Board of Trustees Chair Roland H. Bauer and President Matthew Wilson, today expressed appreciation to Governor John R. Kasich for naming Lewis W. Adkins, Jr., an accomplished graduate of Akron Law and a notable civic leader, to the UA Board of Trustees. Adkins’ appointment begins immediately and extends to July 1, 2025.
Adkins is a partner and practice group manager in public law, regulatory and finance, at Roetzel & Andress' Cleveland office. He serves as lead counsel to numerous large, public and private entities in Ohio and Washington, D.C. He also has acted as lead counsel for several multimillion dollar development projects. His clients include public and private entities, as well as diversified energy companies, governmental entities, housing authorities and nonprofit organizations.
Adkins graduated from The University of Akron’s School of Law in 1993. In 2015, he received the University of Akron School of Law J. Dean Carro Professionalism Award from the Black Law Students Association. He also created the School of Law's "Judge James R. Williams" endowed scholarship.
In 2009, the City of Akron presented him with the "Livability Award" for his efforts to coordinate the Akron Urban League, Akron Public Schools and the City of Akron in building a Community Learning Center.
He is the former board chair of the Akron Urban League. His community affiliations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; the Cleveland Urban League; the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, where he is a member of the Nominating Committee; and the Summit County Consumer Affairs Board.
‘Great choice’
Chairman Bauer welcomed Adkins’ selection.
“Lewis is a great choice,” Bauer said. “He knows and loves this community, and he believes deeply in the University’s mission and its critical role in the region. His expertise in public law and finance will be valuable to us, especially given the challenges before higher education right now.”
President Wilson concurred. “He’s an exceptional leader in his profession and in our community, and is dedicated to the School of Law. I’m so pleased that he is willing to lend his expertise to our University. We will be better because of it.”
"It is a privilege and an honor to be appointed to The University of Akron’s Board of Trustees," Adkins said, "and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve."
Adkins earned a bachelor’s degree from The City College of The City University of New York. He is a resident of Copley.