(Announcements are compiled from press releases and in the order received )
NEWS SHORTS BRIEFS ARE UPDATED DAILY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UToledo interim leaders hired as permanent deans
The University of Toledo is investing in its academic leadership team by naming several interim deans to the permanent roles of the university’s law, engineering and medical schools.
The new deans include Rebecca Zietlow, who has served as interim dean of the College of Law since June 2023; Dr. Mohammad Elahinia, who has led the College of Engineering as interim dean since March 2024; and Dr. Imran Ali, who assumed interim leadership of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences in July 2024.
TMA named Best Art Museum in 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
TOLEDO – The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) has been voted the Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025. This national recognition, determined by public vote, underscores TMA’s progress in fulfilling its vision to become the model museum in the United States for its commitment to quality and its culture of belonging.
“We are honored and excited to be named the Best Art Museum in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Adam Levine, the Toledo Museum of Art’s Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey director. “This recognition is a tribute to the dedication of our staff, the relevance of our strategy, and the support of our exceptional community. We are grateful to everyone who voted for TMA and helped showcase Toledo as a world-class arts destination.”
Selected from a competitive field of 20 institutions across the country, TMA topped the final list of 10 winning museums, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Cincinnati Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, The Dali Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, Memorial Art Gallery, and The Andy Warhol Museum. (03/04)
LC4 receives new director, new deputy director
TOLEDO – The Board of Lucas County Commissioners voted to appoint Dave
Blyth as the director of Lucas County Canine Care & Control (LC4) and chief Lucas County
dog warden. Blyth has a wealth of knowledge and experience in canine care and control and is very familiar with Lucas County’s operations. He served as a deputy dog warden at LC4 from 1981 to 2008. He has a degree in law enforcement from University of Toledo and certifications from the National Animal Care and Control Association.
The Board also voted to appoint Terra Bundy as the deputy director of LC4, a position new to the table of organization. In addition to assisting in day-to-day operations, she will be responsible for refining the department’s policies and procedures and ensuring staff are trained and equipped for success. Bundy has a strong background in human resources and labor relations and robust knowledge of Lucas County operations.
Both are expected to start in March.
Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. announces bipartisan passage of $11.5B transportation budget, creating jobs, projects and opportunities
COLUMBUS– State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) voted to pass the bipartisan Ohio Transportation Budget (House Bill 54) through the Ohio House of Representatives. The budget’s appropriation of $11.5B is a significant investment into the future of Ohio jobs, connecting the workforce to the worksite, and the bill will improve roads, bridges, and transit systems across Ohio.
Selected provisions brought forward by Rep. Rogers, Jr. and included in House Bill (HB) 54:
- Provides $8B in statewide highway construction and maintenance projects over the Biennium
- Makes progress toward meeting the state’s significant public transportation needs by appropriating nearly $200M for public transit, including $30M to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program
- Appropriates $18M for Transportation Improvement Districts to invest in local infrastructure across the state
- Protects construction workers on the highway by establishing the Road Safety Pilot Program to assess speed compliance in construction zones, but prohibits using traffic law photo devices for any purpose, including a citation, summons, or ticket
- Authorizes the continued distribution of gas tax revenue to cities, counties, and townships across Ohio to support local road maintenance;
- Adopts the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, which creates the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission and earmarks $25K in each fiscal year to pay for the costs associated with joining the compact
- Continues funding commitments to the Brent Spence Bridge
HB 54 passed the House by a 97-0 vote. It now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
Toledo Rockets rally together for record-setting day of giving
University of Toledo alumni, faculty, staff and friends came together for a record-setting Rocket Forward Day of Giving.
The annual 36-hour crowdfunding campaign set a record for the most participants with 3,882 gifts made totaling $2,102,228 in support for UToledo. The 2025 campaign finished strong with a 58 percent increase in gifts and 23 percent increase in funds raised when compared to the previous year.
The fundraising campaign ran for 24 hours in February, generating online donations as well as through live event participation with community partners. Local businesses and community organizations supported Rocket Forward Day of Giving by donating a percent of sales or offering opportunities for patrons to round-up their purchase, generating $2,567.35 in support.
Funds raised through the Rocket Forward Day of Giving support areas across the University, including scholarships, athletics and educational programs, research, healthcare and community services.
