State of the University - 2022

Oakland University held its annual State of the University address, led by President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz on Wednesday, November 30. This year's update highlighted many of the current challenges and opportunities that face OU and other higher education institutions in today's world.

Those in attendance in the Founders Ballrooms enjoyed a kickoff performance by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance's Oakland Chorale, directed by Professor of Music and director of Chorale Activities, Michael Mitchell. 

Then, Professor Dominique Daniel, Kresge Library Humanities Librarian for History and Modern Languages and Coordinator of Archives and Special Collections, took the stage. She talked about the history of OU, cited prior financial challenges the university has faced and overcome and illustrated OU's resilience through historical photos.

There was also an inspirational video highlighting some of the campus "Changemakers." This video encouraged all in attendance to find their path of being changemakers at OU.

Then, Pescovitz addressed a wide range of topics such as enrollment and retention, budget challenges and strategies, the process of "Reimaging OU," increased state funding thanks to everyone's "Strive for 45" work done prior to the pandemic, outlining the need to build and strengthen partnerships within the business sector and surrounding communities and celebrating the campaign fundraising successes of the past year.

Here is a link to view the first Changemaker video shown at State of the University

Here is a link to view the second Changemaker video shown at the State of the University

Here is a link to the full event and President Pescovitz's talk (runs 57 minutes)

Here is a detailed story online at the Oakland Post, OU's independent student newspaper website