黑料网 President Todd Diacon focused on the benefits to Ohio from state support of Kent State during his April 10 presentation before the Ohio Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee in Columbus, Ohio.
Watch Diacon鈥檚 full presentation:
Diacon鈥檚 presentation kicked off the second of six sessions in which all 14 Ohio public universities are asked to discuss their capital funding requests for infrastructure repairs and improvements. Presidents are also asked to summarize their institutions鈥 financial health amid a changing higher education environment and additionally, to detail spending on diversity, equity and inclusion and discuss the response to the growing presence of artificial intelligence.
Kent State seeks just over $29 million in the 2025-2026 biennium for capital projects ranging from network enhancement in academic buildings on the Kent Campus to library roof repairs on the Trumbull Campus and projects on each of the other Regional Campuses.
All told, Ohio鈥檚 public universities collectively seek about $300 million in capital funding for the coming biennium.
鈥淲e believe that expenditures of those amounts 鈥 not passing judgment on any of them 鈥 is worthy of great scrutiny and questions to be asked by the legislature,鈥 said Committee Chair Jerry Cirino, (R-Kirtland).
Diacon summarized Kent State鈥檚 capital funding needs for the coming biennium.
Diacon noted Kent State鈥檚 history, going back to the 1960s, featuring significant physical growth to keep up with the Baby Boom student generation, and that鈥檚 left the university with much upkeep amid today鈥檚 challenging enrollment climate.
鈥淥ur enrollment can fluctuate due to outside factors like demographics, but the buildings remain, regardless of enrollment,鈥 Diacon said.
Placing the infrastructure-related budget requests in a broader context, Diacon noted several ways Kent State has tightened its operational budget, along with efficiency measures that have cut costs further.
The president provided several examples of expense reduction and cost avoidance the university has undertaken over the past several years.
Diacon will share more about his presentation during his next Talking With Todd webcast, delivered live for faculty and staff on Wednesday, April 17, at 2:30 p.m. and posted afterward on the president鈥檚 homepage.