President Sherman talks plan for next two years

President Hugh Sherman at the media roundtable held July 9, 2021. Photo by Emily Crebs.

Ohio University President Hugh Sherman spoke about his plans and goals for the future of Ohio U over the next two years at a media roundtable discussion Thursday.

Sherman was previously the dean of the College of Business for 13 years before he stepped down in January 2021 with plans to return to a faculty position, according to a report from OHIO News.

Sherman plans on focusing on student success in the coming years and implementing an advising system used in the College of Business throughout the university. 

The advising system will have professional academic advisors and career counselors work with students throughout their years of enrollment at Ohio U. Career counselors will also be available for students the summer after they graduate to help them reach their career goals.

The advising system will be adapted for the needs of each college across Ohio U, Sherman said.

Faculty members will have less advising responsibilities so they can focus on creating experiential learning opportunities for students. 

Sherman spoke on how faculty members of some colleges across Ohio U have been involved in the conversations about these programs, but not all college leadership elected to involve faculty.

Sherman added that he does not plan on making any changes to the university's high administration positions.

“I have been involved with the university leadership when Duane was here, working on enrollment and marketing and recruitment. I know all the players and I have great confidence in them, and I know what their strengths are,” Sherman said in his response.

Ohio U has identified three candidates to become the next CFO, according to Sherman. 

The position was previously held by Deborah Shaffer, who announced her resignation from the position on June 15. Starting in August, she will be a special consultant to Sherman, according to an article from the Athens NEWS.

After attending the signing of Collin’s Law on Tuesday, Sherman also discussed how Ohio U will handle hazing incidents and inform students on the topic. 

“I don’t wanna be a president when somebody dies. I just, I can’t take that,” Sherman said.

Ohio U uses a scorecard with an accreditation system to show students the standing of Greek life organizations when it comes to student code of conduct violations. This scorecard was given to every student and parent during Bobcat Student Orientation.

“I think we have done a really good job with changing the culture and making sure people understand we are not going to tolerate it,” Sherman said.

Sherman also mentioned plans to implement programs to promote student success, though he did not elaborate on which specific programs he is hoping to execute as president.

Sherman is aiming to achieve long-term financial stability for Ohio U during his tenure. This will help in the search for the next Ohio U president and for the future of the university and its programs.

He did not elaborate on specific fiscal plans to help Ohio U’s financial situation.

Sherman said Ohio U hired Deloitte Insights and Solutions for a comprehensive review of the university’s staff and administration with the goal to identify ways to be more efficient. 

Sherman said he hopes preliminary results from Deloitte will be available in August. 

Sherman only plans on being in the role as President for the two-year term he is currently serving. 

“I was real surprised when I got the call asking me if I was interested in coming back again,” Sherman recounted.

Sherman describes his leadership style as being forthright and frank.

“I only got two years so I don’t have time to waste. I try to be open-door and try to solicit everybody’s opinions, but I am going to move forward,” Sherman said.