October 10, 2024
Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D, discussed the university’s accomplishments over the past year, presented OU’s response to some of its most pressing challenges, identified future opportunities, and shared the university’s strategic vision while delivering the 2024 State of the University Address on Thursday, Oct. 10.
“We are a university bound by shared values,” Pescovitz said. “A university where education enlightens the lives of our students. A university where our engagement and partnerships improve our communities. And we are a university that plays a vital role in the progress of all people in the region and beyond.
“Our strength is our people,” she added. “People who share a mission. Our work is not an occupation. It is a calling. And I am so proud and humbled to be here at Oakland University and to serve alongside each one of you.”
At a time when higher education is being challenged in so many ways, Pescovitz said the university must look for new opportunities.
“The challenge before us is to develop our university for the opportunities of the next decade and beyond,” she said. “Working together, I have no doubt that we can, we must, and we will boldly innovate Oakland University.”
To do this, Oakland University must first address some of the troubling myths about higher education, such as the myth that a college degree is not important and not necessary for a high-paying job.
“We’re well aware of the declining public trust and skepticism about the value of a college degree,” Pescovitz said. “But here are the facts: college graduates are twice as likely to be employed compared to those with only a high school diploma; earning for bachelor’s degree holders are 86% greater than those with only a high school diploma; and median lifetime earnings are $1.2 million higher for bachelor’s degree holders.”
In addition to dispelling myths, Pescovitz said the university must address some of the real challenges facing higher education, which include declining enrollment, unsatisfactory graduation rates, the unacceptable equity graduation gap, and the mental health crisis.
“In Michigan, the number of high school graduates has decreased by approximately 15% over the past decade, from around 130,000 graduates in 2013 to about 110,000 in 2023,” she said. “The projection is for further decline to 101,000 students by 2030. We must be prepared for the stark reality: fewer high school students means greater competition among universities and colleges, and if we do nothing, this will challenge our future revenue.”
To combat this, Oakland University has developed a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, as well as an interactive dashboard located on President’s webpage.
“There you’ll find an institutional profile, student outcomes, and university operations,” Pescovitz said. “You can also review performance indicators on the President’s Report Card. In addition, you’ll find student headcount, new student profiles, and faculty and staff profiles. There are also metrics, including student outcomes, retention and graduation rates, and much more for you to explore.”
In addition, OU has partnered with Oakland Community College (OCC) and Macomb Community College (MCC) as part of a proactive admissions strategy.
“This fall, for the first time, OCC students live in our residence halls, and benefit we will soon extend to MCC students,” Pescovitz said.
Since the full-time return to campus, the university has also recommitted to providing support for the physical and mental health needs of the campus community. This includes enhancing services at the Graham Health Center and the OU Counseling Center, supporting the Healthy Campus initiative, and launching the Uwill teleconsulting platform, which provides students with immediate access to a national network of licensed therapists and a 24/7 crisis hotline.
“We are committed to listening, acting, and always working to create the best possible workplace and campus,” Pescovitz said.
From competition in athletics to competition in the classroom, OU has made significant strides this year in living up to its mission.
“We are continually enhancing the learning environment by renovating classrooms and laboratories, improving accessibility, and building contemporary, cutting-edge classrooms and inclusive campus settings,” Pescovitz said. “We have also renewed focus on elevating student success and mitigating equity pay gaps by developing strategies to alleviate learning deficits, restructuring general education requirements to make courses more streamlined and accessible, and creating support for culturally resonant pedagogy.”
Pescovitz also highlighted the creative work of OU’s faculty members, which has generated $29 million in research grants over the past year. In addition, 12 OU faculty appeared on Stanford’s list of the top 2% of “Scientists in the World” and OU’s Department of Biological Sciences ranked sixth in Michigan for research dollars received.
“Also, this past year, Oakland rose to 233rd among 637 U.S. universities federally ranked by research expenditures and above all of our Michigan university peers,” Pescovitz said.
Looking toward the future, Pescovitz said the university will continue to focus on sustainability, which includes fiscal stewardship, the actions and policies that make Oakland a safe and secure campus, facility and grounds maintenance, and natural resources management.
“Maintaining a safe, welcoming campus is critical to create an inspiring university,” she said.
Oakland’s campus has also grown significantly in recent years, with five ribbon cutting ceremonies taking place over the past five months alone. Newly updated and/or renovated locations include the new De Carlo Meadow Brook Hall Visitor Center, Varner Hall, the O’Dowd Hall entryway, and South Foundation Hall.
“Bering mindful of the requirements to maintain a sustainable infrastructure, we are developing a campus master plan that will complement the vision and initiatives set forth in our strategic plan,” Pescovitz said. “Together, these complimentary plans will further develop the facilities, natural resources, and promise of the university.”
In closing, Pescovitz shared her hope for the future of Oakland University.
“Our story, the Oakland University story, is foremost a story about people,” she said. “People setting out on a journey to learn about themselves and the world, and to educate those who walk through out gates, and find a home for their dreams. And as we sit here together, this is how we must stand together as a campus community: side by side.
“Let’s pledge to work together, to further elevate Oakland as a preeminent international university with an intensely regional focus and a global impact,” Pescovitz added. “Together, we can. Together, we must. Together, we will. Now is the time to believe in our potential, and our power to collaborate to shape out future.”