Youngstown State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously Feb. 17 to name Dr. Cynthia Anderson as the university's seventh, and first female, president.
Anderson also is the first Youngstown native and the first YSU graduate to serve as president in the university's 102-year history.
"YSU does produce university presidents," Trustees Board Chair Scott Schulick commented. "She is a YSU success story."
The YSU Board of Trustees offered Anderson the job after meeting in executive session for about 20 minutes.
Nearly 1,200 people, including students, YSU staff and local officials, crowded into Chestnut Hall to hear the vote. Although Anderson was not at the meeting, the board's decision to hire her was met with roaring applause and a standing ovation. Anderson was away attending an academic conference, university officials said.
Anderson, 59, grew up in Fowler and has served as vice president for Student Affairs at YSU the past 15 years. She is succeeding Dr. David Sweet, who is retiring June 30 after 10 years in the post.
In a statement released later Wednesday, Anderson said, ''I thank everyone for their confidence and support throughout this process, and I look forward to their continued support as we move forward.''
Anderson is well-known on the YSU campus and among the community. As a student, she earned a bachelor of science degree in business education with a minor in education at YSU in 1973. During her academic career, she has held a number of positions at the university and has served as vice president for student affairs since 1995.
She earned her master's degree at The Ohio State University and her doctorate from the University of Akron. She started teaching at YSU in 1979.
Addressing the YSU community during an open forum last month, Anderson said that the students are the business of YSU and that they should be the university's top priority. She said the university needs to begin recruiting students at earlier ages and to advise them of the importance of pursuing post-secondary education.