Mar. 16, 2012

Attorney Bob Howarth of Columbus, Ohio, was sworn in during the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees meeting held Friday, March 9, in the Selby Board Room in the Clark Memorial Library.

Howarth is a partner in the law practice of Shoemaker & Howarth, LLP, and has more than 40 years experience in law, business, government affairs, and community relations.

"I'm looking forward to serving in this capacity and being a part of Shawnee State University's continued growth," Howarth said. "I worked with Governor Rhodes in the late 1970's when he and Speaker Vern Riffe were working to create Shawnee State Community College, so I'm familiar with SSU's beginnings. In many ways, I feel that I've come full circle. I now want to be a part of making Shawnee State University the focal point for development in the southern part of the state."

A retired Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserves and Ohio National Guard, Howarth's state government experience includes service as assistant director of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, president of the Ohio Controlling Board, president of the Ohio Emergency Board, executive assistant and general counsel to former Ohio Gov. James Rhodes, special counsel to Ohio Attorney Generals Jim Petro and Betty Montgomery, chairman of the Ohio Public Facilities Commission, member of the Ohio Board of Regents, and member of the transition teams for the administrations of former Governors James Rhodes and George Voinovich. He was also a member of the transition team for former Attorney General Betty Montgomery and has served as a member of the Board of Bar Examiners for the Ohio Supreme Court.

Howarth also previously served as senior vice president and director of community and governmental relations for The Huntington National Bank.

"Our campus, community, and state are fortunate to have someone with Bob's vast experience and knowledge helping us advance higher education," Dr. Rita Rice Morris, SSU President, said. "He is an outstanding addition to our Board of Trustees and we look forward to working closely with him over the next several years."

Howarth's term began Feb. 28, 2012 and expires June 30, 2020. He is filling the term left vacant when Jack McCoy, local businessman, completed his term.

Also during the recent board meeting, SSU trustees approved undergraduate and graduate tuition, miscellaneous fees, and housing and meal plan rates for academic year 2012-2013. Undergraduate tuition will increase by 3.5 percent, as allowed in the State's biennium budget. Graduate tuition will also increase by 3.5 percent in the fall. Housing rates will increase by 3.5 percent beginning with summer term and meal plans will increase by 4 percent.

The Board also approved a new policy on records management and retention and acknowledged faculty and staff who have announced retirements including Dr. Janna Gallaher, professor, and William Penn, associate professor, in the Department of Engineering Technologies; Dr. Larry Lonney, assistant professor, Dr. Scott Oliver, professor, and Dr. George Trampe, associate professor, in the Department of Natural Sciences; Dr. Dan Moore, professor in the Department of Business Administration; Dr. Barb Bradbury, Dean of Students; and Matt Matthews, Coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs