The University of Akron has a rich history dating back to its founding as a small denominational college in 1870. John R. Buchtel, an Akron industrialist, was instrumental in persuading the Ohio Universalist Convention to place its college in Akron, Ohio. More The University of Akron history.
The University of Akron changed names three times during its history:
- Buchtel College (1870-1913)
- First classes held at Buchtel College (1872)
- Municipal University of Akron (1913-1926)
- The University of Akron (1926-present)
- The University of Akron officially became a state university (1967)
The University of Akron has named 16 presidents.
In 1927, the Zippers was chosen as the athletic teams’ nickname, which was shortened to Zips in 1950. Zippy the kangaroo became the official mascot in 1953.