Only three research or doctoral institutions in Ohio are ranked in the 2nd tier, and only two in the 3rd tier. Robust research enhances our students' educational experience in multiple ways. Research opportunities attract the nation's top scholars. Students learn from them and are exposed to new information generated by their research. Students are often part of new-knowledge creation through their own research projects.
Research also benefits the people of Ohio.
It produces solutions to social and educational problems, provides breakthroughs in disease and health concerns, maintains the competitiveness of Ohio businesses, and attracts capital and jobs to the state. We have high aspirations to be counted among the top teaching and research universities in the nation. This is important to us because it will allow our students to be even better prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will face in their lives. It will also mean that the people, organizations, and businesses of Ohio will have some of the world's best researchers to help them solve their problems and remain prosperous. These actions will help us remain true to our land-grant heritage, and this is, in my mind, one of the best ways to help ensure the continued academic integrity of the university.