The University of Akron Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to select Dr. John C. Green, dean of the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, as interim president, effective May 1, 2018.
He will begin working immediately with the Board, current President Matthew Wilson and the leadership team on transition-related matters, with a particular focus on completing Academic Program Review, investing in our areas of academic strength and initiating our strategic planning process.
Board Chair Roland Bauer said, “The Board benefited greatly from the conversations that were held with the University’s many different constituency groups — both internal and external — about the characteristics and experiences that were desired in an interim president. Those comments and insights helped inform our decision. Dr. Green is respected as a scholar and a leader, and he is admired by students, faculty and staff alike. As dean of the University’s largest and most diverse college, he is valued for his collaborative approach to problem solving.”
Local, state and national ties
Chair Bauer also noted that Dr. Green is well-connected with the Greater Akron community, the region and the state, given his nearly 31 years of service to UA. In addition, his commitment to academic quality and research is unquestioned. As a distinguished professor of political science and director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, he is often quoted nationally on matters related to religion and politics.
Dr. Green said, “I am deeply committed to this University and am happy to be able to do anything I can to continue its success. I believe that my long-term involvement with UA will enable me to make the transition a smooth one, as I have a good understanding of the University and the challenges and opportunities we face. Of utmost importance is the completion of the Academic Program Review process and commencing work on developing the University’s strategic plan. I highly value the input of my colleagues throughout the University and I look forward to working collaboratively with them as we move forward.”
National search
As previously announced, the Board will begin the process in the very near future of conducting a national search for the next permanent president, and Dr. Green has stated that he will not be a candidate for that position.
Chair Bauer also noted that the current search to fill the position of executive vice president and chief academic officer will be suspended, based on the overwhelming recommendations of the various constituency groups.
Chair Bauer concluded, “We want to complete our search for our 18th president as quickly as possible, yet we expect Dr. Green will serve as interim president for at least one year. Both the Board and Dr. Green know that he will be very active in this role and continue to lead the aggressive initiatives that are underway.”
Provost Rex Ramsier and Dean Green will work with the college over the next few weeks to develop a leadership transition plan.
Dr. John Green