Over the past eight days, you’ve been provided with important background information about the current landscape of higher education in Ohio and the nation. The intent has been to allow everyone to dig deeper into key planning issues as a foundation for future discussions. Now, it’s time to move beyond one-way communication and into a collaborative dialogue.

What goals do you have for these upcoming dialogues to help BGSU move towards the future?

Technology is reshaping the terrain of education and will continue to do so in significant ways. New technological capabilities enable possibilities for critical thinking, collaborative learning and communication, and are driving educators to rethink teaching and learning. Although it is difficult to predict the future, the impact of technology on higher education will continue as institutions seek to provide accessible learning opportunities to those who need them. What thoughts do you have about the intersection of technology and higher education?

BGSU has long recognized that educating students goes far beyond simply imparting information to them. Providing the proverbial “well-rounded education” means addressing the whole person by recognizing that learning takes place inside and outside the classroom, and that experience is indeed a valuable teacher.

What holistic learning efforts might be further developed for the future?

Students who arrive at BGSU in fall 2020 will have a much different worldview than today’s students. What are their expectations for the college experience and how can we deliver? As the student body changes, our institution must reconsider everything from how students learn to where they want to live. That requires vision and agility. Will BGSU be ready?

BGSU draws approximately 85-89 percent of its total enrollment (including BGSU Firelands) from Ohio. Any shift in Ohio’s population is eventually reflected in student population. What’s in store for BGSU as the state’s demographics continue to shift?.

What do you see as the most potentially significant effects of these demographic shifts for the University?

Ohio is at the center of a national situation concerning work, the economy, globalization and the need to rise to the challenge presented by the changing realities of daily life. Individuals throughout Ohio, including the Governor and Chancellor, are asking an important question: How can higher education help the state meet those challenges and create a better quality of life and more prosperity for all its citizens?

Ohio is not alone, and BGSU is one of many institutions working to intentionally chart a path through an evolving landscape. What factors in the landscape provide the most significant opportunities? Challenges?

With the University System of Ohio now a reality, one thing is certain: it will have a substantial impact on BGSU. However, while there are several “absolutes” that come along with life under the new system, there is also considerable leeway in how individual institutions go about attaining the overall aims the system was created to address.

How do you think the University System of Ohio will impact your experience at BGSU?

BGSU provides the campus community with a rich environment in which to learn and grow. This environment in turn yields high quality scholarship and creative achievements. We enjoy a collaborative relationship with Bowling Green and surrounding communities that enriches our campus and creates a diversity of experiences for students, faculty and staff. As we all work toward building the best University environment for the future, we can point with pride to a growing list of success based on our strengths.

What recent or historic successes at BGSU make you most proud?

Today, in mid-2008, BGSU finds itself in a considerably different landscape from past years. Two major factors impacting us are the existence of the University System of Ohio and our search for a new president following President Ribeau’s departure.

What are your thoughts about our landscape?