Academic Centers & Institutes at The University of Akron Please click on the links to view a brief description of the programs: Centers
Institutes
The Pan African Center for Community Studies
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Lathardus Goggins II, Ph.D., Assistant Director
Brandon Laster, Secretary
The Pan African Center for Community Studies is a division of the Office of Multicultural Development. It was established in 1973 guided by the philosophy of “Legacy, Leadership and Excellence” which forms the basis for a “Beloved Community,” espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is through understanding our past, preparing leaders for the future, and embracing excellence that this theme is realized. The Center connects the University to the community making it a resource for those who are interested in Akron’s African American past. Services offered include a variety of lectures, seminars, programs, workshops, and activities, which promote student development and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the African Diaspora, with special emphasis on the African American experience.
The Pan African Center for Community Studies provides faculty, staff and students opportunities to develop an understanding and appreciation of African-based cultures. Also, the Center provides information to support and stimulate student research. All students at The University of Akron are encouraged to learn more about the history and culture of African and African American people.
The Center includes the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History and Culture, a showcase and repository of the history and experiences of African Americans who have helped develop and shape Akron. The Center's Black History lecture series bring to campus top-notch intellectuals to share their research with the greater Akron community. The presence of these intellectuals is due in large part through collaborations between University departments, community organizations, and local businesses.
The Pan African Center for Community Studies is located in the Buckingham Center, Room 101. For more information, please contact the Center at (330) 972-7030.
(Top) Akron Polymer Training Center
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Tayba Tahir, Director Polymer Training Ctr
The University of Akron's 18,500-square-foot Akron Polymer Training Center is a teaching facility that serves the region's academic and industrial needs by offering a wide variety of credit and non-credit courses. The revamped structure, at the corner of East Mill and South College streets, contains three classrooms, two polymer processing laboratories, and a laboratory devoted to chemical measurement and instrumentation.
(Top) Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
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John C. Green, Ph.D., Director
The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics is a public education and research adjunct of The University of Akron and its Department of Political Science. The broad purposes of the institute, in keeping with the career of its namesake, Ray C. Bliss, are: To give all citizens, and particularly students, an opportunity to learn how to become active and competent in political life; to help maintain a tradition of ethical public service in politics; to foster useful relationships between applied politics and political science; to promote public comprehension of political organizations and the requirements for their effectiveness; and to improve understanding of continuity and change in American political institutions.
(Top) Institute for Biomedical Engineering Research
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Daniel B. Sheffer, Ph.D., Director
This institute was established in 1979 to promote interdisciplinary studies in the rapidly growing areas of knowledge which overlap the fields of biology and medicine, on the one hand, and engineering and the physical sciences, on the other. It conducts seminars, courses and degree programs in biomedical engineering in association with the College of Engineering and individual departments.
In addition to its research and educational functions, the institute provides a research service to local hospitals and industry, as well as to private and government agencies. The premise for this program is that the combined resources of the University, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and affiliated organizations will often permit more cost-effective solutions than would be possible by an individual or group doing the research independently.
The work of the institute is carried out by faculty of the Department of Biomedical Engineering in association with 'members' selected from the faculties of The University of Akron and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, as well as from the ranks of area physicians, engineers and scientists. The institute and the department occupy the third floor of the Olson Research Center on the north edge of the campus.
(top) Center for Economic Education
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Fred M. Carr, Ph.D., Director
The center exists to improve the economic literacy of individuals to help them function competently as citizens, producers and consumers.
The center conducts workshops, seminars and economic programs for teachers, students and interested groups. It provides consulting services in the area of economic education and acts as a clearinghouse for the gathering and dissemination of economic education materials and programs. It also fosters an understanding and appreciation of the American economic system.
(top) Center for Environmental Studies
Ira D. Sasowsky, Ph.D., Interim Director
The Center for Environmental Studies matches the expertise of 95 affiliates in 33 disciplines with the needs of students seeking study and research opportunities in complex environmental issues. Since its founding in 1970, the center has sponsored, or in other ways supported, activities appropriate to the goal of attaining a quality environment for mankind.
The center coordinates special forums, workshops and seminars that address major issues. Examples include the National Energy Forum, the World Food Forum, and Evaluation of Environmental Data. Workshops on energy, natural history and environmental studies in England also emphasize the interdisciplinary approach to the resolution of issues.
(top) Center for Family Studies
Helen K. Cleminshaw, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Family Studies, established in 1979, was designed to stimulate and encourage the interdisciplinary study of the family. It serves both the University and the community by fostering collaboration between faculty, students, practitioners, and community leaders on curriculum development, educational conferences and seminars, research and training, and public policy relevant to important family issues.
The Center is represented by faculty from five colleges and over 15 disciplines. It also includes leaders from various community systems, such as schools, hospitals, courts, churches, mental health, social, and health care agencies.
The Center offers certificates in the following specialty areas: Divorce Mediation, Case Management for Children and Families, Parent and Family Education, and Home-Based Intervention. For more information, please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletins.
Any student, faculty member, or community person interested in family issues is invited to call the Director to learn how they can participate or learn more about the Center's activities.
(top) Institute for Health and Social Policy
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Sonia Alemango, Ph.D., Director
The Institute for Health and Social Policy (IHSP), in the College of Arts and Sciences, was established in 1999 as a research institute for the study of the delivery of effective health and social services. The primary mission of the IHSP is to improve the quality of services delivered to specific target groups most at risk of health and social consequences in order to decrease morbidity and mortality and the burden of health and social problems on the community and on individuals. The IHSP focuses on interdisciplinary research by linking with allied units on campus and other universities. The Institute facilitates and establishes common research agendas with Social Sciences, Statistics, Biology, Nursing, Home Economics and Family Ecology, Social Work, Biomedical Engineering and Gerontology. The IHSP occupies the fifth floor of the Polsky Building located on campus west of the university in the heart of downtown Akron.
(top) Center for Nursing
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Elizabeth Kinion, Ed.D., Director
The Center for Nursing is a part of The University of Akron's College of Nursing. It is an education and practice center for College of Nursing faculty and students as well as faculty and students from other health care disciplines on campus.
Since 1981 the Center for Nursing has provided wellness services to campus students, faculty and staff as well as outreach services to community residents of all ages. Services include health assessments and nursing physicals, stress management and self-care assistance, family and group education and support sessions. Community outreach to vulnerable populations is a major emphasis of the center.
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Center for Conflict Management
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William T. Lyons, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Conflict Management at The University of Akron, jointly administered by the Departments of Political Science and Sociology, offers programs to assist students interested in learning to better manage conflicts and prevent violence—from interpersonal to international. The goal of the Center is to provide an academically rigorous, interdisciplinary, and practically grounded analysis of the nature of conflict and violence, and to encourage a wider diffusion of conflict management skills throughout society, in the hope that this will support a sober analysis of conflicts at all levels and more cooperative approaches to the conflicts that plague our relationships in families, communities, and among nations.
Olin 202...Drop In Anytime!
Center for Conflict Management
(330) 972-5855 or wtlyons@uakron.edu
(top) Center for Public Service Research and Training
Peter Leahy, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Public Service Research and Training (CPSRT), newly established in June 2002, evolved from the Center for Urban Studies, established at the University of Akron in 1967. CPSRT's mission is to assist the local and regional community in policy analysis and evaluation, applied research, professional service and the resolution of social, economic and public management problems. CPSRT offers its services to governments of all levels, to community foundations, to human service agencies and to community organizations. Particular expertise is available in program evaluation and program improvement strategies, strategic program planning, strategic management, community needs assessment, community planning and the conceptualization and design of research projects. The addition of CPSRT to the already existing Center for Policy Studies has allowed increased service to the government and public sector organizations in our area.
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Fisher Institute for Professional Selling
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Jon M. Hawes, Ph.D., C.S.E., Director
The Fisher Institute for Professional Selling was founded in 1993. Its mission is to enhance the image of the sales profession, to promote professional selling and sales management as a rewarding lifetime career, to provide high quality sales training and learning experiences, and to advance the knowledge of professional selling through the support of applied research.
(top) William and Rita Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D., Director
In 1995, a generous gift from William and Rita Fitzgerald created the Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies in the College of Business Administration. The Institute was established to promote the principles of free enterprise and encourage entrepreneurial spirit and practices both within the University's curriculum and throughout the business community.
The Fitzgerald Institute focuses on the development of curriculum appropriate for both new ventures and the entrepreneurial development and growth of existing businesses. The Institute provides the needed link between the University and the community of entrepreneurs critical to business development in the future. The Fitzgerald Institute also sponsors several outreach projects, such as the Center for Family Business, the Center for Small Business, and Students in Free Enterprise.
(top) Institute for Global Business
Douglas Hausknecht, Interim Director
The University of Akron received special funding from the State of Ohio to expand its offerings of undergraduate and graduate degree programming in international business. Thus, the College of Business Administration (CBA) created the Institute for Global Business, which coordinates both credit and noncredit programming in international business. The institute also develops short courses and seminars designed to help improve the international competitiveness of area business.
(top) Center for Organizational Research (COR)
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Dr. Dennis Doverspike, director
The COR is a business research and consulting center managed by The University of Akron's nationally recognized Industrial/Organizational Psychology Department. The COR provides organizations with
research-based solutions to the issues that confront people in work environments.
(top) Institue for Life-Span Development and Gerontology
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Harvey L. Sterns, Ph.D., Director
Isadore Newman, Ph.D., Associate Director
Terry H. Albanese, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Gerontology Certificate Program; and Practicum Coordinator
Jerome Kaplan, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Nursing Home Administrator Program
The Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology, founded in 1976, coordinates multidisciplinary credit certificate programs in gerontology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, this certificate is included in the Ohio Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators approved course of study in Nursing Home Administration which combines a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management (Personnel Option) with a Certificate in Gerontology.
Faculty fellows at the institute representing 23 University departments conduct research, and provide special courses, workshops, and seminars as well as participate in community research and demonstration projects. Students in the certificate programs carry out field placements at numerous community service settings.
Examples of outreach activities include the Elderhostel program, offered each summer for older adults who participate in a week-long residential learning experience.
The institute is a member of the Northeastern Ohio Consortium on Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, joining together with the Office of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine; Gerontology Center, Kent State University; and Gerontology Committee, Youngstown State University.
(top) Center for Policy Studies
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Karl Kaltenthaler, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Policy Studies is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and staff who specialize in studies of public opinion and public policy. Center researchers seek to understand the nature and sources of mass attitudes toward policy issues. Center research also focuses on the causes and consequences of policy decisions. The faculty members who make up the Center study these issues from a domestic and international perspective. The Center also offers its expertise to the public for those who wish to commission studies of public opinion or policy issues relevant to the research specialties of the fellows of the Center.
(top) Institute of Polymer Enginnering
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Lloyd A. Goettler, Ph.D., Director
The Institute of Polymer Engineering carries out fundamental and applied research in polymer processing, engineering performance and associated characterization.
The institute, founded in 1983, seeks to be a major intellectual and research resource in northeast Ohio. The institute maintains up-to-date and futuristic processing and characterization laboratories, with continued interest in development investigation of new process technology and new materials. Its activities also include organization of scientific symposia and various seminars related to polymer processing and engineering.
(top) The Maurice Morton Institute of Polymer Science
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Frank Harris, Ph.D., Director
The institute is concerned with basic and applied research in polymers. It was established in 1956 as the Institute of Rubber Research and in 1964 became the interdisciplinary Institute of Polymer Science. The University's first Ph.D. program in polymer chemistry was started in 1956 and was administered by the institute until a separate Department of Polymer Science was established in 1967. The institute maintains extensive laboratory facilities, an applied research group, a macromolecular modeling center, and a mini pilot plant for polymer synthesis. It is the principal organization responsible for external funding of research projects and graduate fellowships in polymer science.
(top) Microscale Physiochemical Engineering Center (MPEC)
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George G. Chase, Director
The Microscale Physiochemical Engineering Center (MPEC) was established in 1996 by faculty with a common research interest in materials composed of very small particles. These small particles occur, for example, in heterogeneous catalysts, fluid/solid separations, paper-pulp processing, soil remediation, waste water decontamination, and solid transport.
The unique feature of MPEC is the ability to form multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and graduate students to solve specific industrial problems.
The Center hosts an annual conference, promotes networking, provides a forum for industrial-university cooperation, and is a consortium of industrial sponsors for fundamental and applied research in microscale physiochemical engineering.
(top) Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials
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David H. Hoover, Ph.D., Director
The Training Center for Fire and Hazardous Materials brings the University, government and industry together into one comprehensive regional center to integrate educational programs, fire and hazardous materials training and other applications of fire and safety technology. The center coordinates seminars and workshops presented by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Division of State Fire Marshal and other related organizations. Training in all phases of hazardous materials containment and fire prevention and control is provided under contract to various municipalities, industries and agencies. The programs are supported by the faculty of the Fire Protection Technology degree program in association with other state and nationally recognized professionals.
(top) English Language Institute (ELI)
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Debra Deane, M.A., Director
Established in 1979, the English Language Institute (ELI), part of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, provides non-credit academic English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to international students and non-native residents who plan to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at The University of Akron or another U.S. university. The intensive, 20-hour per week English program also serves students who wish to improve their English to meet their own professional and/or personal goals.
ELI courses at four levels of English proficiency target language and academic skills needed for successful study at a U.S. university: reading efficiently, writing clearly, taking lecture notes, and
communicating effectively in English. Students also study grammar and vocabulary and prepare for the TOEFL test of English language proficiency, which is required for admission to the University. In
addition, students receive a wide variety of support services designed to facilitate their transition to life and study in the U.S.
The ELI serves as a resource on issues relating to language proficiency not only for University faculty, staff, and students but also for members of the local community. ELI faculty can provide workshops and specialized courses to help UA departments and external institutions meet the needs of their non-native English speakers. For more information, visit the ELI web site at www.uakron.edu/eli/ or call (330) 972-7544.
(top) Center for Literacy
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Evangeline Newton, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Literacy is an interdisciplinary research and service unit of the College of Education. In collaboration with campus, community and school district partners, the Center sponsors a variety of activities that support the literacy development of children and adults through teaching and learning, scholarship, and service projects. Located in Zook 1, the Center houses professional resources, including curriculum materials, research journals and literature for children and young adults. The facility is also used for a popular Saturday morning tutoring program offered to children in the Akron area at no cost. Each semester, the Center places approximately 300 UA undergraduates in Partner Community Service Learning sites (http://www2.uakron.edu/serve-learn/), where they commit 20 hours to working with schools and civic organizations in Summit, Stark, Wayne and Portage counties. The Center is deeply committed to activities that bring Ohio educators at all levels together for cutting-edge professional development. Every November, for example, the Center joins with Kent State and Youngstown State to sponsor an Annual Reading Conference attended by over 500 pre-K through adult educators and administrators across Ohio.
(top) Center for Statistical Counseling
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Chand Midha, Ph.D., Director
The primary mission of the Center for Statistical Consulting (CSC) is to provide statistical support to researchers at The University of Akron and the surrounding community in a variety of areas, such as study design, data management, analysis and interpretation. The CSC also provides an excellent environment for the training of Department of Statistics students in statistical consulting. The CSC resides in the Department of Statistics, Room 118A.
(top) Center for Urban and Higher Education
Bridgie Alexis Ford, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Urban and Higher Education is a public education and research unit within the College of Education with the broad purpose of improving student learning pre-K through higher education. It serves both the University and the community by fostering collaboration among faculty, students, practitioners, and community leaders in educational conferences and seminars, research, evaluation, and training.
(top) Applied Polymer Research Center
Robert Seiple, Director
The Applied Polymer Research Center provides technical services to thousands of companies at a rate of 400-500 projects per year. With a full time professional staff and a half million dollar inventory of modern instrumentation, the center is dedicated to performing sophisticated and timely contractual technical services for industrial and government clients. In additional to dedicated resources maintained by the center, the laboratory has access to highly sophisticated instrumentation through the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and will interface with a staff of over 30 highly specialized faculty to solve more complex polymer related problems. Providing services for over 40 years, the center is operated by The University of Akron’s Maurice Morton Institute of Polymer Science.
(top) Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology
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Jeffrey Samuels, Director
The Center for Intellectual Property Law and Technology coordinates the law school's intelectual property law curriculum, including adminstration of the Master of Laws in Intellectual Property degree and the certificate in intellectual property law program. The Center sponsors an annual symposium on intellectual property, coordinates various moot court competitions, and provides assistance to local companies with respect to the administration of their intellectual property portfolios. In fulfilling its goals and objectives, the Center is assisted by an Intellectual Property Law Council, composed of practitioners, public officials and inventors from around the world.
(top) Center for Gerontological Health Nursing and Advocacy
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Susan Klein, Ph.D., Director
The mission of the Center for Gerontological Health Nursing and Advocacy is to advance knowledge about appropriate and effective health promotion/interventions for elders. The Gerontology Center has a triparite focus of education , research and service in addressing health care issues and advocacy for elders. Knowledge will be expanded through research, theory construction and testing. These tools will be used to develop "best practices" for multidisciplinary elder care and to develop educational strategies to prepare professionals in the delivery of elder care. The primary goal the center is to improve the health care and quality of life for elders.
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Training Center for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
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Don Laconi, Director
The University of Akron Training Center for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice provides cutting-edge training using the latest technology with an emphasis on practical application. We believe in high standards, a challenging curriculum, and a positive learning environment that promotes character, problem-solving skills, and safety. Our staff is motivated by excellence in all that we do and we demand nothing less from our students.
The Training Center for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice provides in-service training for all areas of the criminal justice field. Our staff works closely with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission to meet or exceed all standards for certification including a Police Academy and Private Security Academy. Staff will customize onsite programs to meet the needs of a department or group of departments.
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Miller-Becker Institute for Professional Responsibilty
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Frank Quirk, Director
Joseph G. Miller (Hon. '01), a former Akron practitioner and active participant in Bar disciplinary matters, founded and funded the School of Law's Joseph G. Miller Institute for Professional Responsibility. Established in 1993, the Miller Institute is a nonprofit, national center devoted to serving the legal profession and judiciary. The recent and untimely passing of Miller’s friend, and Institute Director, Bill Becker, left a great void in the leadership of the Institute. In celebration of the legacy both envisioned for their profession, Mr. Miller has chosen to rededicate the Joseph G. Miller Institute for Professional Responsibility, The Joseph G. Miller and William C. Becker Institute for Professional Responsibility.
The Institute's general purposes include: (1) the pursuit of appropriate academic activity to enhance ethical awareness and performance of students, attorneys and judges; (2) the enhancement of professionalism of those who study, practice or adjudicate the law; and (3) the examination, reporting on and suggesting of improvements in the grievance and disciplinary procedures of the legal profession.
The Miller Institute has founded various activities at the law school, but its most noteworthy endeavor has been the sponsorship of seminars for members of Grievance committees throughout the state. These seminars have been held at no cost to the attendees, and examine the process of grievance intake, evaluation, investigation and deliberation. The Miller Institute has conducted many such seminars to increasing statewide attention and results.
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Center for IT & eBusiness (CITe)
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Dr. B. Vijayaraman, Director of CITe
The Center for Information Technologies eBusiness (CITe) was created in 2000 to promote the principles of information technology and electronic business. The center's mission is to identify and promote best practices in the design, development and application of information technology in organizations. The center is comprised of faculty whose objective is to advance information systems and eBusiness programs, and research activities in the College of Business Administration. The center's activities include curriculum development and refinement; fostering the exchange and dissemination of knowledge in Northeast Ohio; grant development; the creation of local expertise; and the establishment of mentoring connections between students, academia and industry.
(top) Gary L. and Karen S. Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing
Dale Lewison, Ph.D., Director |
