By Alex Sorrells / The Jambar
Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson spoke to a crowd at the Williamson Hall Auditorium on Sept. 22 for the annual State of the University address.
Johnson focused on the 2.1% increase in total enrollment this semester and credited Ohio’s College Credit Plus, workforce education and improvements around campus as causes for the increase.
“We’ve seen a 24% increase in our College Credit Plus enrollment this fall, due to making our process more efficient and strengthening our partnership with our local school districts throughout the region,” Johnson said.
Johnson also said with the help of the YSU Foundation, the university has raised over $30 million when counting money from the state for the new student center.
“The project is on schedule, and I can’t wait to open the doors to a new, refreshed and significantly improved student center in the fall of [2027],” Johnson said. “What an amazing investment in the quality of campus life for our students.”
Johnson said the university is improving processes for students nearing financial suspension by implementing individual financial counseling, setting goals and removing unnecessary barriers in coordination with the Office of the Registrar.
“In the registrar’s office, we’ve successfully implemented financial wellness sessions for all first-year students as an integrated component of each first-year student’s orientation program,” Johnson said.
In the beginning of the year, the university began reorganizing the Division of Student Affairs, including the Dean of Students office, student conduct and student counseling.
“We completed the Greek Life audit over the last year, and we’ve begun the process of reimagining fraternity and sorority life,” Johnson said. “Our IGNITE program … had one of the highest attendances we’ve ever seen, and for the most part, it was a student-run effort.”
The board of trustees approved operational plans in December 2024, which provided a roadmap to optimize academic portfolios and take action to address regional education and workforce needs.
“This plan recognizes that students who choose YSU aren’t just giving us four years — they’re trusting their futures with us,” Johnson said. “We want to advise them, provide mentorship opportunities, educate them, prep them for the changing workforce and ensure they leave as proud families who remember the role that we play in their lives.”
In his address, Johnson gave recognition to YSU’s University Theatre program, Federal Frenzy and the Ethics Bowl team — the latter of which ranked first in the regional Ethics Bowl held at Marion University in Indianapolis.
Johnson said the number of students seeking internships is increasing, as well as student outcomes, which are what students choose to pursue after obtaining a degree.
“Over 90% of students reported positive career outcomes, meaning they were either employed, in the military or continuing their education once they got their degrees,” Johnson said.
Johnson recognized the philanthropic funding and donations received by YSU and what it means for students at the university.
“Why is philanthropic funding so important? Because we do not get funded by the state or the federal government enough for all of the students that we have here,” Johnson said. “Were it not for the scholarships that were provided through the Youngstown State University Foundation, a lot of students would not be coming to school.”
Johnson made it clear he does not look to cut any programs, but only to grow university offerings around the needs and wants of the community.
“We’re looking across the board at making sure that we’re offering the programs that the business community needs, that our students need and want,” Johnson said. “It’s a journey, and we’ll be constantly reassessing our programs.”
