The University of Akron is not changing its name BUT it is adding a brand tag-line. From now on the school will position itself as “Ohio’s Polytechnic University.” Mark Urycki from State Impact Ohio explains.
Akron President Scott Scarborough believes mid-level state universities in Ohio are in trouble as state funding per pupil dwindles away. He told the Cleveland City Club that his school needs to distinguish itself by focusing on what it does well.
“Polytechnic describes both our historical strengths and our path forward: career focused, technology infused, connected to business and industry, applying to both sciences and the arts. And let me repeat those last 3 words – and the arts.”
Scarborough said all of the existing departments at The University of Akron could take a polytechnic approach but admitted that the university cannot be all things to all people. On Thursday the school announced a new National Center for Choreography in a partnership with DanceCleveland. The Akron president noted that even dance has a very technical side.
The focus on industry-related skills came from internal discussions but he acknowledged that Governor Kasich’s demand for career-ready students also played a part.
“State governments have decided, they’ve decided that they have to pay for other things, understandably. Medicaid, K-12, prisons, roads and bridges, and general government. And what’s left over then goes to higher education. And as a result regional state universities are getting weaker by the day.”
Scarborough stays the polytechnic approach is to be more career-focused and industry connected. He said students have told them "I’m not coming here just to sit in the woods and think."
Akron also announced a new Center for Data Sciences and Information Technology that will be run by former Microsoft executive Mario Garzia, an Akron alumnus.