Gov. Ted Strickland will visit Kent State Thursday to speak about higher education issues and his vision for the new University System of Ohio.

Patricia Myers, director of government relations at Kent State, said the governor’s hour-long visit will include a tour of the science departments in Williams Hall and a press conference in Risman Plaza.

The press conference will begin at 2:10 p.m. and is open to the public. If it rains, the press conference will be held in the Student Center.

“He particularly wanted students and faculty to be there,” Myers said. “That’s what he asked for.”

On Aug. 1, Strickland announced his plan to unite Ohio’s public universities and community colleges under the new system. Although the plan is not clear yet, a few aspects of the program may include allowing universities to share resources, making the transfer of credits easier within the state and creating centers of excellence to highlight a university’s strengths and its regional economic needs.

Contact administration reporter Jackie Valley at [email protected].