As the University enters its second century facing state budget cuts of $8.3 million, it is embracing this new reality through its planning process and is striving to not just survive, but to thrive, University President Carol Cartwright said in her State of the University address yesterday.

‘Together we have set our priorities,’ Cartwright said. ‘That provides the glue that keeps us together and ensures that our performance is focused.’

Changes within the University are impending and currently being implemented through seven strategic priorities and the University’s ‘Charting our Future’ plan, Cartwright said.

The top priority is creating a coherent undergraduate learning experience that integrates curricular and co-curricular programs, she said. The others include expanding student population, pursuing economic development and curricular engagement opportunities, enhancing capabilities for research and creative achievements, realigning resources to support institutional priorities, attracting new faculty and staff, and increasing diversity.

Cartwright said she is confident the University’s strategy will take the University to new and higher levels of excellence.

Kimberly Westmeyer, senior, said she thinks these priorities, especially the first, will get students interested.

‘It’s interesting to see what changes are in store for our centennial year,’ she said. ‘The ideas for changing the undergraduate student experience are great. I heard a lot were coming.’

The recent acceptance and finalization of the University’s Centers for Excellence program this past year is another University milestone to celebrate, Cartwright said. The five centers include 21st Century Educator Preparation, Sustainability and the Environment, the Arts across the Lifespan, Health and Wellness, and Developing Effective Businesses and Organizations.

‘The Centers of Excellence will provide us with opportunities to engage the big ideas and issues of the day and will drive our investments for the future. Each center represents not only an area where we have already demonstrated academic leadership, but also an area where we can contribute to the rapidly changing demands of the economic renewal that will take place in our region and in Ohio,’ Cartwright said.

Graduate student Helena Iaquinta said she enjoyed Cartwright’s speech because it was a rewarding way to bring the University and community together.

‘As a graduate student, I think it was awesome to hear emphasis on learning outcomes and a shared vision and mission for students, staff and faculty,’ she said. ‘You also never hear about how the University’s strategic plan is going. It was nice to see it today and how we are going to implement it.’

Iaquinta added that Cartwright’s use of PowerPoint was a good way to execute the address and help viewers follow along with ‘Charting our Future.’

Stacey Rose, a graduate student, said she agreed with Iaquinta’s comments and could relate to Cartwright’s address.

‘I work in the Wellness Connection as my graduate assistantship, and it was nice to see the emphasis on health and wellness because excellence it is a vital piece of the student experience that isn’t always emphasized,’ Rose said.

Cartwright said that this will be an exciting time in the University’s history, especially with the launching of one of the most significant building and remodeling programs on campus.

Construction began on the Stroh Center and will soon begin on the Wolfe Center for the Arts. In addition, new and remodeled residence halls and dining facilities will be opening in fall 2011 and investments in other academic buildings will soon follow thanks to capital funds and private donations, she said.

Cartwright said she firmly believes the University is at a turning point in its century of service.

‘And quality programs need quality space,’ she said. ‘Our goal is to help create a long-term environment that links all of our academic and support facilities to better deliver our mission.’