The University of Toledo Board of Trustees voiced its support for UToledo President Gregory Postel’s leadership during his first annual performance evaluation, specifically praising the safe reopening of campus during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stabilization of finances at The University of Toledo Medical Center.
In public comments following an annual review Wednesday at a special meeting, Alfred Baker, chair of the UToledo Board of Trustees, commended Postel for his success achieving critical goals in the middle of a global crisis.
Postel joined UToledo in an interim role last July, and the Board appointed him UToledo’s 18th president in March.
Postel
“Thirteen months ago when we hired Dr. Postel, UToledo was in the midst of a multitude of challenges,” Baker said. “At that time, it would have been impossible to project that UToledo would be where it is today — a stabilized enterprise.”
In its positive annual review, the Board recognized Postel for accomplishments that occurred under his leadership, including operationalizing the Rocket Restart in a way that is safe for students and which optimizes educational experience and stabilizing the finances of UTMC and laying the groundwork for sustainability beyond the current year, including the strategic investment in a new electronic medical records system.
Within a few months Postel established eight key initiatives for the University, focusing institutional efforts on short and long-term goals with the goal of creating a solid foundation upon which to build future growth. Among the short-term goals, Postel created an Office of Enterprise Risk Management and began implementing strategies to eliminate racism on campus. He oversaw University operations within a balanced budget, including reinvesting funds to support the key initiatives outlined.
Finally, he led the development of a budget modernization strategy to convert to a responsibility-centered management budget model in the next fiscal year and the development of a strategic enrollment management plan to address the University enrollment challenges. He is preparing campus for a Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation site visit later this year.
As part of the annual review and aligned with Postel’s contract, the board approved a performance incentive of 30% of his salary. Postel also will receive the 2% wage increase that was approved at the June Board of Trustees meeting for non-bargained for employees across the University to recognize their hard work during the past year.
“These are just some of many examples of the work, engagements and relationships that President Postel has developed over a relatively short period of time, and the Board would like to thank him for his commitment in moving UToledo forward, especially in this exceptionally challenging year,” Baker said.
