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
Richard Londraville, Ph.D.Associate Dean, Faculty Supportand Professor of Biology330-972-7151rlondra@uakron.edu
Heather Walter, Ph.D.Associate Dean, Student Success, and Professor of Communication330-972-6486HLWalter@uakron.edu
John Senko, Ph.D.Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies330-972-8047senko@uakron.edu
Gary BishopDirector, Operations and Technology330-972-6142gbishop@uakron.edu
Lisa Craig, M.A.Director, Communication and Marketing330-972-7429lmc91@uakron.edu
Ashley Rini, M.S.Director, AdvisingDirector, Pre-Health Advising330-972-6513rini@uakron.edu
Donray J. Bennett, M.Ed.Director, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships330-972-5697dbennett@uakron.edu
Vivian Campbell, M.S.A.Director, Finance and Research Support330-972-8128vgc1@uakron.edu
Dawn BishopAdministrative Services Coordinator330-972-6323drb7@uakron.edu
Dimitria Gatzia, Ph.D.Faculty Fellow for Opportunity & Belonging330-972-5505degatzia@uakron.edu
