University of Akron President RJ Nemer gives first State of the University speech

University of Akron President RJ Nemer bragged on his alma mater and called for a true embracing of the University of Akron identity during a Thursday speech at the Akron Press Club, his first major speech since becoming president four months ago.

"When I attended UA as a student, we had a catchphrase — 'wherever you want to go, you can get there from the University of Akron,'" he said. "I am living proof of that concept."

Nemer gave the annual State of the University speech in front of a couple hundred people, highlighting the many program offerings Akron has for students, academically and socially, and increased efforts to enroll more students and keep them engaged on campus.

Nemer said giving a State of the University speech just 112 days into his tenure was "daunting," but that he had spent much of his time thus far on a university-wide listening tour.

"During the past three months, UA stakeholders of all types have shared with me background information, current applications, and future implications of where the University of Akron has been, how they view it now, and certainly inspirational opinions about our limitless potential," he said.

Nemer noted he is one of just a few college presidents nationally who is an alum of the university they now lead. He said it had been over 100 years since Akron had an alum as president.

He was a non-traditional hire as president, a former dean but not an academic. His background is in business, particularly sports management and marketing. Nemer was previously the dean of the College of Business but for just two years when President Gary Miller opted to retire quietly. Provost John Wiencek led a quiet two-week process to find a possible permanent internal candidate, and Nemer moved to the front of the line.

Nemer highlighted many strengths of the university, from its top-in-the-nation polymer science program to its E-sports champions. He said the university needs to grow, not just in enrollment but in the experiences it offers students.

"Yes, it is about filling our classrooms," Nemer said. "But it is also about expanding the careers of our colleagues. And it is about building out research and innovation capabilities. It's about advancing within our community, across the nation, and throughout the world."

Nemer took questions from the audience about finances and the university's footprint, and he acknowledged there are several buildings for sale as the university needs to downsize.

"I have full confidence we are on the right road," he said.

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: University of Akron President RJ Nemer gives first State of the University speech