TO HELP SUPPORT the progress and growth of the University of Akron and advance its important role in keeping and attracting talented people in the city, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced $250,000 in funding to the university.
“The University of Akron plays an essential role in bringing talented people to the city and providing them with the connections and opportunities they need to stay,” said Kyle Kutuchief, Knight Foundation interim program director for Akron. “At the same time, the university is at a pivotal moment in its development, with the emergence of new leadership and the promise of fresh ideas that will reenergize the institution as a place of excellence and growth. Supporting its success is important to the future of Akron.”
A $250,000 grant to help the university develop new plans for growth, and attract and keep talent in the city.
"This support from Knight Foundation recognizes the strategic role the University of Akron plays in this regional economy,” said University of Akron President Scott L. Scarborough. “Our strategic planning process incorporates feedback from students, faculty, staff and community leadership. The consensus is that we must focus our resources on areas of distinction: from polymers to applied politics, from dance to engineering, from scientific research to technology.”
President Scott Scarborough
He added, “To be a great public university we must increase our investment in career-focused academic programs, applied and experiential learning, and outstanding leadership talent. The support will help us bring the best minds and wise counsel to help us execute bold and promising strategies.”
Knight funding will support new plans to refine enrollment strategies, evaluate and improve organizational structures, and increase the university’s visibility in Ohio and beyond. Additionally, the investment aims to help President Scarborough and his leadership team introduce new ideas that will contribute to the university’s success and position it as a continuous source of new talent in Akron and the region.
Support for the University of Akron forms part of Knight Foundation’s efforts in Akron to attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity and create a culture of engagement. Since 2008 Knight has invested more than $58 million in Akron, including a recent investment to 13 projects that support the city’s success.
Media contact: Eileen Korey, 330-972-8589 or korey@uakron.edu
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