Ron McDonald is the Director of Leadership, Development & Special Projects. His office, located within the Department of Student Life, is responsible for providing co-curricular programs and services such as student organization funding, development, and advising as well creating leadership training opportunities. Mr. McDonald is the creator and coordinator of the Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute, a summer experience designed to help high school students prepare for success in college. Special projects include campus-wide service projects, alternate spring breaks, and the development of the UA Parents & Family Association. Mr. McDonald’s student affairs career at The University of Akron spans nearly 30 years and includes administrative assignments in residence life and housing, student activities and development, leadership training, Greek life, and Judicial affairs.

Pamela L. Woodall, the Administrative Secretary, for the Office of Leadership Development (LEAD) began working with ASG (Associated Student Government) in 1992. Her work with LEAD and ASG enables her to offer support to university students, parents, and the faculty/staff. An Akron native, she has been involved with the University of Akron setting since childhood. Her active involvement with three children and granddaughters also keeps her moving. She believes building relationships with students at the university gives them confidence and a feeling of being cared for and supported, just as their parents would be involved and care about them!

Kirsten Fitzgerald is a student intern under the direction of Mr. McDonald. Having served as the Policy Council Chairperson, through Akron Summit Community Action’s (ASCA) Head Start program, nominee for the Leona W. Farris Caring Award, and 2006 recipient of ASCA’s Parent Volunteer Award, Mrs. Fitzgerald brings several years of expertise in the area of parent & family involvement. As a youth leader at her church, and (along with her husband and four children) an active performer of multi-generational community theatre, Mrs. Fitzgerald understands the importance of parents in the lives of their children.