Megan Finke | Editor-in-Chief
Bowling Green State University’s Board of Trustees approved a reconfiguration of the university’s College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering program and the creation of the School of Engineering and the School of Aviation within the college during its meeting on Sept. 23.
The university said the move comes in response to rapid growth in the college’s programs and demand from the country’s workforce needs.
In a press release, BGSU said the creation of the new school will enhance educational opportunities for students while responding directly to the country’s workforce needs.
According to the press release announcing the school’s creation, BGSU claims the “university’s excellence in math and science allows BGSU to become a major player in addressing a significant workforce need for qualified engineers, particularly in Ohio.”
The School of Aviation’s creation comes after the rapid growth of the current BGSU Aviation program.
The already existing School of the Built Environment will be located in Kokosing Hall, which is currently under construction.
The Board of Trustees also voted to proceed with the design services for the Technology Engineering Innovation Center, which will replace the current Technology Building in the summer of 2025. It will also be the new home to the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering programs.
The Technology Engineering Innovation Center will house a laboratory and creative space for advanced manufacturing, machining, metals and robotics programs.
The Board of Trustees addressed additional campus construction projects during the meeting, including the Slater Family Ice Arena renovation.
The Board also approved renovation design services for the arena. Updates on that project include renovations to the main entrance, restrooms, locker rooms, the creation of a new mezzanine with private suites on the south end of the rink and the addition of 1,000 square feet to the arena’s west entrance.
Trustees also approved a $100,000 pay bonus for BGSU President Rodney Rogers. The funds will be gifted to the BGSU Foundation, Inc.
Rogers will receive the same base compensation percentage increase as all BGSU staff, according to the press release.
The Sept. 23 Board of Trustees meeting also included recognition of a new freshman class that the university described as “the most diverse and accomplished class.” The incoming class includes 90 high school valedictorians and more than 300 Honors College students.
The incoming freshman class is also the most diverse since 2018, as students of color make up 20% of the fall class. The class also includes students from 34 states and more than 800 international students.
The Board of Trustees also recognized the contributions of alumni used to create the new Alumni Gateway. The Schmeltz Family Fountain is named after former professor and dean in the Schmidthorst College of Business William (Bill) Schmeltz and his wife Peggy because of their large contribution.
Three new trustees were appointed during the meeting:
Mikayla Russ, BGSU graduate student and class of ‘21, was appointed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and filled the student trustee seat. Her term will end in 2024.
Judy Budi, class of ‘85, joined the board on Sept. 1 and filled her predecessor Ava Harter’s vacancy. She was appointed by DeWine and her term will end in 2027.
National Trustee Mizell Stewart III, class of ‘94, was welcomed to the board and filled the seat of former National Trustee Linda Forte. His term will end in 2025.
