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{{Short description|Public university in Akron, Ohio, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox university
| name                  = The University of Akron
| image                 = University of Akron seal.svg
| image_upright         = 0.7
| motto                 = ''Fiat Lux'' ([[Latin]])
| mottoeng              = [[Let there be light]]
| established           = {{start date and age|1870}}
| type                  = [[Public university|Public]] [[research university]]
| academic_affiliations = {{hlist|[[Coalition of Urban Serving Universities|USU]]|[[National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program|Space-grant]]}}
| parent                = [[University System of Ohio]]
| endowment             = $235.3 million (2020)<ref>As of June 30, 2020. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Documents/Research/2020-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL-FEBRUARY-19-2021.ashx |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 19, 2021 |access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref>
| president             = Robert J. Nemer
| students               = 14,813 (fall 2024)<ref name="UAkron enrollment data">{{cite web|title=Enrollment Data|url=https://www.uakron.edu/ir/student-enrollment|website=University of Akron|access-date=December 15, 2024}}</ref>
| undergrad             = 9,725 (fall 2024)<ref name="UAkron enrollment data" />
| postgrad              = 2,172 (fall 2024)<ref name="UAkron enrollment data" />
| faculty               = 1,032 (2022) <ref name="UAkron faculty data">{{cite web|title=Common Data Set|url=https://www.uakron.edu/ir/docs/CDS/CDS%202022-2023%20University%20of%20Akron%20Main%20Campus.pdf|website=University of Akron|access-date=February 29, 2024}}</ref>
| city                  = [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]]
| state                 = [[Ohio]]
| country               = United States
| coordinates           = {{coord|41.0752|-81.5115|display=inline,title}}
| campus                = Urban, {{convert|218|acre|km2}}
| former_names          = Buchtel College (1870–1913)<br />Municipal University of Akron (1913–1966)<ref>{{cite web |title=1913-1966: The Municipal University of Akron |url=https://www.uakron.edu/development/history5.dot |website=uakron.edu |publisher=University of Akron |access-date=July 13, 2022}}</ref>
| colors                = Blue & gold<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uakron.edu/im/resources/brand/colors |title="Colors" |publisher=Uakron.edu |access-date=November 29, 2022}}</ref><br/>{{color box|#041E42}}&nbsp;{{color box|#A89968}}
| sports_nickname       = [[Akron Zips|Zips]]
| sporting_affiliations = [[NCAA Division I]] [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]] – [[Mid-American Conference|MAC]]
| mascot                = [[Zippy (mascot)|Zippy]] the [[Kangaroo]]
| website               = {{URL|uakron.edu}}
| logo                  = University of Akron logo.svg
| logo_upright          = .8
}}

The '''University of Akron''' is a [[public university|public]] [[research university]] in [[Akron, Ohio]], United States. It is part of the [[University System of Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/ |title=College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering - The University of Akron |access-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428131057/http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/ |archive-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> As a [[STEM fields|STEM]]-focused institution, it focuses on industries such as polymers, advanced materials, and engineering.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://uso.edu/strategicplan/handbook/uso/structure.php |title=Strategic Plan - Report |access-date=June 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530221937/http://www.uso.edu/strategicplan/handbook/uso/structure.php |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|classified]] among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=200800 |publisher=Center for Postsecondary Education |website=carnegieclassifications.iu.edu |access-date=September 13, 2020}}</ref>

The University of Akron offers about 200 [[Undergraduate education|undergraduate]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uakron.edu/academics/|title=Academics & majors at UA : The University of Akron |work=uakron.edu}}</ref> and more than 100 [[graduate school|graduate]] majors<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uakron.edu/gradsch/degreeprograms.php|title=The University of Akron : An Error Occurred|work=uakron.edu|access-date=July 17, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050701235556/http://www.uakron.edu/gradsch/degreeprograms.php|archive-date=July 1, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> and has an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. The university's School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is housed in a 12-story reflective glass building near downtown Akron on the western edge of the main campus. UA's [[Archives of the History of American Psychology]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Center for the History of Psychology |url=http://www.uakron.edu/chp/ |publisher=The University of Akron Center for the History of Psychology}}</ref> is an affiliate of the [[Smithsonian Institution]].

The university has three branch campuses: [[Wayne College]] in [[Orrville, Ohio]]; the [[Medina County University Center]], in [[Lafayette Township, Medina County, Ohio|Lafayette Township, Ohio]]; and UA Lakewood, in the Cleveland suburb of [[Lakewood, Ohio]]. In addition, the university hosts nursing programs in affiliation with [[Lorain County Community College]].<ref>[http://www.lorainccc.edu/UP/Bachelor+and+Master+Degree+Programs/Akron+Bachelors.htm  "Lorain County Community College - University of Akron Bachelor's Degree Programs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528003808/http://www.lorainccc.edu/UP/Bachelor+and+Master+Degree+Programs/Akron+Bachelors.htm |date=May 28, 2010 }} Retrieved May 15, 2010</ref>

==History==
[[File:JohnBuchtel.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[John R. Buchtel]], in front of Buchtel Hall]]

===Buchtel College===
In 1867, at the annual convention of the [[Universalist Church of America|Universalist Church]] of the state of Ohio, the Committee on Education expressed an interest in founding a college compatible with Universalist religious principles.  It was announced that the location would be given to those who could find an appropriate location and also supply $60,000 for the college. [[John R. Buchtel]], a prominent Akron businessman and Universalist, promptly contributed $25,000 to the endowment fund and $6,000 to the building fund. This led other Akronites to donate, setting the goal and securing Akron as the location for Buchtel College, named after its greatest supporter. John R. Buchtel   continued to be the college's most significant contributor, giving $500,000 over his lifetime, approximately equivalent to $16 million today.  When the university opened in 1872 it was a single-building campus, housed in what is now known as "Old Buchtel." [[George W. Crouse|George Washington Crouse]] donated $10,000 of the $20,000 needed to build a new gymnasium, completed in 1888.  It was named Crouse Gymnasium in his honor, and was known as "the finest gym west of the Alleghenies."<ref>[http://www.ohio.com/lifestyle/40059517.html Old Crouse gym served Akron campus] Ohio.com Retrieved September 12, 2010</ref>

Tragedy struck the small college on December 20, 1899, when Old Buchtel burned to the ground. Insurance only covered $65,000 of the estimated $100,000 in loss. While new campus buildings were being constructed, the Crouse Gymnasium was divided into seven classrooms and served as the college until a new Buchtel Hall was opened in 1901. The new Buchtel Hall, which itself was gutted by fire in 1971, survives to this day but had some blackening on the exterior up until a 2011 restoration.

===20th century===
In 1907, the college shed its Universalist affiliation and became a non-denominational institution, in order to be able to receive funds from the [[Carnegie Corporation of New York|Carnegie Foundation]], which would not give funds to religiously affiliated schools.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} In 1913, Buchtel College trustees transferred the institution and its assets to the city of [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]], and Buchtel College became the Municipal University of Akron. At this time, the enrollment was 198 students. Tax money levied for the school and Akron's growing population led to strong growth for the university.  Over the next several decades the university continued to add new buildings to accommodate its growing student population, acquiring more land through purchases and donations. In 1963, Governor [[Jim Rhodes]] approved the university as a state-assisted institution.  Enrollment in 1964 was 10,000 students. In 1967, it fully became a state university, providing its current name as The University of Akron.  In 2015, 25,117 students were enrolled at the University of Akron.

===Construction, dropping enrollment, and lay-offs===
[[File:Uakron student union.jpg|right|thumb|University of Akron's student union at night]]
During the tenure (1999-2014) of its 15th president, [[Luis M. Proenza]], the University of Akron underwent a $627 million construction project, called "A New Landscape for Learning."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uakron.edu/about_ua/history/campus_then_and_now.dot|title=Campus Then and Now : The University of Akron|work=uakron.edu}}</ref> A new football stadium, [[InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field]], was also constructed on campus. The new stadium opened for its first game on September 12, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gozips.com/sports/2017/5/25/athletics-facilities-InfoCision.aspx|title=Athletics Facilities - InfoCision Stadium|website=University of Akron Athletics}}</ref> The stadium replaced the [[Rubber Bowl]], which is {{Convert|3|mi}} from campus and was built in 1940.

The university purchased the [[Quaker Square|Quaker Square Crowne Plaza Hotel]] and shopping complex and uses it as a residence hall space. The university did a land-swap with the city of Akron so that the city may find a new downtown hotel. This means the University of Akron campus is made up of 82 buildings on {{convert|222|acre|km2}} near downtown Akron with a total property value of $1.84 billion.<ref name="dotquickfacts">[http://www.uakron.edu/about_ua/quick_facts.dot Quick Facts: "Brief History of the University"] Retrieved September 22, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.uakron.edu/ir/QuickFacts.php "Quick Facts" - uakron.edu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602031136/http://www.uakron.edu/ir/QuickFacts.php |date=June 2, 2007 }} Retrieved September 22, 2010</ref>

In 2015, the university eliminated over 200 positions as the result of a $6 million budget deficit. Subsequently, in May 2016, Moody's Investors Service, downrated the university's bonds from stable to negative, because of low enrollment and high debts and pension burdens.<ref>Fernanda Zamudio-Suaréz, "U. of Akron's Financial Outlook Is Downgraded to 'Negative' by Moody's" ''Chronicle of Higher Education'' May 11, 2015, [http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/u-of-akrons-financial-outlook-is-downgraded-to-negative-by-moodys/111261] accessed June 28, 2016</ref> Moody's upgraded the university's outlook to stable in 2018, citing improved enrollment, rising donations and steps to reduce expenses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2018/03/university_of_akrons_financial_1.html|title=University of Akron's financial outlook upgraded to 'stable' by Moody's|first=Karen|last=Farkas|date=March 20, 2018|website=cleveland.com|access-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref> Still, between 2011 and 2020 the university's enrollment went down almost 40 percent,<ref name=myskow>{{cite journal |url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/an-assassination-of-our-careers?cid=gen_sign_in |title= 'An Assassination of Our Careers': How faculty layoffs have forever changed the University of Akron |first=Wyatt |last=Myskow |date=August 9, 2022 |journal=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> from 25,190 in 2011 to 15,385 in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uakron.edu/ir/docs/Fall%202020%20Enroll%20Profile.pdf |title=Enrollment Summary Fall Semester 2020 |publisher=The University of Akron |date=Fall 2020 |page=2 |accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref>

On October 1, 2019, Gary Miller became Akron's 18th president; formerly the chancellor of [[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay]], he was given a five-year contract with a base salary of $475,000, with an annual $25,000 in a deferred compensation plan, monthly stipends of $3,500 and $750 for housing and a car, and $36,000 for moving expenses.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cleveland.com/education/2019/08/university-of-akron-president-elect-gary-millers-base-salary-will-be-475000.html |title=University of Akron President-elect Gary Miller's base salary will be $475,000 |newspaper=[[The_Plain_Dealer#Cleveland.com|Cleveland.com]] |date=August 16, 2019 |first=Robin |last=Goist |accessdate=August 10, 2022 }}</ref> In May 2020, president Miller announced that the university will consolidate its eleven academic colleges into five due to budget issues resulting from the [[COVID-19 pandemic]];<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goist |first1=Robin |title=University of Akron to eliminate six of 11 colleges as part of cost-saving measures due to coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.cleveland.com/education/2020/05/university-of-akron-to-eliminate-six-of-11-colleges-as-part-of-cost-saving-measures-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic.html |access-date=May 12, 2020 |publisher=cleveland.com |date=May 4, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> the cut is meant to reduce administrative costs, and "the plan does not cut or change any degree program offerings."<ref name="Trustee approve consolidation">{{cite web |last1=Goist |first1=Robin |title=University of Akron trustees approve plan to consolidate colleges to cut costs due to coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.cleveland.com/education/2020/05/university-of-akron-trustees-approve-plan-to-eliminate-six-colleges-to-cut-costs-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic.html |website=Cleveland.com |date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref> The "redesign", as Miller called it, was termed a "bloodbath" by the faculty union president, and would eliminate "97 full-time professors out of about 570"; the union commented that "names were selected regardless of rank or tenure status".<ref name=flaherty>{{cite news |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/07/16/budget-bloodbath-university-akron |newspaper=[[Inside Higher Education]] |accessdate=August 10, 2022 |title=Budget 'Bloodbath' at University of Akron: Governing board votes to eliminate 97 full-time faculty positions |first=Colleen |last=Flaherty |date=July 16, 2020}}</ref> One study suggested that "women and professors of color were laid off at a disproportionate rate".<ref name=myskow/> After earlier layoffs and faculty taking early retirement, that added up to a loss of almost a quarter of the university's faculty since the start of the pandemic.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/with-latest-layoffs-u-of-akron-has-lost-almost-a-quarter-of-its-faculty-since-pandemic-began |journal=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |accessdate=August 10, 2022 | title=With Latest Layoffs, U. of Akron Has Lost Almost a Quarter of Its Faculty Since Pandemic Began |first=Danielle |last=McLean |date=July 15, 2020}}</ref>

The university's chapter of the [[American Association of University Professors]] had advocated the university also consider cuts to athletics and leave [[NCAA Division I]],<ref name=flaherty/> which had lost $215 million during that decade,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://akronaaup.org/akron-aaup-position-paper-on-athletics-spending-at-the-university-of-akron/ |title=Position Paper on Athletics Spending at The University of Akron (Executive Summary) |date=July 5, 2020 |publisher=Akron AAUP |accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> but the university said it would cut only $4.4 million from athletics.<ref name=flaherty/> The ''[[Chronicle of Higher Education]]'' reported in August 2022 that thirty-six of the professors who had been fired were hired back by the university, but as adjuncts, with a similar workload and lower pay--in one case, at $18,000 a year, one-third of their former salary.<ref name=myskow/> In 2021, the Board of Trustees extended President Miller's contract, praising him for "consistent and decisive leadership". They increased the annual deferred compensation to $40,000, promised additional bonuses for 2025-2027 for a total of $107,000 if he remained on the job, and increased his housing and car stipends to $4,000 and $1,000, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/10/06/trustees-approve-contract-extension-bonus-university-of-akron-president-gary-miller/6021749001/ |title=University of Akron trustees approve contract extension, deferred bonus for President Gary L. Miller |first=Jennifer |last=Pignolet |newspaper=[[Akron Beacon Journal]] |date=October 6, 2021 |accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref>

===Relationship with tire and rubber industry===
The tire and rubber industry and the University of Akron have an overlapping history. Historically, several rubber corporations, such as [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]], [[Firestone Tire and Rubber Company|Firestone]], [[General Tire and Rubber Company]], and [[Goodrich Corporation|Goodrich]], had their headquarters in Akron. In 1909, the world's first courses in rubber chemistry were offered at the university. The university is also credited with featuring the first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in the world, which was founded in 1988.{{cn|date=August 2022}}

==Academics==
{{Infobox US university ranking
| THES_W = 
| THE_WSJ = > 600
| QS_W = 
| Forbes = 
| USNWR_NU = 377 <small>(tie)</small>
| USNWR_W = 1177 <small>(tie)</small>
| Wamo_NU = 423
| ARWU_W = Not Ranked
}}

The University of Akron offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, ranging from certificate to doctoral programs. [[Bierce Library]] is the main campus library, named for Lucius Bierce, an [[American Civil War]]-era General whose personal library constituted the first collection of the University Libraries.<ref>[http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/bierce_scitech/about/ Info on Libraries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429172925/http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/bierce_scitech/about/ |date=April 29, 2009 }} Accessed May 10, 2009</ref>

[[File:AkronArtsHall.jpg|thumb|[[E. J. Thomas Hall|E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall]]]]

The University of Akron comprises the following colleges, schools, and campuses:
*[[Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences]]
*[[University of Akron College of Business|College of Business]]
*College of Engineering and Polymer Science
*College of Health and Human Sciences
*The Graduate School
*[[University of Akron School of Law|School of Law]]
*Williams Honors College
*[[Wayne College]]

The university offers about 200 undergraduate majors. In conjunction with the [[Northeast Ohio Medical University]] (NEOMED), the university offers an Early Assurance Pathway to the NEOMED MD program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uakron.edu/bcas/academics/bacc-md/index.dot|title=Bacc/M.D. 2+2+4 Pathway : The University of Akron|website=www.uakron.edu|access-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref> The University of Akron is also the first and only university in the nation to offer a baccalaureate program in [[corrosion engineering]].<ref name="cleveland.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2016/06/university_of_akron_expands_ce.html|title=University of Akron shows off corrosion research center|first=Karen|last=Farkas|date=June 21, 2016|website=cleveland.com|access-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:University of Akron Arts and Sciences.JPG|thumb|Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences]]

The University of Akron Honors College students earn degrees from any of the four-year accredited colleges in the university while receiving special advisement and having the opportunity to live in the Honors Complex, a resident hall exclusively for honors students. The university announced on February 3, 2016, that the college was renamed in honor of Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams.<ref>[http://www.uakron.edu/honors/news/williams.dot UA announces the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College] Accessed February 3, 2016</ref>

The University of Akron currently offers more than 105 graduate degrees to approximately 2,000 graduate students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uakron.edu/admissions/graduate/|title=The Graduate School|work=uakron.edu}}</ref> The graduate schools at the University of Akron variously offer the [[Master's degree]], [[PhD]], [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]], and [[LL.M.]], among others. The Cleveland Clinic and University of Akron have formed the Integrated Bioscience Fellowship in Biomedicine. Fellowships will allow students to conduct cutting-edge research at the University of Akron and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute while pursuing a PhD in Integrated Bioscience. Recipients of Fellowships will be able to work with faculty at both institutions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lerner.ccf.org/education/grad/akron.php|title=Graduate Programs at the Lerner Research Institute and University of Akron|work=ccf.org}}</ref>

The [[University of Akron School of Law]] was founded in 1921 as Akron Law School and became affiliated with the university in 1959, becoming fully accredited by the [[American Bar Association]] in 1961.<ref>[http://www.uakron.edu/law/ABAinfo.php ABA Info] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429055223/http://www.uakron.edu/law/ABAinfo.php |date=April 29, 2009 }} Retrieved on June 22, 2009</ref> It has both day and evening full-time and part-time programs that lead to the J.D. and LL.M. The University of Akron School of Law is also one of only 22 institutions in America to offer the LL.M. in [[intellectual property]], and one of two such programs in Ohio.<ref>[http://www.uakron.edu/law/lawadmissions/llm/index.php "LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law" index] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408052638/http://www.uakron.edu/law/lawadmissions/llm/index.php |date=April 8, 2009 }} Retrieved on June 22, 2009</ref>

===Undergraduate admissions===
{{Infobox U.S. college admissions
|year              = 2023
|admit rate        = 70.91%
|admit rate change = -1.98
|yield rate        = 19.68%
|yield rate change = -5.71
|SAT Total         = 960–1190<br />(among 20% of [[freshman|FTFs]])
|SAT Total change  = 
|ACT               = 18–25<br />(among 72% of [[freshman|FTFs]])
|ACT change        = 
|GPA              =  	3.49
|float             = right
|ref               = <ref name="cds">{{cite web|url=https://www.uakron.edu/ir/docs/CDS/CDS%202023-2024%20University%20of%20Akron%20Main%20Campus.pdf |title=Kent CDS 2023-2024 |publisher=Kent State University |access-date=September 8, 2024 }}</ref>
}}

Admission to the University of Akron is classified as "inclusive" by the [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/university-of-akron-main-campus/ |title=University of Akron Main Campus |publisher=American Council on Education |access-date=September 20, 2024 }}</ref> [[The Princeton Review]] gives Akron an "Admissions Selectivity Rating" of 75.<ref name=pradmissions>{{cite web |title=The University of Akron |publisher=[[The Princeton Review]] |url=https://www.princetonreview.com/college/university-akron-1023180 |access-date=September 20, 2024 }}</ref> The college extends offers of admission after holistic review that includes examination of academic rigor, performance and admissions test scores.<ref name=pradmissions />

Of all [[Matriculation|matriculating]] students, the average high school GPA is 3.49.<ref name="cds" /> The [[interquartile range]] for [[SAT]] scores in math and reading are 470-600 and 480-590 respectively, while the range for [[ACT (test)|ACT]] scores is 18–25.<ref name="cds" />
{{clear}}
==Research==
{{anchor|Goodyear Polymer Center}}
[[File:Goodyear Polymer Center 7-26-24.jpg|thumb|Goodyear Polymer Center]]

The Goodyear Polymer Center is a 146,000-square foot research facility, located at the university. Built in 1991, the center comprises two 12-story and nine-story towers connected by glass-enclosed walkways that serve as areas for informal interaction. It contains eight large polymer synthesis groups, computer simulation and modeling capabilities, a [[microscopy]] suite, molecular and morphological characterization labs, surface analysis facilities, and thermal analysis and mechanical properties testing equipment.<ref name="home">[http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/ Home page for the College of Polymer Science and Engineering] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428131057/http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/ |date=April 28, 2009}}, retrieved May 15, 2010</ref>

The Goodyear Polymer Center houses both the Department of Polymer Science and the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The building houses classrooms, approximately 60 labs, 20 faculty offices, and 25 offices with 200 modules arranged in clusters for students and researchers. It contains the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center, the Paul J. Flory Reading Room, the [[International Rubber Science Hall of Fame]] portrait gallery, Applied Polymer Research Center, and the 213-seat Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Auditorium.<ref>[http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/buildings-gdyr.php Building info at College of Polymer Science and Engineering] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228100136/http://www2.uakron.edu/cpspe/buildings-gdyr.php |date=February 28, 2009}} Retrieved May 15, 2010</ref>

The [[Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics]] is a bipartisan research institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with an emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, and ethical behavior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uakron.edu/bliss/|title=Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics : The University of Akron|website=www.uakron.edu|access-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref>

==Student life==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Student body composition as of November 22, 2024
|-
! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{cite web |title=College Scorecard: University of Akron|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?200800-University-of-Akron-Main-Campus |publisher=[[United States Department of Education]] |access-date=November 22, 2024}}</ref>
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|72|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| [[African Americans|Black]]
|align=right| {{bartable|12|%|2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| Other{{efn|Other consists of [[Multiracial Americans]] & those who prefer to not say.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|7|%|2||background:brown}}
|-
| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]]
|align=right| {{bartable|4|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| [[Asian Americans|Asian]]
|align=right| {{bartable|4|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| [[Foreign national]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Economic diversity]]
|-
| [[American lower class|Low-income]]{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal [[Pell grant]] intended for low-income students.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|33|%|2||background:red}}
|-
| [[Affluence in the United States|Affluent]]{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the [[American middle class]] at the bare minimum.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|67|%|2||background:black}}
|}

The University of Akron has more than twenty fraternities and sororities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohio |first=The University of Akron |title=Fraternity and Sorority Life - Active Chapters |url=https://www.uakron.edu/studentlife/involvement/fraternityandsororitylife/chapter-directory/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=The University of Akron, Ohio |language=en-us}}</ref> The Ohio Epsilon chapter of [[Phi Delta Theta]] fraternity, founded in 1875, is the oldest continuous Greek-letter organization on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uakron.phideltatheta.org/about/our-chapter/|title=Our Chapter - Ohio Epsilon|work=phideltatheta.org}}</ref> The Lone Star Fraternity claimed to be the oldest local fraternity in the United States, founded in 1882 with only one chapter. The organization suspended operation in 2021 due to reports of hazing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2023 |title=Anti-Hazing Report - University of Akron, January 2023 |url=https://www.uakron.edu/safety/docs/anti-hazing-report-january-2023.pdf |website=uakron.edu}}</ref>

The Beta Tau chapter of [[Alpha Delta Pi]] was founded on the University of Akron's campus as "Sigma Delta Theta" in 1920 and at the time it was the oldest local sorority on campus. Sigma Delta Theta later became the Beta Tau chapter of Alpha Delta Pi in 1938.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alphadeltapi.org/betatau/default.asp?id=1613|title=ADPi|work=alphadeltapi.org|access-date=February 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226203219/https://www.alphadeltapi.org/betatau/default.asp?id=1613|archive-date=February 26, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

[[Phi Kappa Tau]] was originally founded as Sigma Beta Nu in 1923.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.akronphitau.com/ |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=www.akronphitau.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics]] offers scholarships to men pursuing political science while being members of the organization.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ohio |first=The University of Akron |title=Scholarships |url=https://www.uakron.edu/bliss/scholarships/ |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=The University of Akron, Ohio |language=en-us}}</ref> Notable alumni include politician [[Ray C. Bliss]] and mayor [[Tom Sawyer (Ohio politician)|Tom Sawyer]].

==Athletics==
{{main|Akron Zips}}
[[File:InfoCision opening day1.JPG|thumb|The Akron Zips 2009 home opener against [[Morgan State University]]]]
The University of Akron's athletic teams are known as the "Zips," originally short for "Zippers," overshoes with [[zippers]] made in the 1920s and 1930s. The university's mascot is "[[Zippy (mascot)|Zippy]]," a [[kangaroo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uakron.edu/zippy|title=Zippy's home page : The University of Akron |work=uakron.edu}}</ref> Zippy is one of eight female college mascots in the United States. Zippy won the title of Capital One National Mascot of the Year in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080101005009/en/University-Akrons-Zippy-Named-Capital-Mascot-Year|title=University of Akron's Zippy Named Capital One Mascot of the Year|access-date=October 19, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

Akron facilities include [[InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field]], the [[James A. Rhodes Arena]], and the [[FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field]].

In football, Akron's major rivalry is with [[Kent State Golden Flashes]]. In 2005, the Akron Zips [[American football|football]] team won their first [[Mid-American Conference|MAC]] championship, allowing them to compete for the [[Motor City Bowl]], Akron's first [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]]-A [[bowl game]] appearance where they lost to the [[Memphis Tigers]].

In soccer, the Akron Zips men's soccer team, ranked number one throughout the 2009 regular season, went undefeated, making it to the [[NCAA Men's Division I Soccer Championship]]. The following season they secured the 2010 "College Cup" against the [[Louisville Cardinals]]. This was the first NCAA national team championship won by the [[Akron Zips]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/zips/2010/12/zips-win-national-championship/ |title=Zips Win National Championship |website=www.ohiomm.com |date=December 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215191956/http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/zips/2010/12/zips-win-national-championship/ |archive-date=December 15, 2010}}</ref>

In 2009, the men's basketball team won the MAC Tournament title, defeating [[University at Buffalo|Buffalo]] in [[Cleveland]] at the [[Quicken Loans Arena]] 65–53, thus qualifying Akron for its first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 1986 and first as a MAC member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=290732084|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316174011/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=290732084|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 16, 2009|title=Freshman guard Hitchens sparks Akron to its first NCAA tourney berth since 1986 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 2010, the team reached the MAC Tournament Championship game for the fourth straight year, but lost in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300722006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100320091320/http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300722006|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 20, 2010|title=Ohio overcomes Akron in overtime, earns improbable NCAA tournament bid|work=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Zips played in the postseason CBI tournament where they lost to Wisconsin–Green Bay 70–66.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=300762006|title=Green Bay Phoenix vs. Akron Zips - Box Score - March 17, 2010 - ESPN|work=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 2022, the Zips defeated rival Kent State in the [[2022 MAC men's basketball tournament]] championship to earn a spot in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, their fourth [[Mid-American Conference men's basketball tournament|MAC tournament]] title overall and first title and NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.

==Notable alumni==
{{main|List of University of Akron people}}

===Politics===
*Former Akron mayor and Ohio Congressman [[Thomas C. Sawyer]] attended undergraduate and graduate school there.
*[[United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit]] [[Senior status|Senior]] Judge [[Deborah L. Cook]] received her [[Bachelor of Arts]] and [[Juris Doctor]] degrees from the university. 
*Former Ohio congresswoman [[Betty Sutton]] received her [[Juris Doctor]] from the university as well.  
*Former [[Republican National Committee]] chairman [[Ray C. Bliss]] graduated from Akron in 1935. The university's [[Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics]] is named for him.
*Former Akron Mayor [[Dan Horrigan|Daniel Horrigan]] earned BA in education from the university.
*Former [[Republican National Committee]] Co-chair and current [[Ohio Republican Party]] Chairman [[Bob Paduchik]] earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the university in 1989.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uakron.edu/im/news/national-party-leadership-comes-once-again-from-ua/|title = National party leadership comes once again from UA}}</ref>
*Congressman [[Shri Thanedar]] received his Ph.D. from the university in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2006/03/06/focus14.html|title=Thanedar tests his way to $16 million|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=January 24, 2018}}</ref>

===Athletics===
*Former [[Akron Zips football]] players [[Chase Blackburn]], [[Charlie Frye]], [[Domenik Hixon]], [[Dwight Smith (American football)|Dwight Smith]], and [[Jason Taylor (American football)|Jason Taylor]] have each gone on to find success in the [[National Football League]].  Blackburn and Hixon were members of the 2008 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, while Smith won a Super Bowl Ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003.  Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006, the NFL's Man of the Year in 2007 and was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 2017.
*Baseball players [[Chris Bassitt]], [[Mike Birkbeck]] and [[Mark Malaska]] have gone on to find success in [[Major League Baseball]]. Birkbeck played for the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] from 1986 to 1989 and the [[New York Mets]] in 1992 and 1995. Malaska played for the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in 2003 and was a member of the 2004 World Series Champion [[Boston Red Sox]]. Former Zips baseball player [[Keith Dambrot]] went on to become a distinguished college basketball coach.
*Soccer players in the MLS (24) include Colorado Rapids (1): [[Dillon Serna]] (2012); Columbus Crew (2): [[Chad Barson]] (2009–12), [[Wil Trapp]] (2011-12); D.C. United (2): [[Perry Kitchen]] (2010), [[Chris Korb]] (2008–10); Houston Dynamo (1): [[Kofi Sarkodie]] (2008–10); Montreal Impact (2): [[Evan Bush]] (2005–08), [[Sinisa Ubiparipovic]] (2004-06); New England Revolution (1): [[Scott Caldwell]] (2009–12); New York Red Bulls (1): [[Eric Stevenson (soccer)|Eric Stevenson]] (2009–13); Philadelphia Union (2): [[Robbie Derschang]] (2012–13), [[Aodhan Quinn]] (2011-13); Portland Timbers (6): [[Bryan Gallego]] (2011–13), [[David Meves]] (2009–12), [[Darlington Nagbe]] (2008–10), [[Michael Nanchoff]] (2007–10), [[Steve Zakuani]] (2007–08), [[Ben Zemanski]] (2006-09); Seattle Sounders (2): [[Blair Gavin]] (2007–09), [[DeAndre Yedlin]] (2011-12); Sporting Kansas City (2): Reinaldo Brenes (2010–13), [[Teal Bunbury]] (2008-09); Toronto FC [[Richie Laryea]] (2014–15) Vancouver Whitecaps (1): [[Darren Mattocks]] (2010–11).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/20140121oc1q6k|title=Quinn and Brenes Join MLS Ranks On Day Two Of SuperDraft|work=gozips.com|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222035907/http://www.gozips.com/sports/msoc/2013-14/releases/20140121oc1q6k|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Track and field athlete [[Shawnacy Barber|Shawn Barber]], went professional in 2015, signing with Nike,<ref>{{cite web|title = World champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber turns pro, forgoes final year of eligibility at UA by signing contract with Nike|url = http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/world-champion-pole-vaulter-shawn-barber-turns-pro-forgoes-final-year-of-eligibility-at-ua-by-signing-contract-with-nike-1.620704|website = www.ohio.com|access-date = October 8, 2015|first = Michael|last = Beaven}}</ref> after winning the [[2015 World Championships in Athletics|IAAF World Track and Field Championships]] in Men's Pole Vault. [[Clayton Murphy]] is a professional middle-distance track runner with Nike, and earned the bronze medal in the 800m in the 2016 Olympic Games.
*Cheerleader Alexis Kaufman, known as [[Alexa Bliss]], has held a combined total of seven championships in [[WWE]].  She is also both the second and youngest woman to be named a [[WWE]] [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)]].
*Basketball player [[Kwan Cheatham]] plays for [[Ironi Nes Ziona]] of the [[Israel Basketball Premier League]].

== See also ==
* [[List of colleges and universities in Ohio]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.gozips.com University of Akron athletics website]

{{University of Akron}}
{{Public universities in Ohio}}
{{Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities}}
{{Colleges and universities in Ohio}}

{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:University of Akron| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1870]]
[[Category:Education in Akron, Ohio]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Akron, Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Akron, Ohio]]
[[Category:Public universities and colleges in Ohio]]
[[Category:1870 establishments in Ohio]]