Miami University’s Board of Trustees approved the site location to continue the initial concept and design phase for a potential new multipurpose arena, along with the promotion and/or tenure of 39 faculty members and six librarians during the Feb. 28 board meeting.

The board also approved two new degrees in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) during the session.

The promotion and tenure actions take effect July 1.

“It is a privilege to recognize these outstanding educators and scholars for their achievements and commitment to their disciplines,” said Elizabeth Mullenix, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “Their contributions in the classrooms, labs, and cross-disciplinary learning spaces are helping to develop the next generation of thought leaders and elevating Miami’s teacher-scholar model. I’m honored to work alongside them to advance our mission of student success.”

In addition, the board approved a new Engineering – Doctor of Philosophy, as well as an Electrical and Computer Engineering – Master of Engineering degree.

Pending state approval, both advanced degree programs have a proposed start date of this fall. The new Engineering – Doctor of Philosophy degree will be an interdisciplinary degree offered in collaboration between the College of Engineering and Computing and the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Science, and the flexibility of the curriculum will allow students to fully engage in interdisciplinary study and research. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Ph.D. in Engineering with a concentration in one of the following areas: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Automation Engineering, or Engineering Physics.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering – Master of Engineering program is expected to include an internship, an industrial practicum, or a non-thesis project and is designed to be completed within a year on a full-time basis or pursued over a longer period of time by working professionals and non-traditional students.

Also during the board meeting, Director of Athletics David Sayler delivered an update on the recommendation to consider building a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field. The approval of the proposed site allows the design phase to continue but obligates no additional funding.  

The update provided information on the need for a new arena to replace Millett Hall, which opened in 1968 and would require at least $130 million to repair and add practice facilities. Millett has $85 million in deferred maintenance and practice facilities are estimated at $50 million.

An additional investment would be needed to make renovations, bring up to current code, and add amenities expected in modern facilities. The building of a new arena would relocate the current intramural fields at Cook Field to the south lawn of Millett Hall and offer an opportunity to invest in and upgrade Miami’s intramural recreation space.

The Cook Field site is located adjacent to the proposed hotel and restaurant near the Farmer School of Business, Bachelor Hall, and Shideler Hall. Pulley Tower is expected to remain and a master plan will be developed for the entire Cook Field site to explore how possible future projects, such as a conference center, retail spaces, and/or a parking garage, could be integrated into the overall site.

Prior to the Cook Field recommendation, the committee considered feedback from more than 1,500 Miamians, along with information about the sites and campus planning from the Physical Facilities Department Office of Planning, Architecture, and Engineering.

Other trustee actions included:

• The approval of one administrator emerita and one administrator emeritus;
• The approval of naming recommendations for the Marchia G. Williams Study Room in King Library and the Don and Cathy Sinko Clinical Technology Exploration Laboratory in the Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness Building;
• The approval for the awarding of a contract for the renovation of Morris, Tappan, and Emerson halls;
• The approval of changes to the existing Resolution R2023-02, which provides guidance for the Committee for the Naming of Campus Facilities;
• Authorized the awarding of contracts for the Western Campus Solar Field Addition project;
• Authorized the awarding of contracts for the renovation for Ohio Means Jobs at the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub.