Gov. Ted Strickland urged students to believe in the future of the state and “think about staying in Ohio” after graduation.

“The status quo is over,” he said. “We are moving forward.”

Speaking to more than 250 spectators in Risman Plaza this afternoon, Strickland said improving higher education concerned him the most when he first came into office.

“The state has a greater responsibility than it has assumed in recent years to invest in higher education,” he said.

As a result, Strickland said the new state budget calls for a two-year tuition freeze for public universities, and he is working with Chancellor Eric Fingerhut to implement the new University System of Ohio.

Strickland said his vision for the University System of Ohio is to promote collaboration among Ohio’s public universities and community colleges.

“That does not mean any institution will, in any way, be diminished,” he said.

Contact administration reporter Jackie Valley at [email protected].