Flagship status, student success highlight president’s address to university

As a flagship, a university should be “remarkably different” — in its quality of teaching, research and public service, in its devotion to access and equity, and in its commitment to meeting the socio-economic needs of its region.

That’s how President Satish K. Tripathi sees UB.

“Remarkably different,” said Tripathi, emphasizing the phrase borrowed from higher-education scholar John Aubrey Douglass.

“Everywhere I look, that is exactly what I see,” the president said Friday. “And let me assure you, UB’s remarkable difference will propel us into the ranks of the nation’s Top 25 public research universities.”

Tripathi, during his 11th annual address in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, spoke at length about UB’s new status as one of two SUNY flagships, declaring the state of the university as “strong.”

He highlighted some of its successes over the past year, including UB’s recent attention from the White House; how research expenditures have reached new heights; the infusion of millions of dollars in new state investment to hire more faculty; and a commitment over the next three years to doubling the number of faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

But the president also acknowledged the challenges ahead, namely student retention, and the need for student success to remain UB’s “top priority.” He thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Western New York delegation for earmarking $1.7 million in state funds to enhance student success initiatives at UB.

“Due to COVID, online learning took its toll on K-12 education,” Tripathi said. “This, in turn, has impaired students’ academic preparation for higher education. We also know that many of our students must, unfortunately, pause their UB education due to financial hardship.

“Despite these factors, for our students’ sake, we must get back on track,” Tripathi said.

The president touched on a host of issues during his 45-minute speech, from new campus construction, like One World Café and Paula Agrusa Plaza, to UB’s efforts to facilitate local startups and entrepreneurship.

He recognized faculty and student accomplishments; talked of UB programs making an impact in the community; spoke of dismantling structural barriers to equity; urged students to be engaged citizens; and remembered Pearl Young, a UB alumna who was one of the 10 people killed during the Tops shooting on May 14.

All throughout, Tripathi used the flagship designation bestowed upon UB earlier this year by the governor as a theme.

“Although UB has long been considered a de facto flagship, this formal distinction has brought immense pride to all of us,” Tripathi said.

“To extend the analogy, I would say that the flagship designation has put the wind in our sails as it underscores UB’s reputation as a premier public research university,” he said.

Tripathi spoke in detail about what it means to be a flagship and setting the standard for other institutions to follow, pointing to recent examples of research across UB — from investigating global health challenges to improving computer chip security to tracking space debris.

“This is what ‘remarkably different’ looks like,” he said.

He noted UB’s historic collaboration with six Indian universities this year; the launch of the Department of Indigenous Studies; and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities that will support plans for a James Joyce Museum on the South Campus.

“This is what it means to be a flagship,” Tripathi said. “That your libraries house world-class treasures. That your departments are ahead of their time. That your work is recognized at the highest level, including by the White House.”

Tripathi referred to last month’s historic visit by Vice President Kamala Harris, who came to campus to lay out the Biden administration’s investment in climate action.

“When some learned that the White House had selected our university for this significant visit, they asked one question: ‘Why UB?’” Tripathi said. “However, to those familiar with the depth and breadth of our climate-change research and practices, there was no question.

“So, whenever someone asks, ‘Why UB?’” Tripathi said, “I respond, ‘Of course, UB.’”

The president also addressed:

• Research: On the whole, UB’s sponsored research expenditures increased 7% over last year, while the number of active awards rose, as well. For the first time in UB’s history, federal expenditures topped $200 million, as the president challenged the UB community to double that by 2030.

“Admittedly, these are bold goals,” Tripathi said. “However, they are not out of reach for a university of UB’s caliber.”

• Faculty hiring: UB welcomed more than 130 new full-time faculty across all decanal areas this year and has received $12.1 million from the state for additional faculty hiring.

“This will bring more than 70 new faculty to UB in addition to the faculty hiring we conduct annually,” Tripathi said. “This is an unprecedented opportunity. It will allow us to grow our faculty, enhance the excellence of our departments and deepen our impact.”

In fact, the percentage of new faculty hires who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds increased from less than 10% in 2019 to nearly 35% this year. By 2025, the university is committed to doubling the number of faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

• Student success and retention: Tripathi said UB must use the $1.7 million investment from the state to “reimagine our student support systems to ensure our students don’t slip through the cracks and to prepare them to lead in these complex times.”

“Today,” he said, “I call on our university community to re-commit to student success through the arc of the student experience from the moment they step on campus as a prospect to the day they don their cap and gown as a graduate.”

• Boldly Buffalo: Now nearing the $1 billion mark, the campaign to date has created 380 new student scholarships, increased endowed chairs and professorships by 75% and dedicated $138 million in research funding.