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Education is the backbone of every State in America. It is very important to develop centers of excellence and distinct missions which is recognized by business leaders, faculty and most importantly students in order to raise the quality of education in the Ohio University system. This is the only way in which it is possible to rope in innovation and talent and maintain reputation of the universities to stand firm amidst the stiff global competition.

Nothing can actually be achieved by the thirteen universities here that constantly struggle to gather resources and funds. It is possible to benefit from a public higher education system of world class only with cooperation between the thirteen universities in bringing in resources and talents to the State. This will ensure immense economic benefits and also help face and emerge victorious amidst competition.

Each of the thirteen universities must create distinct missions which include establishing internationally and nationally recognized Centers of Excellence and providing a high quality of education. The quality of education offered at each of these universities will be effectively and comprehensively complemented by an improvement in both the state and regional economies. Sharpening their focus towards achieving this goal must be the aim of each of these schools.

This important and vital effort by universities must be necessarily supported by the state. This is possible by targeting resources for these programs and achieves metrics and goals that are mission driven by linking subsidies. Templates are being developed by the Chancellor for necessary documents to be submitted by universities after successfully identifying Centers of Excellence, good faith budget estimates and accountability measures that are institution specific. It is the duty of each institution to send in a report to the Chancellor identifying their specific goals and missions.

According to the strategic plan laid out, the University and State system of Ohio institutions must share in the efforts of establishing an excellence fund which will be controlled by the Chancellor. Any Centers of excellence which the Chancellor finds it worthy needing help will be funded through the Excellence fund. There will be openness and transparency in the procedure that determines the universities receiving this support from the Chancellor. Procedure will include external reviews too.

Centers of excellence according to the strategic plan will be established in various fields of education including science and engineering disciplines, performing and fine arts and humanities. The focus of centers of excellence remains at the graduate and professional education level as it is here that many qualities are developed in students including clinical and research skills, management and leadership qualities. It is here that innovative ideas are tested, developed, incubated and refined. It therefore goes without saying that every university must include nationally and internationally reputed graduate programs to attract prominent faculty and quality students in order to qualify for the centers of excellence fund.