the Harpers established the Charles and Carol Harper Book Award, and with a newly documented planned principal gift, will establish five endowments in biology, math, music, art and nursing when realized.
In recognition of their philanthropic giving at BGSU, the Harpers are members of The Presidents Club, 1910 Society and Carillon donor recognition societies.
The board also welcomed one new trustee and reappointed another, pending approval by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Laurence Benz ’84
A seasoned executive leader, Laurence Benz ’84 was appointed to a three-year term as a new national trustee.
As the founder of multiple companies, including Confluent Health, a premier provider of musculoskeletal health solutions, Benz joined the Board of Dental Care Alliance. In December 2024, he transitioned to the role of executive chairman and currently serves as CEO, contributing his deep expertise in healthcare management, workforce development and organizational strategy to one of the nation’s leading dental support organizations.
Additionally, he holds investments in the home health, pharmaceutical and education sectors, along with startups in analytics, health services, Texas Roadhouse restaurants and real estate.
Graduating from BGSU in 1984 with bachelor’s degrees in biology and gerontology, Benz holds master’s degrees from Baylor University, the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State University, respectively, and a doctorate from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.
Thomas Shehab ’90
Serving as a current national trustee, Thomas Shehab ’90 was reappointed to his role for a second three-year term.
With 35 years of experience in various healthcare leadership roles, Shehab currently serves as a managing partner at Arboretum Ventures, a healthcare-focused venture capital firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He draws upon his extensive experience as a physician and healthcare executive to identify medical device and health IT companies that improve patient outcomes and decrease costs.
Prior to joining Arboretum in 2014, Shehab practiced medicine for 15 years as a gastroenterologist, serving as chair of medicine at Integrated Health Associates, a multi-specialty group consisting of over 300 providers, and as chief of staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for more than 1,000 physicians. Shehab also holds board member roles for numerous healthcare innovation initiatives, such as the National Venture Capital Association and Cleveland Clinic Medical Device Advisory.
Shehab graduated summa cum laude from BGSU in 1990 and was a member of the football team. He earned an M.D. from Wayne State University, completed his post-graduate medical training at the University of Michigan and earned a Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
