Youngstown State University president's mettle tested.

Byline: Denise Dick

Aug. 21--YOUNGSTOWN -- Cynthia Anderson's first year as Youngstown State University's president saw creation of a strategic plan, deep cuts to higher education, budget troubles and now labor problems.

"Probably she's the ideal president for the time," said Sudershan Garg, chairman of the YSU board of trustees. "Everyone is a hero when times are good. You're really tested when times are tough."

Anderson was sworn in last July as YSU's first woman president, first Mahoning Valley native and first YSU alumna to be president. She previously served as vice president for student affairs and as a university professor.

As one of her first acts, Anderson directed development of a strategic plan to take YSU through the next 10 years.

"I'm proud of the fact that we put together a strategic plan that will lead us into 2020," Anderson said.

That was a collaborative effort that involved students, faculty, staff, administrators and people from the community at large.

"We did that in about six months," Anderson said.

Unlike plans in previous years, the latest spells out estimated costs, funding sources and parties responsible for shepherding projects.

She's also proud of the two new degrees -- a doctorate in materials science and engineering and a master's of education in intervention services -- approved by the Ohio Board of Regents for YSU this …