About UA

Here you will find excellence in the breadth and quality of our 300 academic degree programs, and in the highly talented faculty who will help mold you into a critical thinker. Here you will find a metropolitan setting that places you in the heart of a dynamic, regional economy, and in sync with the pulse of business, government and the community. Most important, here you will discover energy, in the high-tech classrooms of our new academic buildings, in our new Student Union and Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and among the 200 student organizations on campus.

Excellence, opportunity and energy. You will find all three at The University of Akron.

UA at a Glance

Founded:

1870 as Buchtel College

President:

Dr. Luis M. Proenza

Our Students:

We have about 26,000 students representing 44 U.S. states and 79 foreign countries. They're a culturally diverse group and they come from a broad economic spectrum.

The Campus:

The University of Akron is a vibrant community within metropolitan Akron, with more than 80 buildings on 218 acres. In 2007, we opened the Exchange Street Residence Hall, providing apartment-style living for up to 500 students. Plans are under way for the Zips to open the 2009 football season in a new, on-campus, multi-use stadium.

Intercollegiate Athletics:

We have 19 NCAA Division I-A intercollegiate athletic teams for men and women that compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Learn more

Visit Us

Join us for a Visitation Day! You'll meet current students and faculty. You'll learn about our excellent academic programs, our scholarship programs, financial aid and living on campus. And you'll see our modern classrooms, laboratories and Rec Center.

More information for visitors.

Employment

We are looking for people to provide for the changing needs and expectations of our diverse University community. If you are interested in fostering a favorable and positive work environment, find out more about us.

Our History

The institution now known as The University of Akron was founded as Buchtel College in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention, which was strongly influenced by the efforts, energy and financial support of Akronites, particularly industrialist John R. Buchtel. By 1907, Buchtel College's emphasis on local rather than denominational interests led it to become a private, non-denominational school.

Learn more about UA's history.

UA & the Akron Community

Canal Park We are in the heart of a dynamic regional economy that allows us to build partnerships with business and government, thus providing our graduates with vast career opportunities.