By Bill Johnson
President, Youngstown State University

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As I reflect on the past year, it’s clear Youngstown State University is experiencing a positive transformative moment. At a time when many academic institutions are facing declining enrollment, YSU is thriving.

A key highlight has been our remarkable enrollment surge. This fall, we welcomed 12,164 students, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous year and our largest enrollment since 2018.

This growth is the result of our commitment to offering a robust and diverse portfolio of educational opportunities – from certificates and associate degrees to advanced doctoral programs. Whether students are entering the workforce or pursuing advanced studies, YSU is the place for them.

Student Success

At YSU, student success is more than a goal – it’s our mission. This year, our students have earned top honors in a variety of fields. Musical theater students won first-place awards at the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. Our undergraduate research team took top honors at the Ohio Communication Association, and our YSU Ethics Bowl Team won the Central States Regional Championship.

We’re committed to providing our students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in the real world. For example, civil and construction engineering students recently completed a capstone project designing and rebuilding a local church’s retaining wall. These projects give students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Filled the Gap Left by EGCC

YSU also stepped up to fill the educational gap left by the closure of Eastern Gateway Community College. We expedited the creation of over 50 new associate degree and certificate programs, providing a seamless educational pathway for students in the region in just several months. What YSU’s faculty and staff accomplished was nothing short of amazing and I was proud to watch the efficiency in which they methodically turned complicated issues into simple solutions for prospective students.

Transforming Campus Life

We launched the Kilcawley: Centered on Our Future campaign, aimed at modernizing Kilcawley Center, the heart of student life at YSU. The renovation will create dynamic spaces for academic collaboration, social engagement, and community-building. This project will ensure that our campus not only meets the needs of today’s students but prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.

Kilcawley will serve as a hub for innovation, where students, faculty, regional school districts, and local businesses collaborate to drive economic growth. It’s a tangible example of how YSU is investing in our students, our campus, and our future.

This past year demonstrates that YSU continues to be not only a leader in higher education but also a catalyst for regional economic growth. We’re proving that when we come together as a community – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – nothing can stop us.

At YSU, the future is bright, bold, and full of opportunity — and we’re just getting started. GO GUINS!