By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green State University stacked up some big numbers in the past year. It saw its freshman class numbers reach records. It defied national and state trends as more students than ever returned for a second year.
The university was ranked at the top by students in the Midwest as a place to get a great education. Its arts and athletic programs are catching national attention. And the school is bringing in record high private donations and public funds.
“We are a mid-size, Midwest public university that simply won’t quit,” BGSU President Rodney Rogers said Wednesday morning.
But while the math looks great, as Rogers presented his annual State of the University address, he was more worried about the physics.
The physics of momentum.
“With great momentum comes great opportunity,” he said.
For a matter of seconds, Rogers let his audience revel in the university’s success. But that was enough. Even brief pauses can be deadly for momentum.
Though it may feel as if BGSU has reached the pinnacle, it isn’t there yet, Rogers said.
“We’re not at the mountaintop. We just hit the timberline,” he said.
So the university must resist the urge to take a breather after so much success, Roger said.
“We must continue to push ourselves forward,” and build on the momentum, he said. “We must not waste it.”
That means BGSU leaders must ask some hard questions:
- Are students being prepared for the 21st century?
- Is research conducted at BGSU relevant and meaningful, or “are we just publishing papers?
- Are university resources being fully leveraged?
- Where can BGSU be more efficient? “Do we have extra layers of bureaucracy that are driving costs higher?”
Rogers said he’s been asked “what’s the secret” at BGSU. Simple – BGSU has “doubled down on being a public university for the public good.”
With the help of record-setting donations to the university, BGSU is making higher education attainable for students lacking financial resources.
“That is public good,” Rogers said.
Unlike Ivy League institutions, which are sometimes judged by those they exclude, BGSU can measure its worth “by the success of those we include,” he said.
BGSU is focusing on its traits of being bold, curious and kind, Rogers said. That means taking risks, developing new programs, and asking “what if?”
“We have absolutely created a university where all can belong.”
The proof of that can be seen in the 14% increase in freshmen this fall, and the 22% increase in students returning for their second year of schooling.
“Students are choosing to stay here,” Rogers said.
As part of BGSU’s goal to be relevant for current and future students, the university has started new nursing programs and will be breaking ground on a new technology and engineering building on Friday.
“We are developing career ready talent,” he said.
BGSU was again ranked the top public university in the Midwest, and top for student learning opportunities in Ohio.
When the Wall Street Journal ranked student experiences, BGSU scored at the top for student satisfaction with campus facilities, sense of community, health and well-being, safety, sustainability, diversity and inclusion and opportunities to interact with students from different backgrounds.
“Pretty impressive, don’t you think?” Rogers asked his audience. “Our students have noticed.”
BGSU has also put more focus on the type of research conducted by faculty.
“We are conducting meaningful and relevant research,” with more opportunities to partner with private business, Rogers said. “Not only are we going to them, but they are coming to us.”
The arts and athletics on campus are drawing bigger audiences and participation, he said, citing record numbers of spectators at recent volleyball games and the massive growth of the BGSU Marching Band.
“We’re not just dreaming, we are doing.”
But as BGSU works to provide a holistic approach to higher education, it does face roadblocks, Rogers said.
There is a growing mistrust of higher education – with only 36% of Americans having great confidence in such institutions. Some believe higher education is losing relevance, and that students are being taught what to think rather than how to think. And governmental funding is being tightened.
“We’re in a highly bureaucratic and regulated industry” that is highly competitive, Rogers said. And BGSU is winning.
“I can say with all certainty the state of our university is strong, very strong,” he said.
But BGSU must continue to make sure students feel supported and have a deep relevant learning experience.
“We need to keep this momentum going,” Rogers said. “We’re not at the mountaintop yet.”
