State of the University Address: Response by Classified Senate

Classified Senate Chair Alexis Cline

Just minutes after President Glidden's State of the University Address, I heard words like inspiring, invigorating and energizing. I felt motivated to do my part, and as chair of Classified Senate, to encourage others to encompass the five mission statements and work together as a university to achieve success.

Of the five mission statements (undergraduate education, graduate education, excellence in research, maximizing learning opportunities afforded by a residential campus environment and expanding service to the region), Classified Senate has a vested interest in all five, with the most important one to us being service to the region. Many of us have been employed at Ohio University for over ten years, our mothers, our fathers, and in some cases, our grandparents were employed at Ohio University and they remained in Athens, Ohio because of the community.

We believe it is important, especially facing additional cuts in state support, that Ohio University establish priorities in the most efficient manner as possible. In order for our community to grow, it is important to assess the regional needs and establish collaboration with the community. We have no doubt we can do this. Examples of collaborative service include the College of Communication and the American Cancer Society's "Appalachian Partnership," which promotes cancer awareness and prevention throughout the area. Furthermore the creation of HeartWorks, a cardiac rehabilitation service, enhances service to the region.

We support President Glidden in continuing to develop a diverse campus environment and believe it should be a priority within all five mission statements. We all share a commitment to building a reputation for excellence. As a team, we can accomplish our goals to make Ohio University truly distinctive.