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Urbana University on rebound, president says

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By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer 9:51 PM Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Two years does not a trend make, but Urbana University President Stephen Jones said two consecutive years of enrollment increases are enough for him to declare the university on the rebound.

The university experienced an enrollment free-fall beginning in 2007 when fall enrollment dropped from its 2006 high of 815 to a 2008 low of 647.

Enrollment for this fall is projected to be around 700 full-time-equivalent students — the second year in a row with year-over-year increases, Jones said. The Spring semester saw a second year increase as well, he said.

Retention is also trending upward at 92 percent.

“We’re getting this reversal fully established,” he said.

When Jones replaced former president Robert Head in July 2008 he inherited falling enrollment, a $440,000 deficit, and $1.2 million in loans the university had borrowed to cover operating expenses.

“The university was in full panic mode,” he said. “We resolved we would not borrow any more money ... reduced staffing by 7 or 8 positions (and) reduced staff compensation by 6 percent.”

Some administrative positions, including Jones’, saw a 10 percent reduction in compensation and nearly 90 percent of contract faculty voluntarily took a 6 percent cut. Two non-classroom buildings were closed.

The university then focused on recruitment and retention, offering new masters degree programs in Union and Miami counties and introduced two new graduate degree programs. As a result the university was able to restore full compensation to staff in August and this year has budgeted a 2 percent pay increase.

“We had to navigate a turnaround of the university and we are seeing very clear signals now that we’ve made the turn,” Jones said. “The trajectory is positive and we are committed to making the turn a lasting one.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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