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New Wright State President Addresses Financial Issues In First Speech

April Laissle
/
WYSO

At a crowded reception Thursday, new Wright State University President Cheryl B. Schraderaddressed campus for the first time since taking office July 1. In her speech, Schrader repeatedly acknowledged the university’s financial problems.

Credit April Laissle

"While all of us would probably prefer to be on more sound financial footing at this time, I know that we can't afford to dwell on the mistakes of the past...rather we must learn from them."Wright State is in the midst of budget crisis that has resulted in layoffs and program cuts. The school most recently cut over $30 million from its yearly budget.

Schrader said she’ll spend her first few months talking to members of the campus community. She’ll also be evaluating programs and services at Wright State, and deciding what to prioritize.

 

"Together we will highlight what we do best, and focus on those areas of excellence," she said. "What we must stop doing is trying to be everything to everyone."

Schrader comes to Wright State from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where she spent 5 years as chancellor.

 

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April Laissle is a graduate of Ohio University and comes to WYSO from WOUB Public Media in Athens, Ohio where she worked as a weekend host and reporter. There, she reported on everything from food insecurity to 4-H chicken competitions. April interned at KQED Public Radio in San Francisco, where she focused on health reporting. She also worked on The Broad Experience, a New-York based podcast about women and workplace issues. In her spare time, April loves traveling, trying new recipes and binge-listening to podcasts. April is a Florida native and has been adjusting to Ohio weather since 2011.