Interim President Matt Schroeder is implementing a phased approach to reposition The University of Toledo. Phase one will focus on administrators and strengthening operations across UToledo.
The initial focus is centered around changes that will support top priorities to thoughtfully stabilize enrollment and support student success; increase strategic connectivity; enhance revenues and drive efficiencies; and to position UToledo as a destination.
“To accomplish our goals of positioning UToledo as a regional force powering opportunities to learn, care, work and play, a high-performing team is essential,” Schroeder said. “We are moving forward with a sense of urgency to fill key leadership positions while also identifying ways to streamline existing administrative operations.”
As part of phase one, Schroeder has evaluated administrators with a direct reporting line to the president, known previously as the Senior Leadership Team, to identify opportunities to reduce administration, better align responsibilities and improve collaboration.
Larry Kelley, who led the University’s financial operations from 2015 to 2018, is returning to campus to serve as executive vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.
Leadership of academic affairs, finance and administration, enrollment management, UToledo Health, research and sponsored programs, legal affairs, advancement, athletics, and marketing and communications will continue to report to the president as members of the President’s Cabinet. A larger UToledo Leadership Council of key leaders across the institution will also support key initiatives.
In addition to student experience operations moving into the Office of the Provost as previously announced in December 2023, so will diversity, equity and inclusion as both areas are critical to supporting student success.
Government relations, community engagement, information technology and risk management will join the finance and administration team to enhance collaboration among administrative operations. Larry Kelley, who led the University’s financial operations from 2015 to 2018, is returning to campus to serve as executive vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.
A national search is already underway for a new vice president for enrollment management and Schroeder intends to initiate a national search for an executive vice president for health affairs who will lead UToledo Health. The process to identify an interim chief physician executive responsible for the UToledo Physicians Clinical Faculty is nearing completion. Work also is underway to engage a national search firm to assist with attracting exceptional talent to UToledo.
A shared services model for business operations is being developed and will be deployed to better align efforts of the individuals responsible for information technology, budget, human resources, recruitment, clinical environmental services and marketing within university offices rather than within specific units across campuses.
Similarly, to best position UToledo as a destination, auxiliary operations across campus including housing, dining, Student Recreation Center, Student Union and the Early Learning Center, will be consolidated as one unit.
Within the Office of the President, Katie DeBenedictis, previously director of senior administrative operations, will serve as the president’s chief of staff and continue her role as secretary to the UToledo Board of Trustees. Additionally, Terence Romer will join the office to lead strategy and business insights.
Phase two of the changes will begin in the coming months and will focus on improving clinical operations, enhancing strategic connectivity with the launch of a new brand for the institution, building partnerships and implementing the strategic enrollment plan.
