The University of Akron Board of Trustees took action today on several administrative and personnel matters, stating that new leadership assignments during the next six months are designed to provide structure for a vigorous and actionable agenda, build additional momentum to achieve goals under Vision 2020, and ensure a seamless transition for a new president.
The actions include:
- A change in title for Vice President Jim Tressel to Executive Vice President, to better reflect additional responsibilities assigned by President Luis Proenza, including the authority to establish leadership teams in support of a campus-wide campaign for student success.
- A change in title for Candace Campbell Jackson to Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Chief of Staff to the President to better reflect her additional responsibilities for partnerships that currently exist and those to be newly forged with community and civic organizations, foundations, corporations and educational institutions that can enhance the success of our students.
- Rex Ramsier shall assume additional duties as Interim Dean of Summit College to provide leadership following the retirement of Dean Stan Silverman. Dr. Ramsier will work closely with Summit College faculty in completing the process of academic program review and advancing programs to support student success, providing seamless transitions for associate’s and bachelor’s degree seeking students, and workplace opportunities for students in career training programs.
- Ajay Mahajan shall assume additional duties to a University-wide commitment to growth and sustainability via innovative and entrepreneurial best practices. As Associate Vice President for Innovation, in addition to his role as Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Mahajan will designate and direct an Innovation Council overseeing teams of faculty and administrators to support key initiatives in academics and support services.
In addition to the actions above, the Board also approved a one-year contract extension for Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill, noting the completion and public release of IMPACT 2020, an ambitious and comprehensive strategic plan for the Department of Athletics.
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Media contact: Eileen Korey, 330-972-8589 or korey@uakron.edu