The University of Toledo

Chairman's Welcome

Our University of Toledo mission statement reads, “Improve the Human Condition.” Our responsibility here at UT is to define that mission and see that all our constituencies carry out our mission with vigor and integrity. The University of Toledo is a student-centered place where students, faculty and staff learn, develop and advance. Our 13 colleges, their departments and schools are charged and dedicated to this mission. The decisions this Board makes center around our commitment to students and are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that graduates leave this University with the intellectual resources and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly global economy. Research is also a major activity at our University with close to $70 million spent on various scientific, educational, social and business research endeavors. As a result, multiple patents have been granted and commercialization of ideas has occurred. UT is recognized as an engine of economic development, spurred by efforts to commercialize the research performed in our laboratories.

The University of Toledo Medical Center, being the only academic medical center in the region, serves to set the standard of health care for the region, a role underscored by U.S. News and World Report's 2011-12 ranking of UTMC as the “Best Hospital in the Northwest Ohio Region” with regard to Otolaryngology, Geriatrics, Kidney, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pulmonary, and Urology. Significant renovations and additions are ongoing at our Medical Center including our new Cancer, Oncology, and Radiation Therapy Center which will open early in 2013.

We Trustees are community people, appointed by the Ohio Governor and confirmed by the Ohio Senate. Our full terms are for nine years and we represent all the people of our State. All of us have a passion for higher education and commit significant time to the governance of the University. Under State law the Trustees have full authority and responsibility for the total operation of the University. Our responsibilities include defining and shaping the University’s strategic plan, directing its vision, monitoring its performance, as well as maintaining its fiscal soundness. All Trustees volunteer their time and sign a pledge to maintain the highest ethical standards and serve with integrity.

Our Board is honored to serve as stewards for this great University. We are entrusted to see that it maintains its commitment to excellence in healthcare and education not only for our local community but for our State and our country.

William C. Koester, Chairman University of Toledo Board of Trustees