R.J. Nemer is the first University of Akron graduate in more than a century to ascend to university president, a point he emphasized Thursday afternoon during his State of the University of Akron address.
Now more than 200 days into his tenure, Nemer used his speech at the Akron Press Club to underline his emotional ties to the university and outline his vision for its future.
“I am better equipped and now have a deeper meaning and understanding of this wonderful institution and place,” Nemer told the crowd of about 200. “In multiple ways, the culmination of my career is this homecoming.”
Among the most noteworthy excerpts from his speech was the announcement that the four-year, $1.36 million partnership between the university and the Cleveland Browns was funded by private donations and that negotiations for the deal began when he was dean of the College of Business.
“Not only will that [partnership] enhance our global recognition and brand identity,” Nemer said, “it will simultaneously open an avenue of unique academic opportunities for our students and faculty across campus.”
Nemer: Too early to determine if enrollment continues to increase in 2024-25
Nemer said when he was hired as president, he began working to expand the partnership beyond the College of Business — to include majors across the university.
Nemer shared a three-fold vision for the future that focuses on growth, identity and experience.
The university’s enrollment steadily declined before experiencing a slight uptick during the 2023-24 school year, according to Ideastream. Nemer said it’s too early this fall semester to determine whether enrollment continued to increase in 2024-25.
“Our campus is built for more students than we currently have,” Nemer said, “and one of my primary goals is to grow the student body in strategic ways, to best build the seats in our classrooms.”
President hints at football prediction for UA-Kent State
The second tenet of his vision for the future is expanding and enhancing student experiences. The Cleveland Browns partnership serves as an example.
“Something I hear often from our students at the university is that we offer big school opportunities with personalized education — most often found at institutions much smaller or much more costly than ours,” Nemer said.
Nemer also called for a consistent, transformative identity for the University of Akron, an effort that will help spread a positive public image. From students, faculty and staff to community stakeholders with an interest in the success of the university, Akron, Northeast Ohio and the state.”
Nemer wants the University of Akron to be a part of the solution.
“The storytelling we engage in now will define the next chapter for this celebrated university,” Nemer said.
Nemer also recommitted publicly to transforming the Polksy Building into a retail and community space on Main St. He said he’s in conversation with other city stakeholders, including Mayor Shammas Malik’s office, to conceive plans to uplift downtown.
Finally, Nemer was asked if he had any predictions about the annual Wagon Wheel football game between the University of Akron and Kent State University.
“Yeah, Akron,” he said to laughs and applause.