2012 proved to be an exciting year at Ohio University. The top two leaders of the United States stopped by campus, new deans, students and administrators became leaders at the university and OU finished up its first semester in almost 50 years were just a few highlights of the historic year.
Deferred Maintenance
OU entered 2012 with about $355 million in deferred maintenance, the largest being Alden Library, built in 1968, which has a backlog of $22 million. The university has said it plans to chip away at the rising costs through a six-year, $977.5 million capital improvement plan. Other notable buildings with large backlogs include The Convo ($18 million), Stocker Center ($13 million) and Jefferson Hall ($10 million).
Marching 110 loses one of its own
In February, OU lost Ronald P. Socciarelli, who directed The Marching 110, also known as “The Most Exciting Band in the Land,” from 1973-1990. To honor his death, 2012’s Homecoming theme was “Better Than the Best Ever” and featured more than 200 Marching 110 alumni band members returning in support.
The Hot Tub
Kevin Lenahan, a senior studying mathematics, sociology and history, checked Residential Housing’s rules before moving in his 1,800-pound, 200-gallon Aero Spa inflatable hot tub. Residential Housing, however, said the hot tub’s water and heat violate several rules and told him to remove the tub. (Brien Vincent | Staff Photographer)
The year carried on with Kevin Lenahan, a 2012 senior living in James Hall, better known for his 1,800-pound, 200-gallon Aero Spa inflatable hot tub that he filled in his dorm room through a Residential Housing loophole. The hot tub gained national attention and even a mention on Saturday Night Live before being removed for violating Residential Housing’s heat and water guidelines.
Tuition Increases Again
From left: Megan Marzec, Ellie Hamrick, Jess Miller, Raya Ward, Lidsay Citrano and Alisha Riley bear signs in protest of the proposed 3.5-percent tuition increase at the Ohio University Board of Trustees meeting. On April 20, the board passed the hike, pushing the yearly cost to $10,215. (Kara Frisina | For The Post)
Less than a month before students left for the end of the 2011-2012 school year, OU’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to raise tuition to the maximum of 3.5 percent. Despite strong student protest against the tuition hike, the price jumped from $9,870 during the 2011–2012 academic year to $10,215 for 2012–2013, a $345 increase.
New Student Leaders
Zach George, center, celebrates winning the Student Senate presidential election for the 2012-13 school year in Baker University Center. George's REACH party won each position in Student Senate except one. (Jason Chow | Staff Photographer)
Student government received its annual facelift with the REACH party claiming all but one position in Student Senate and the PROUD party winning an uncontested Graduate Student Senate election. Zach George replaced Kyle Triplett as Student Senate President and Tynita White replaced three-time GSS president Tracy Kelly in an uncontested election.
Administrators Receive Raises
During the summer, Frank Solich signed a new contract with a base salary of $445,000, making him the highest paid employee on campus ahead of President Roderick McDavis, who was also offered a new contract in September with a $415,000 base salary. McDavis has yet to sign the five-year contract extension.
Goodbye to Quarters
Summer 2012 also marked OU's last “quarter” ever as the university switched over to semesters as part of a state-wide policy implemented by the Ohio Board of Regents. The switch also affected the College of Fine Arts, which merged its six individual schools down to three.
Campus Improvements
Students returned for classes in August to find two new major improvements, the first being the opening of a newly renovated Nelson Dining Hall. Students and faculty also returned to an upgraded wireless internet system in Baker University Center, Alden Library and additional various places on campus. The full switch is expected to be completed in January 2014.
Demolition at The Ridges
The tuberculosis cottage and infirmary are a part of The Ridges. One of the buildings is expected to be demolished by Halloween as part of the Capital Improvement Plan. (Dustin Lennert | File)
Debate also began to stir as students learned of the Board of Trustees' plan to demolish The Beacon School located at The Ridges. The school, which was originally built in 1924 and used to house tuberculosis patients, is now vacant. Demolition was originally set for as early as September but has continued to be pushed back.
A Presidential Taste
With it being a highly contested presidential year, Athens County got a big taste of campaigning with both Vice-President Joe Biden and Mitt Romney’s running mate Paul Ryan stopping by before the president himself, Barack Obama, spoke to a crowd of 14,000 on College Green in mid-October.
A Change in Adminstrators
2012 was also filled with many of OU’s most well-known administrators switching roles. Former Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith left to become president at Langston University. Former Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi took over Smith’s job and filling in for Lombardi as Interim Dean of Students is currently Jenny Hall-Jones, formerly assistant dean of Student Affairs.
Along with the change in Student Affairs, three colleges announced new deans. OU’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine appointed Kenneth Johnson the new dean, replacing Jack Brose; the College of Arts and Sciences named Robert Frank the new dean, replacing interim dean Howard Dewald; and most recently Scott Titsworth was named dean of the Scripps College of Communication after serving as interim for one year, replacing Greg Shepard.
Check out other Year in Review recaps from The Post here.
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