FROM THE PRESIDENT
Celebrating Successes, Celebrating Our History
As we approach 2023 and the beginning of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of Frostburg State University, this is an opportunity to share some of our recent successes and a look toward the coming future at FSU.
Frostburg State University met the challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus, and we adapted but stayed true to our values of an individualized and engaging learning experience for our students. We expanded educational interactions through technology while ensuring that the faculty-student communications continued.
We, as well as higher education in general, are evaluating the changes implemented over the past two years with an aim to continue those that show value in student success.
We have also embarked on two significant “regional” projects:
The first is the creation of the Frostburg State University Regional Science Center, which will be located in the former City Hall in downtown Frostburg, recently donated to the University. The Regional Science Center will be home to this area’s Challenger Learning Center, a facility designed to foster an interest in science among middle-school students from three states within an hour’s driving distance of FSU.
With the support of our local legislators, the governor and the University System of Maryland, FSU will be the home of a Regional Recreation Complex. This multiyear project, which includes renovations to the Harold J. Cordts PE Center, will also feature improvements to our baseball and softball fields and a building with multiple indoor turf fields. The intent is to provide first-class recreational opportunities to this region; serve as a regional economic driver; provide opportunities for our students to get hands-on experiences in sports management, sport science and athletic training; and enhance recreational/athletic activities for our students.
Related to athletics, by the time you receive this, we expect that Frostburg State University will be officially a full member in NCAA Division II. Congratulations to all who worked on this transition over the past three years. We have seen the number of student-athletes at FSU increase by more than 20 percent, and our teams are already demonstrating success in the Mountain East Conference.
I conclude my comments by thanking everyone who is helping us make Forging Futures: The Campaign for Frostburg State University a success.
The responses following the public announcement in September 2021 and for #BobcatGivingDay this April have demonstrated the commitment of alumni(ae) and friends to FSU. The number of new donors is very heartening as we encourage everyone to be part of the coming 125th-year celebration of FSU’s founding.
Watch for more information about this celebration in future communications.
Go Bobcats!
Ronald Nowaczyk, Ph.D.
President