Dr. Matthew P. Akers

Title: Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations, Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
Dept/Program: Office of the President
Phone: 330-972-4933
Email: akers1@uakron.edu

Biography

Dr. Matthew P. Akers holds a dual role at The University of Akron, serving as special assistant to the president for government relations in the Office of the President and as associate director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences. 

As special assistant to the president for government relations, Akers represents the University in interactions with local, state, and federal elected officials, community leaders, and University stakeholders. As associate director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, Akers assists with the management of day-to-day activities of the Institute, including programs, projects, events, student scholarships and internships, and other activities. He also contributes to academic components of the Institute, including teaching courses. 

Education

Akers earned his B.A. in English from The University of Akron and his Ph.D. from Drew University in Madison, N.J. He resides in Doylestown, Ohio, with his wife, Elisabeth, and their four children.