The University of Toledo will welcome Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John Carey to campus and to the city of Toledo Thursday to discuss higher education funding in the 2015 state budget.

Carey also will have the opportunity to learn from UT researchers about the impact of the University’s research on the region and the nation in the areas of the study of algal blooms in Lake Erie and the fight against human trafficking.

“The University of Toledo is honored to welcome Chancellor Carey back to northwest Ohio for another visit,” said UT President Sharon L. Gaber. “In this year’s budget, Ohio elected officials and higher education leaders demonstrated clearly to students, families and public institutions of higher education their commitment to making a college education affordable. It is a commitment that is shared by this University.”

Sharon Speyer, chair of the UT Board of Trustees, pointed to the University’s historic commitment to financial accessibility.

“In the next two years, UT will freeze tuition for the 4th and 5th time since 2007,” said Speyer, who will participate in the strategic discussions with Carey on Thursday. “Chancellor Carey has played a critical role in working with the Governor and Ohio elected officials to secure in this budget an investment in higher education that ensures UT maintains the highest quality educational experience for our graduates.”

Gaber said the research meetings are examples of the tremendous return on investment that is generated for the community from university, state and federal research grants and awards.

Carey will help UT dedicate a new research vessel for the Lake Erie Center at a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the National Museum of the Great Lakes and also will meet with faculty to learn more about the University’s new Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute.