University of Akron Picks An Interim President

by Tim Rudell

The University of Akron has an interim president.  Mathew Wilson, Dean of the law school, was picked Monday by the university’s board of trustees. 

Mathew Wilson, joined the University of Akron two years ago. And, he says he decided to go for what is likely to be a very difficult job because he’s become sold on the potential of the U of A, and of the community.  He sees both as vastly underrated. 

His first priorities are improved enrollment, retention and graduation, and stabilized finances. He says his first actions will be listening. 

“I need to meet not only internally, but go externally.  Students are what it’s all about.  I need to be meeting with students and working with students.  And, looking to finding ways to educate the community about all the great things that are going on here at the University of Akron,” says Wilson.

Board of Trustees chairman Roland Bauer says the search for a permanent president has not started and may take a year or two.