Empowering learners with unmatched experiences and comprehensive opportunities, Bowling Green State University continues to build positive momentum through relevant degree programs and student-focused initiatives that elevate the college experience.

During their December meeting at BGSU Firelands – the University's regional campus in Huron, Ohio – the Board of Trustees approved the creation of a new music industry degree program, supported the improvement of athletics and activity fields and authorized plans for continued campus improvements.

Launching a new degree

At the Dec. 6 meeting, trustees approved the creation of a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry, which will prepare students for meaningful careers in various aspects of the billion-dollar business, including production, management, communication, marketing, technology and more.

The University's launch of the new degree comes as the Recording Industry Association of America reports the music industry as a whole experienced continued growth for the eighth consecutive year in 2023 with estimated retail value reaching a record-high $17.1 billion.

The new degree builds upon the University's current music industry minor and will comprise of pre-existing courses taught by established BGSU faculty in the College of Musical Arts, the Schmidthorst College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. As part of the interdisciplinary program, students will be required to complete two internships or co-ops to apply program learning while gaining real-world experience.

"With increased and demonstrated interest nationwide in bachelor degree offerings in music industry, BGSU is excited to launch this program for our students," said Dr. Glenn Davis, interim provost and senior vice president and vice president for student engagement and success at BGSU. "Our multifaceted approach to music industry education will combine the expertise of the University's world-class faculty with relevant courses and real-world experiences to empower BGSU students for successful careers in a growing profession."

The University's offering of a bachelor's degree in music industry also creates opportunities for students with associate degrees in related fields to advance their education and grow their credentials through the BGSU program.

Elevating experiences in student athletics and organizations

As part of the University's commitment to enhancing the student experience, the board supported plans for improvements to Warren E. Steller Field and the multipurpose field located next to Charles E. Perry Field House.

Home to BGSU Falcon Baseball, Steller Field was built in 1964 with a traditional grass turf. Over the last 60 years, field conditions have evolved, making the playing surface less than desirable for competition.

Planned improvements to Steller Field's playing surface include replacing the current grass turf with an all-weather, synthetic turf complete with drainage and other materials to enhance practice and game day experiences.

Serving as a primary practice space for the Falcon Marching Band – the largest student organization on campus – and other activities, the multipurpose field located to the west of the Perry Field House has also experienced frequent and heavy use throughout the years.

To enhance the 81,000-square-foot surface, the University is set to replace the existing all-grass turf with a lined synthetic turf to create a state-of-the-art outdoor rehearsal space for the Falcon Marching Band complete with lights, observation towers, water, power and a sound system. The upgraded field will also support a variety of student and community-focused activities, including intramural sports, groups and camps.

Design and pre-construction for both field improvement projects are set to begin in spring 2025 with an estimated completion in fall 2025.

Building upon an innovative partnership

As a result of a recent merger between Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, trustees approved the renaming of the University's first-of-its-kind Resort and Attraction Management program.

Previously known as the Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management program, the program will now be referred to as the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program.

“The Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program at Bowling Green State University provides incredible learning experiences for our students,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Six Flags, providing even greater opportunities for our students to participate in co-ops at parks across the nation and support in building their professional network and connections through mentorship with industry leaders. This first-of-its-kind program has grown significantly since its launch in 2020, attracting students from across the nation to Bowling Green, and we look forward to its continued success in partnership with Six Flags.”

The one-of-a-kind program leverages an innovative public-private partnership between BGSU and Six Flags to prepare students for meaningful careers in the expanding resort and attraction industry, including theme and amusement park operations, resort management, retail, marketing, finance and more.

Students earn their bachelor's degree in person at the program's standalone facility in downtown Sandusky, Ohio, near Cedar Point amusement park or through BGSU Online and can complete paid co-ops at select Six Flags parks nationwide. Students may also pursue internship opportunities outside of the company.

Enhancing engineering education

To further support the University's innovative engineering offerings launched this fall, the BGSU Board of Trustees approved additional construction work for the forthcoming state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center.

Along with work already underway, additional construction to the reimagined Technology Building will include upgrading the facility's mid-bay area, enhancing existing labs and classrooms to support experiential learning and upgrading HVAC, electrical and safety systems. Additionally, the building's west wing and second-story connector will be demolished.

Set for completion in spring 2026, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will feature seven large-scale specialty labs to facilitate hands-on learning with the latest robotics and engineering technology. The cutting-edge 24,000-square-foot facility will also house ultra-modern classrooms and collaboration space to support quality teaching and creative activities.

Home to longstanding ABET-accredited programs in applied engineering, BGSU this fall enrolled students in its robotics engineering, electronics and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering degree programs, which were developed to meet Ohio's growing workforce needs in the expanding fields. BGSU is differentiating engineering education through its unique programs by blending strong foundations in math and science with practical, hands-on experiences in and outside the classroom.