Ohio Northern University Faculty
2013 - 2014
Minutes of the September 23 Meeting
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President DiBiasio called the meeting to order at 11:01 AM.
Invocation was offered by Ray Person.
Revised minutes from April 16, 2013 and minutes from August 21, 2013 were
approved.
Unfinished Business: None.
Report from University Council: Jeff Allison announced that University Council had
their first meeting last Tuesday. Jenny Donnelly was elected secretary and Lou
Lobenhofer was elected vice chair.
Recognition of Endowed Chairs for 2013 – 2014: President DiBiasio presented
recipients of endowed chairs with a certificate in recognition of their award. The
endowed chairs for 2013 – 2014 are:
a. LeRoy H. Lytle Chair: David Sawyers, Associate Professor of Mechanical
Engineering
b. George W. Patton Chair: Michele Govekar, Associate Professor of Management
c. Sara A. Ridenhour Chair: Forrest Clingerman, Associate Professor of Religion
d. Ella and Ernest Fisher Chair: John Martin, Professor of Law
e. Eleanor H. and Robert W. Biggs Chair in the Sciences: Jay Mager, Associate
Professor of Biological Sciences (Unable to attend)
f. Eleanor H. and Robert W. Biggs Chair in Chemistry: Brad Wile, Assistant
Professor of Chemistry
g. Eleanor H. and Robert W. Biggs Chair in Arts: Rebecca Casey, Associate
Professor of Music
h. Mary Reichelderfer Chair: Khristo Boyadzhiev, Professor of Mathematics
i. Kernan Robson Chair: Rob Alexander, Professor of Political Science
j. Engineering Alumni Chair: Robert Ward, Professor of Civil Engineering
k. Herbert F. Alter Chair of Engineering Sciences: David Retterer, Associate
Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
l. Wilfred E. Binkley Chair: John Lomax, Professor of History
m. Irene Casteel Chair in Education: Richard Miller, Instructor in Technology
Questions for the President: President DiBiasio made a few comments before opening
the floor to questions.
a. The operational agenda for the strategic plan is available online as well as
information about each of the working groups. He encouraged faculty to provide
feedback on these documents.
b. The university has been discussing potential refinancing opportunities with the
USDA. These opportunities could help the university restructure debt and allow
other projects to move forward, such as the proposed new engineering building.
c. The Fall Board meeting is scheduled for October 4th and 5th. Discussions at that
meeting will include tuition, pricing and a four-year guarantee.
Ohio Northern University Faculty
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d. President DiBiasio acknowledged many ONU faculty that have appeared in the
press recently. Mellita Caragiu and Khristo Boyadzhiev were both named to the
list of Top 25 STEM professors in Ohio. Alisa Agozzino received APR
accreditation. Ken Reid received a professional achievement award from IEEE.
Rob Alexander was a guest writer in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Mike Lewis was
recently mentioned in an online Slate article. CAATE (Athletic Training)
received accreditation. The next comprehensive review will not occur until 2022
– 2023. The insurance and risk management program at ONU was mentioned in
Slate magazine.
e. John Lomax asked about the USDA’s interest in ONU. President DiBiasio
responded that ONU contacted the USDA because of our interest in their loan
program involving community enhancement in rural areas.
f. Lisa Robeson noted that there were some items leftover from the Sustainable
Program and Financial-Based Review that could impact enrollment potential. She
wondered if there was a timeline available for when these items would be
reviewed. President DiBiasio responded that estimated times for review are listed
in the operational agenda.
Questions for the Provost: David Crago made a few announcements.
a. The search for a new dean for the College of Pharmacy is moving forward. The
search consultant team from Witt-Keifer will be on campus on Friday to meet
with students, faculty and staff. Witt-Keifer has extensive experience with health
science searches.
b. The American Bar Association is on campus for an accreditation visit for the
College of Law. The visit is going well and the exit interview is tomorrow.
c. The five working groups involved in preparing documents for the Higher
Learning Commission have reference libraries set up through Institutional
Research. Each group has met with Institutional Research to discuss accessing
the appropriate materials.
Other Reports:
a. Academic Affairs: The committee has been discussing a consistent definition for
a credit hour.
b. Personnel: Applications for sabbatical will be due shortly. Applications for
promotion and tenure will be distributed to the appropriate departments soon.
Announcements:
a. Michael Loughlin announced that the first gathering for Phi Beta Delta
International Forumwill be next Tuesday, October 1st from 7 – 8:30 PM in Dicke
Forum. The topic is “Crises in the Middle East.” The panel will include Andrew
Ludanyi (Emeritus Professor), Umar Sulayman (Director in the Prison
Management Certificate Program), David R. Smith (Geographer), Kofi Nsia-
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Pepra (International Affairs Professor) and Michael Loughlin (Professor of
History) as moderator. It promises to be an interesting evening.
b. Tom Hunt announced that the first faculty showcase recital will occur
on Monday, September 30th at 8 PM in Presser and will feature new full time
faculty member Henning Schroeder performing on the saxophone, accompanied
by his wife, Yu-Lien The, new adjunct faculty member for flute, Erin Torres,
Sarah Waters and Dave Kosmyna performing pieces from the newly released CD
of new pieces for trumpet and percussion, Tom Hunt performing on the French
horn, vocalist Micah Graber and Israeli pianist, Assaf Sommer. Admission is free.
c. Jenny Walton noted that Kathie Fleck received APR accreditation.
d. Lisa Robeson announced that the 2013-14 Reading Series will be kicking off on
Thursday night with our very own poet, Dr. Jen Moore. A reception for Jen
begins at 7 PM in the Wilson Art Gallery; the reading will follow at 7:30 in the
Elzay Gallery.
e. Russ Crawford announced that students who studied abroad last year in China,
Taiwan and Malta are going to present on their adventures on October 8 th at 7 PM
in Dicke Forum.
f. Brad Wile announced that the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will
host a poster session to highlight the research accomplishments of their students
over the summer (both at ONU and throughout the country). On behalf of the
Department, Brad extended an invitation to attend this student poster session, to
be held Friday, October 4th from 4 PM to 6 PM in the ground floor lobby of the
Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences.
g. Laurie Bell announced that the Eisenhower Dance and the ONU Dance Company
will perform on Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 pm in the Freed Center for the
Performing Arts. This event is in conjunction with the OhioDance Festival and
Conference being held on campus this weekend. Come dance with us!
h. Dean Albrecht noted that the Keiser Lecture is Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 PM in
the Freed Center. Sharon Norton, from the Mathile Institute, will discuss
“Battling Hidden Hunger.”
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.
Submitted by,
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Leslie A. Riley
Secretary
Ohio Northern University Faculty
2013 - 2014