Message from the Dean

Welcome to The University of Akron’s College of Education web site. We view this portal as our “electronic face” to the outside world, and we appreciate your taking the time to learn more about us. You will find that we have an array of high quality undergraduate and graduate programs that are run by outstanding and engaged faculty. We are accredited by NCATE, CACREP, CAATE, APA, COAMFTE, and the Ohio Department of Education. Our willingness to engage in continuous improvement through accreditation is just one sign of the culture of excellence that exists here. In addition to our formal academic program offerings, the Office of Outreach and Professional Learning provides a range of continuing professional educational opportunities as well.

In part because we operate in a metropolitan environment, you will find that the research conducted by our faculty is relevant to solving the myriad of educational problems facing our nation today. You can use this web site to find out more about their published articles, papers, and grant activities; faculty, contract professional, and staff accomplishments; and the kinds of external programs that they have developed to serve the children of Akron and surrounding communities. Our College ranked second highest in the amount of externally funded research awarded last year throughout the University.

Our faculty, contract professionals, and staff are deeply engaged with the community and this engagement reflects a set of values that we hope to pass on to our students. We have professional development sites at several schools in northeast Ohio where we collaborate with our K-12 partners to help develop the 21st century skills that our children need to compete in today’s global economy. In addition we are working with a number of initiatives to bring students into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) areas where, nationally, there is a critical shortage. We are also collaborating within the University to increase the number and rates of college graduates in the region.

This web site was designed for ease of use, and I hope that it answers most of the questions that you might have about the College of Education at The University of Akron. If it does not, please feel free to contact me or an appropriate departmental representative, and we will address your concerns as quickly as possible. If you have suggestions for improvement, please also feel free to pass them along. Go Zips!

Mark D. Shermis, PhD
Dean

Counseling
Curricular and Instructional Studies
Educational Foundations and Leadership
Sport Science and Wellness Education
Office of Student Services