During her second State of the University address, University of Toledo President Sharon Gaber reflected on UT’s accomplishments as it works to elevate its national reputation and urged Toledoans to show more university pride.

“We have so much to be proud of,” she said. “Great research by our faculty, innovative leadership, students who excel in the classroom and serve their community, and staff members who go above and beyond with tight resources.”

Speaking to a crowd of more than 400 people, Ms. Gaber, outlined her strategic plan that is guided by five priorities.

Improving student success is her chief concern, she said, followed by achieving national prominence in research; fostering a culture of excellence; building and maintaining a strong financial base, and strengthening UT’s reputation and community engagement.

Ms. Gaber, who took office in July, 2015, cited an uptick in this year’s graduation rates, almost $41 million in external research funding, and UT’s sustained efforts to derail the opioid crisis as evidence of the encouraging momentum the university is building.

She also touched on one of the biggest challenges the university faced this academic year when the physician assistant studies program temporarily lost its accreditation.

“We learned a great deal from that experience,” she said. “We learned that we can benefit from better processes and more oversight. The fact that we are large and complex is not an excuse for poor execution.”

Ms. Gaber’s most impassioned plea came toward the end of her address when she challenged the Toledo community to get behind the university and show more Rocket pride.

“When I drive around town, I want to see Rocket flags, Rocket bumper stickers, and Rocket signs instead of flags and signs from other schools that are many miles away,” she said.

The crowd occasionally broke into applause during her speech. The packed house included students, staff, faculty, community members, and Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with Dr. Gaber’s vision,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said, adding that she laid out a plan that’s achievable.

He added that he agreed that there needs to be a collaborative effort between the university and the city to boost pride in UT and Toledo.

“UT is this city’s only university,” Ms. Gaber said. “We have an important impact on this community and we need your support,” she told the audience.

“We want you to share our enthusiasm, mentor our students, see our physicians, partner with us, root for our Rockets, and hire our graduates.”

Contact Javonte Anderson at janderson@theblade.com, 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @JavonteA.

First Published April 18, 2018, 10:13 p.m.