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New University of Akron President Is....Scott Scarborough

Scott Scarborough, U of Akron's new president (from uakron.edu)
Scott Scarborough, U of Akron's new president (from uakron.edu)

Scarborough was one of the top three finalists for the job, beating out The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Ronald Nykiel and Jim Tressel, Akron’s current executive vice president for student success and former Ohio State head football coach.

During a live online announcement yesterday, board chair Richard Pogue said Scarborough’s five-year contract will clock in at $450,000 per year, along with bonuses, a home, and other perks.

In his application materials, Scarborough called his life in academia “an amazing journey.”

That journey has also included stints at The University of Toledo’s Medical Center, DePaul University, and several of The University of Texas’ branches, according to his resume.

In his cover letter, Scarborough wrote he’s “most proud of my work to elevate the quality, distinctiveness, and economic sustainability of all aspects of a university’s tripartite mission: teaching and learning, research and discovery, and service and engagement.”

The idea of service seemed to be a common theme. During his open presidential panel forum, he mentioned higher education can be used as an agent for social good, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

“It changes people’s lives in ways that few things can,” he said.

Scarborough’s term will begin on July 1.

During Thursday’s announcement, Pouge also made a point to address the strength of all of the candidates. He specifically gave a mention to Tressel, saying the Akron alum “has brought significant, positive change” during his time on campus over the past two years.

And just today, Tressel was announced as the new president for Youngstown State University.

Story by ideastream's Amy Hansen and Brian Bull.