Youngstown State University Foundation

Youngstown State University Foundation

The Youngstown State University Foundation was created in 1966 by former university president Howard W. Jones to hold and distribute private endowment assets separately from state control. Paul McFadden currently leads operations while Nader Atway chairs the board and Scott Schulick directs the investment committee. The foundation allocates roughly 70 percent of assets to public equities and 30 percent to fixed income, with additional commitments to private real estate funds and credit strategies. Confirmed holdings include positions in Carmel Partners Investment Fund V, Windrose EAF VII, and Townsquare Real Estate Alpha Fund. It also owns multiple parcels on Arlington Street in Youngstown for university parking and maintains the Excellence Training Center at Kohli Hall through a joint venture. Geographic exposure centers on Ohio real estate and U.S. private markets. Clearstead acts as investment advisor and OCIO, with Huntington National Bank handling implementation. The foundation employs no disclosed investment staff count and maintains one headquarters. Recent activity includes organization of the Kilcawley Centered on the Future Campaign launched in July 2025 to fund student center renovations. Adjacent vehicles include support for the Rich Center for Autism and the Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork. The foundation's structure separates philanthropic distributions from university governance while retaining direct control over certain real assets and a student investment program. This setup allows continued management of gifted properties and program-specific endowments without external LP obligations beyond its listed fund commitments.