<b>By SUSAN MYKRANTZ<br>
Ohio Correspondent</b> </p><p>

WOOSTER, Ohio — One can almost feel the excitement radiating from E. Gordon Gee as he talks about The Ohio State University.
Back for his second stint as president, Gee was at the Wooster Campus of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) to tour it, view the departments and learn about research being conducted.</p><p>
He also spent time with the students at the OSU Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) campus.</p><p>
“I work for 11 million Ohioans, and I am proud of that,” he said.
Gee told a group of business and community leaders during his visit that OSU is making its mark on the country and the world. While its trip to the National Championship game didn’t turn out the way Gee and millions of fans had hoped, he still considers Ohio State the best university in the country with “the best band in the land” and the best fans.</p><p>
He told the group that the OARDC, already a world-class research facility, is undergoing a transformation from conducting traditional agricultural research to conducting research to meet the needs of a changing world. “This place is doing remarkable things,” he said.
“We are not limited by geographical boundaries. Wherever the Ohio State flag is flying, we are making a difference in the world.”</p><p>
Gee added OSU is highly regarded across the country, and he plans to build on that with the implementation of a six-step strategic plan.</p><p>
His plan includes combining a liberal arts tradition with professional schools and medical schools considered to be leaders in their fields. Too, the university must put the students first by providing unique educational experiences.</p><p>
Gee believes the university must attract and retain world-class teachers and researchers who will contribute to the success of their students, the community, the state and the world. He stressed the need to stimulate new discoveries in research and innovation in all areas throughout the institution. With his trip to Wooster and the OARDC and ATI campuses, Gee stressed another point in his strategic plan: That of the university’s commitment to the community it serves.</p><p>
He believes the university must revitalize its covenants with Ohio’s communities and understand its responsibility to Ohio taxpayers, who want their assets to be used wisely.</p><p>
Finally, Gee said it is important to simplify the university systems and structures, allowing faculty, staff and students to thrive.