Office of the Dean

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

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INTERIM DEAN

Dr. Ann Usher

Dr. Ann Usher serves as interim dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, effective August 4, 2025, following her retirement as senior associate dean for undergraduate studies. A professor of music, Dr. Usher began teaching choral music education at The University of Akron in 2000. She twice led the School of Music as director, from 2012–2016 and again from 2018–2019, before stepping into broader leadership roles within the college.

In addition to her academic career, Dr. Usher spent 20 years as the conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus and is a past president of the Ohio Music Education Association. Her experience in both education and performance brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to her leadership.

Dr. Usher holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in music education from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa.

Contact Dr. Usher: ausher@uakron.edu

Office directory

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION

Richard Londraville, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Faculty Support
and Professor of Biology
330-972-7151
rlondra@uakron.edu

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Heather Walter, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Student Success, and Professor of Communication
330-972-6486
HLWalter@uakron.edu

John Senko, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies
330-972-8047
senko@uakron.edu

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Gary Bishop
Director, Operations and Technology
330-972-6142
gbishop@uakron.edu

Lisa Craig, M.A.
Director, Communication and Marketing
330-972-7429
lmc91@uakron.edu

Ashley Rini, M.S.
Director, Advising
Director, Pre-Health Advising
330-972-6513
rini@uakron.edu

Donray J. Bennett, M.Ed.
Director, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
330-972-5697
dbennett@uakron.edu

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Vivian Campbell, M.S.A.
Director, Finance and Research Support
330-972-8128
vgc1@uakron.edu

Dawn Bishop
Administrative Services Coordinator
330-972-6323
drb7@uakron.edu

FACULTY FELLOW OFFICE STAFF

Dimitria Gatzia, Ph.D.
Faculty Fellow for Opportunity & Belonging
330-972-5505
degatzia@uakron.edu

Laura Bonko
Program Specialist
330-972-2632
lmbonko@uakron.edu
-----------------------------------------------Marlene Pryor
Secretary
330-972-7880
mpryor1@uakron.edu

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