YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson said the university is achieving its vision to be the anchor institution of opportunity for roughly 12,500 students.
YSU is a place “where we inspire individuals, enhance futures and enrich lives. We are excelling in so many different ways,” he said Thursday morning at a regular board of trustees meeting. “Enrollment continues to rise here at Youngstown State. That is in direct contradiction to what’s happening at many other universities, not only around our state but around the nation. We remain very fiscally sound …”
Johnson said the $57.3 million renovation of Kilcawley Center, YSU’s student center, is scheduled to be completed in fall 2027. Work on the project began last May.
Trustees approved a 3% tuition increase starting next fall. Undergraduate tuition would increase $170.64 per semester for both resident and nonresident bachelor degree students, to $5,859 and $6,039, respectively. For associate degree students, it would increase by $98, and for master level and doctoral students the per semester amount would increase by $209 and $221, respectively, per semester.
Because of the Penguin Promise, which locks a student’s tuition for four years at the amount when they first enrolled, the increase will affect new students.
Trustees also approved creation of an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration, which also must be approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and YSU’s accrediting body. It would fulfill a state requirement for an accelerated degree in an on-demand career field.
Trustees previously approved accelerated bachelor’s degrees in both communication and psychology. Those degrees also await approval from the state.
By taking the accelerated route, a student could earn a bachelor’s degree with 90, rather than 120, credits or in about three years.
The panel presented Zane A. Perrico, a student trustee since 2024, with a certificate of appreciation. Perrico’s term expires in June. He is a senior from Canfield, majoring in physics and mathematics.
Trustees also heard presentations Thursday morning from students, faculty and staff members.
Ryan J. Roberts, an assistant professor of criminal justice and consumer sciences, spoke about his research into criminal gangs. He’s working on his third book on the subject.
Asher Chiwawa, a sophomore mechanical engineering major who was named YSU’s 2024 Intern of the Year, talked about how he was embraced by the campus community.
Rich Wall, women’s soccer coach, and junior player Emma Berdiner spoke about the program, and students Nicolas Lombana and Sabrina Battaglia talked about Greek life at YSU.
Pictured at top: From left are YSU Trustee Joseph Kerola, President Bill Johnson, Trustees Chairman Chuck George and Secretary Anita Hackstedde.