In a recent article from Business Insider, Bowling Green State University was named as the most affordable public college in Ohio with the highest quality of education. The University surpassed the University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University, Miami University, Ohio University and Kent State University.University President Mary Ellen Mazey was very pleased with the acknowledgement.
“I’m starting my 7th year here and I think it’s one of the best recognitions we’ve had,” Mazey said.
Getting to this recognition is made up of a few elements including putting the students first in terms of cost and quality of education.
“I think we’ve done everything we can to keep down the cost for students. When I arrived, we did an efficiency task force. We put front and center that student costs are the most important thing to us,” Mazey said. “One of the partnerships that I am really proud of is the student health center. The CFO said we didn’t have the money to build a new one. We outsourced to the Wood County hospital, and they built us a new building. Now it serves our community and students.”
As a result of the money saving management practices, President Mazey noted that the Student Recreation Center was able to undergo a $14 million renovation without costing students a dime and that tuition has been frozen for the fifth year in a row.
Aside from keeping the University’s costs down, student engagement was another key to receiving the Business Insider recognition.
“The opportunities you have while you’ve been here, internships, co-ops, getting to collaborate with fellow students and staff. There’s a multitude of ways that students enhance their learning in the classroom and outside of it,” Mazey said. “That is what I think makes BGSU very special.”
President Mazey wants the University to continue living up to their Belong, Stand out, and Go far campaign which is designed for student success.
“I think a lot of universities say they support the students. I mean, who’s not going to say that? The faculty, staff, everyone is very supportive here. You can do a lot to get involved while you’re here,” Mazey said. “For example, I often Google the jobs in demand these days, and one of them is social media manager. Being involved in student media on campus helps build your resume and build leadership skills.”
As for the commitment to keeping future tuition costs low, the University is looking into adopting the Ohio Guarantee Plan which is already in practice at Ohio University. Miami University, and Ohio State University. This means that when a student comes onto campus, their tuition is guaranteed to stay the same price all four years.
“Nothing has been put into action by the Board of Trustees,” Mazey said. “We know that other universities are looking into the program, and we are too.”
