THE SEARCH FOR THE 18TH PRESIDENT OF
The University of Akron is a place of many firsts. From offering the world's first courses in rubber chemistry, to pioneering one of the country's oldest cooperative education programs, to establishing the world's first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, our top-ranked and in-demand degree programs span numerous academic disciplines.
UA's eight degree-granting colleges, as well as the School of Law, are central to our mission of providing well-established and highly regarded academic programs. From our centers and institutes to industry partnerships, the opportunities available to our students for experiential learning are boundless.
The nationally recognized University of Akron Research Foundation has helped launch more than 60 startup companies, participates in numerous joint ventures with major corporations and manages over 300 U.S. patents and 500 patents worldwide on behalf of the university.
True to its legacy, UA involves numerous partners in its progress, with more than 600 collaborations with business, industry, community, academia and government. The partnerships weave UA and the community together in a way that benefits everyone.
UA is home to more than 1,500 full- and part-time faculty members, including world-class scientists and scholars, whose academic impact reverberates far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Seventy-four percent of the University’s full-time faculty members possess a terminal degree, and students enjoy a student-faculty ratio of 18:1.
Students at UA enjoy the full campus experience, moving seamlessly from the classroom to the city and around the country and globe. With more than 300 student organizations and clubs, students are involved with groups related to academics, careers, hobbies, faith, politics, and many more.
Graduates from UA become automatic members of the Alumni Association, an ever-growing family of more than 177,000 living alumni, who are making a difference throughout the United States and in 137 countries around the world. Many alumni keep involved through online engagement and regional social events.
A rallying point for community and institutional pride, Akron Athletics fields 18 men's and women's varsity teams, comprising more than 450 student-athletes. The Akron Zips compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and belong to the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
The University of Akron’s Board of Trustees is the governing body for the University, all of whom are appointed by the governor of Ohio, with the advice and consent of the state senate. UA's senior leadership team is comprised of six vice presidents and the executive vice president/provost.
Shared governance
The University Council (UC) is the representative and legislative body of the University that deliberates and makes recommendations to the president on matters such as strategic planning, University policy and other substantive matters that pertain to the strategic direction and operations of the University.
As delegated by the Board, the Faculty Senate is the other legislative body of the University and is empowered to formulate suitable rules, requirements and procedures for the admission, government, management and control of the students, courses of study, granting of degrees and certificates, and other internal affairs of the institution necessary to meet the objectives of the University in accordance with the established policies of the Board.
The Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Government represent the collective voice and interest of undergraduate and graduate students, respectively, through communication with UA administration, faculty and the broader community. The Student Bar Association represents students in the School of Law.
The University’s annual General Fund budget is approximately $340 million. Beyond the General Fund, the University receives about $34 million annually in donations and about $35 million annually in externally funded research and other sponsored programs.