Ono: Ohio needs more flagship universities
Jun. 6, 2013 5:05 PM
The Vontz Center for Molecular Studies is among the centers for scientific study at the University of Cincinnati. / AP
Written by
Santa Ono
There has been considerable discussion about President Gordon Gee’s comments made during a December meeting with the Ohio State University Athletic Council. Although his comments about UC and other institutions were unfortunate, he did call me to apologize and I accepted his apology. Gordon and I have had a strong working relationship and I have deep respect for both him and for OSU.
Nonetheless, I think there is an important point that arises from the dialogue that has followed the release of Gordon’s comments. In short, that point focuses on the benefits of moving away from a single flagship model for our university system toward one where there is strategic support for multiple flagships. This goes well beyond distributing funding for state support of instruction. It would involve a commitment to strategically grow a subset of our universities to be “best of class” in defined fields.
The rationale behind the multiple flagship model is simple. Strong universities are economic engines for the state and especially the regions where they are located. From a state perspective, it makes sense for there to be strong economic engines located within each of its cities rather than in a single location. Economic development is needed in Cleveland and Cincinnati just as much as it is needed in Columbus. And from a practical standpoint it is important to remember that a majority of taxpayer resources supporting public higher education are raised outside of Columbus. It is therefore only fair that these funds be used strategically to strengthen multiple universities rather than a single flagship.
The University System of Ohio (USO) has played a significant role in strengthening all of its members over the years. UC would not be what it is today without that investment. But I submit that now is the time for Ohio to move beyond a single flagship model to one where there is genuine strategic support for multiple universities. Ohioans deserve this and will only prosper if we develop multiple flagships, as has already occurred in California and Texas.
Moving to this next level for Ohio requires the commitment of our politicians and civic leaders as well as our citizens. And as university presidents, we must set the tone. We must celebrate each others successes. We must collaborate, not compete; we must place the welfare of the state first.
If Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois and Texas can support the development of multiple world-class campuses within their systems, there is no reason Ohio cannot do the same.
And the development of multiple strong universities within a state system transcends academics and research, it also includes intercollegiate sports. Consider the situations in North Carolina and Michigan.
Strategic investment in North Carolina State as well as University of North Carolina was pivotal to the success of the Research Triangle Park economic engine for the state of North Carolina. North Carolina is an excellent example of how strategic investment in multiple campuses has a more profound impact on the state than the antiquated flagship model. The third anchor for North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park is, of course, Duke University, a private institution. So strategic investment and cooperation transcends the public/private line.
One need only consider the examples of California, Texas, Michigan and North Carolina to quickly realize how parochial and myopic the single flagship model is and how beneficial it would be for Ohio to have multiple flagships across the state.
In Ohio we have taken baby steps toward strategic support of our 14 universities through the University System of Ohio. And we have made significant progress toward our own triangle model with OSU, UC and Case Western Reserve as anchors. Governor Kasich has championed more cooperation between our universities and has turned to UC and others to lead various initiatives. We would do well to build upon the stage he has set.
To move Ohio to the forefront of university systems, baby steps will not suffice. We will need to develop multiple flagship campuses across the state and create programs and processes that will create real synergy. And as leaders we must rise above the parochial view and support each other – in whatever arena (academics, research, health care and intercollegiate sports) – for the good of the citizens of Ohio. ■
Follow Dr. Ono on Twitter: @prezono
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130...RONTPAGE|p
Have at it ORD. You have all the answers, and constipational brain that can't see the other side of the equation.
Data: Money from 2014, Students from 2015:
Ohio State University:
State Funding for Student Instruction: $342,015,847
Students from Ohio: 41,590 (48,061 counting branches)
Money per Ohio Student: $8,224 ($7,116 counting branch students)
University of Cincinnati:
State Funding for Student Instruction: $160,294,129
Students from Ohio: 34,803
Money per Ohio Student: $4,606
Seems to me that any President would argue on behalf of his University. He should be criticized for not pursuing this issue.
Brett might have just become my favorite ESPiN folk
