Miami President Hodge to retire in 2016; Trustees approve regional campus direction

Updated May 4. See italicized text below.

Miami University President David Hodge announced to university trustees today (May 1) that he will retire June 30, 2016.

Hodge has served as Miami’s president since 2006. “Valerie and I feel honored to have been able to serve alongside the most committed and talented faculty and staff imaginable. We have enjoyed the energy of our students and the affection and loyalty of our alumni. We look forward to the year ahead,” Hodge said at the meeting.

“Throughout his time as president, President Hodge has displayed an exceptional dedication and vision, and a passion for working with Miami faculty and staff. Together, they have continued to build a vibrant learning and discovery environment that shapes what I believe is the best undergraduate experience in the nation,” said David Budig (Miami ’84), chair of Miami’s board of trustees.

For the past five years, Miami has been ranked the No. 1 public university in the nation for its commitment to undergraduate education. More about the president’s announcement is online.

Trustees approved recommendations from a process committee that lay groundwork for Miami’s regional campuses to add bachelor’s degrees and increase enrollment, with the intent of meeting regional educational and employment needs and improving fiscal viability of the campuses.

Trustees authorized the award of contract for the preconstruction phase of the Patterson Place Residence Hall project including planning, design, estimating and all related preconstruction services necessary to prepare the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for a budget not to exceed $3,500,000.  University planners will seek further input on the process before a resolution is prepared about the hall project for the June board meeting.

The board expressed appreciation for numerous university and community members who addressed the board about the new residence hall location, the regional campus resolution and a proposed parking lot.

These years have been the best ten years of my life. I am blessed to have had this opportunity.

Miami President David Hodge, after considering feedback and re-assessing the recommendation for a residence hall at Patterson Place, on May 4 notified the university community that Miami will seek a different solution. His memo is here.

With May 1 as the national confirmation deadline for admitted high school students, the number of applicants who have already confirmed enrollment for next fall was reported to have far exceeded the university’s goal of 3,550 entering first-year students. 

Among other action, trustees:

  • Approved a new bachelor of science in applied communication: health communication in the College of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences.
  • Approved a new master of science in criminal justice in the College of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences.
  • Set miscellaneous fees for the next academic year including rec center fees, lab fees and some activity participation fees. Most fees remain unchanged.
  • Authorizes the award of contract for the preconstruction phase of the Gunlock Athlete Performance Center project including planning, design, estimating and all related preconstruction services necessary to prepare the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for a budget not to exceed $2,500,000.
  • Expressed appreciation to Susan Mosley-Howard, who is retiring after 27 years of service to Miami, including most recently as interim dean of the College of Education, Health and Society but also as professor of educational psychology, dean of students/associate vice president for student affairs and co-chair of Miami’s Institutional Response Team.
  • Approved the granting of emerita/us status to retiring faculty and administrators.
  • Approved the naming of the David and Anita Dauch Indoor Sports Center
  • Authorized refunding of Series 2005 General Receipts bonds not to exceed $52,220,000.