As we look ahead to the new academic year, BCAS is pleased to announce the appointments of several colleagues who will assume new leadership roles within the College, effective July 1, 2025. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and insight to their roles and will help guide BCAS in its continued mission to provide world-class teaching, research and student support.
Dr. Richard Londraville, Associate Dean for Faculty Support
Londraville, a professor of biology, joined UA in 1996. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a teacher, researcher, and leader, having served in key roles with the Akron chapter of the American Association of University Professors (Akron-AAUP) and in other academic leadership positions.
Dr. Amber Ferris, Director, School of Communication
Ferris has been serving as interim director since 2024. She joined UA in 2013, and her research interests include social media and media uses and effects.
Dr. Jordan Renna, Chair, Department of Biology
Renna has been serving as interim chair since January 2023. A former director of the Integrated Bioscience Ph.D. program, Renna joined UA in 2013. His research focuses on neural circuit development in the retina.
Kirstin Polen de Campi, Chair, Department of Modern Languages
As a three-time UA alumna, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in Spanish and a master's in education, de Campi joined the department in 2013 and has led a study abroad program to Valladolid, Spain, every summer since then. Passionate about encouraging students to experience language and culture firsthand, she remains a leader and advocate on campus for the Education Abroad office.
Dr. Todd Blackledge, Director, Integrated Bioscience Ph.D. program
A professor of biology who joined UA in 2005, Blackledge is internationally recognized for his research on spider silk biomechanics and biomaterials.