Cleveland State University President Stepping Down

The president of Cleveland State University is resigning.  Ronald Berkman plans to step down next year so the school has time to find a replacement.  He’s been with CSU the last 8 years.  

Dr. Ronald Berkman didn’t mention he was giving his one-year notice during his Presidents’ Report to the Board of Trustees. 

Instead he talked about the school’s growing partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art, the recent award from the Great Lakes Foundation that will serve as emergency funding for students who are struggling to make ends meet, about the program the school has to shepherd foster kids through a college education. 

But after the meeting Berkman issued a statement thanking the faculty, staff, and donors for bringing 'engaged learning’ to life. 'Engaged learning' was Berkman’s term for the collaborative programs Cleveland State struck with organizations like Playhouse Square, NEOMED, and various hospitals to get work experience for CSU students.

Berkman got off to a rocky start when he was paid the relatively high $400,000 a year and had considered staying in a million dollar penthouse.  In 2014 the Faculty Senate approved a no-confidence vote in him because of his move to reduce undergraduate courses to 3 hour classes.

Board chairman Bernie Moreno said Berkman “led the transformation of the University across every dimension, from his focus on student success” to increasing philanthropic support for the school. 

During Ronald Berkman’s tenure the school completed a $100 million capital campaign and the campus expansion now houses 1000 students.