UB President Satish Tripathi gave his fifth annual State of the University Address on Friday morning in the Student Union Theater.
Tripathi’s speech, which lasted roughly thirty minutes, highlighted the university’s achievements and goals for the future. He began the address by celebrating the university’s improved ranking. U.S. World News and Report ranked UB No. 43 among public universities and the Wall Street Journal placed UB at No. 28, according to Tripathi.
He said the city of Buffalo is also experiencing a “steady upward trajectory.” Tripathi attributed this improvement to the people, ideas and discoveries at UB.
“I am proud to report, once again, that the state of our university is very strong and our future is equally bright,” Tripathi said.
UB has received an increase in research funding. Funds increased from $156 million to $184 million, which has resulted in a rise in scholarly citations, higher rates of faculty honors and improved educational offerings for students, according to Tripathi. He said the university is especially seeing improvement in STEM field research and mentorship.
He said these opportunities serve as strong preparation for UB graduates to compete in both the job market and graduate school applications.
Ninety four percent of UB graduates from the class of 2015 are either employed or pursuing graduate degrees, according to Tripathi.
Tripathi emphasized recent improvements in infrastructure, including the grand re-opening of Hayes Hall, home to the School of Architecture and Planning, as well as the renovation of the third floor of the Oscar A. Silverman Library in Capen Hall. He also discussed ongoing renovations to South Campus facilities.
“We are renovating our classic buildings while making 21st century innovations to enhance research and education,” Tripathi said.
Tripathi also said the law school’s recent fundraising campaign was the most successful in the university’s history and raised $30 million.
Sixty-three of percent Finish in Four participants graduate in four years, according to Tripathi. The Finish in Four program provides students with the support they need to complete their degrees program in four years.
UB’s Class of 2020 was also highlighted. Tripathi said it is the largest class in UB’s history, with just under 4,000 students. Eighty percent of freshmen are participating in the Finish in Four program, he said.
The university will continue to focus on hiring more faculty and engaging with the Buffalo community, according to Tripathi. He also said there are currently efforts underway to create more digitally enhanced classrooms as well as improve the Wi-Fi networks across all three campuses.
“I believe we can and will do all this because we have amply proven our ability to make big ideas a reality,” Tripathi said.
Maddy Fowler is a news staff writer and can be reached at news@ubspectrum.com
