Meet Dr. Patrick Roberts: The New Vice President of Advancement at UA

Office of the President announces new vice president, advancement

A New Era of Leadership at The University of Akron

As the University of Akron expands its horizons, a familiar face has returned to the helm of the University’s advancement efforts. Dr. Patrick Roberts, a triple alumnus with vast experience in educational development, has been appointed as the new vice president of advancement. Dr. Roberts has a deep connection to the University, having spent years in various leadership roles within its Development Department. President R.J. Nemer expressed confidence in Roberts, stating, "Pat was the obvious choice" due to his extensive experience and passion for the institution.

Connecting With Alumni and the Community

Dr. Roberts' previous experience, which includes serving in key positions at Stark State College and multiple universities, places him in an excellent position to strengthen the University's ties with its alumni and community. "When your alma mater calls, you pick up the phone," Roberts shared, eager to engage UA’s alumni base and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to advance the University’s mission.

A Vision for the Future

Roberts’ strategic vision is poised to take the University into a new realm of growth. He has demonstrated expertise in leading significant development initiatives, having successfully managed marketing and fundraising efforts across nearly fifty departments in his prior roles. As Akron continues to evolve, Dr. Roberts aims to harness the University’s rich history while looking towards an innovative and responsive future.

A Commitment to Excellence

With a track record of high-impact leadership and community engagement, Dr. Roberts is set to champion the University of Akron's advancement initiatives. His involvement on several non-profit boards and recognition within fundraising circles highlight his commitment to excellence in educational development. The community of Akron, and particularly UA alumni, should be excited about the potential changes under his leadership that can facilitate enhanced relationships and opportunities.

Keep an eye on the University of Akron's future, as Dr. Roberts steps into this pivotal role, ready to inspire growth and unity within the academic community.

News and Events

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

08.07.2025

Nationwide Disruption: United Airlines Flights Grounded Due to Tech Issues

Update United Airlines Faces Nationwide Grounding: What Happened? United Airlines experienced a major disruption on August 6, 2025, as flights across the nation were grounded due to a significant technology issue. Both major hubs such as Denver and Newark, as well as routes to key cities like Chicago, faced delays and cancellations, frustrating travelers eager to reach their destinations. Passengers Feel the Impact: A Day of Delays Despite the airline's assurances that “safety is our top priority,” the situation left many passengers stranded, and more delays were expected throughout the evening. At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, an unfortunate traveler found that a simple vacation trip to Mauritius had turned into a logistical nightmare due to missed connections, with potential re-bookings on flights, cars, and accommodations weighing heavily on their mind. Social Media Responses: Customer Reactions United Airlines took to social media to address the situation, sending out apologies to travelers enduring long waits in planes stuck on the runway. Responses from affected customers showcased a mix of frustration and understanding, highlighting the weight of inconvenience that a systemwide failure can cause. A Lesson in Communication and Preparedness This incident serves as a reminder for airlines to maintain robust communication channels with their customers during disruptions. Transparency about the nature of the issue and timely updates can mitigate negative sentiments among travelers who depend on these services. As the airline industry continues to evolve, strong preparation and responsiveness can make a significant difference in handling such situations. Looking Ahead: Future Technology Reliance As technology becomes increasingly integral to air travel processes—from ticketing systems to flight operations—the reliance on these systems opens up broader conversations about contingency planning. Airlines must invest in backup systems and protocol responses to ensure that when technology fails, their operational integrity and customer relations remain intact. In summary, United Airlines' recent grounding of flights underscores not just the intricacies of technology in aviation, but also the importance of effective communication with passengers. Traveling, while exciting, comes with elements of unpredictability, and both airlines and travelers alike must prepare for the unexpected.

08.05.2025

Understanding AI Ethics and Sustainability Through Biomimicry Insights

Update AI for a Sustainable Future: Inspiration from Nature As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance rapidly, it raises profound ethical and environmental questions. Faculty members from The University of Akron, Dr. John Huss and Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski, have embarked on pioneering research that connects AI with biomimicry—learning from nature—as a way to navigate these challenges. Bridging Disciplines for Innovative Solutions Their recent paper, titled Ethically Grounded Design Paradigm for AI: A Biomimetic Approach, was born from engagement in the Academic setting. After a lecture from Polish scholars, Dr. Paweł Polak and Dr. Roman Krzanowski, discussions evolved leading to this groundbreaking collaboration that merges philosophy, biology, and technology. Learning from Nature’s Time-Tested Solutions The researchers emphasize that nature has perfected problem-solving over billions of years. Niewiarowski points out that biological systems, like the energy-efficient functioning of the human brain, provide valuable templates for crafting sustainable AI. “If we can better understand and emulate natural computation, we can potentially design AI that is as capable but far more energy conscious,” said Huss. Ethics Embedded in AI This research isn’t about whether AI can mimic human abilities. It scrutinizes how AI should behave, incorporating essential ethical principles such as empathy and cooperation—traits that are found in natural systems. The researchers argue that for AI to genuinely benefit society, it must respect ecological balance and work cooperatively among diverse human and environmental needs. A Call to Rethink AI Development The implications of this research are significant, urging AI developers to reconsider their methodologies. Solutions inspired by nature could lead to AI systems that prioritize sustainability over mere performance, addressing the alarming energy consumption of current technologies. This collaboration not only places The University of Akron on the cutting edge of AI development but also serves as an inspiring model for scientists and researchers worldwide. As communities grapple with the nuances of AI use, these insights offer a roadmap toward a more harmonious relationship between technology and nature.

08.02.2025

Experience The Splendor of Classic Boats at Portage Lakes Show

Update Explore the Timeless Charm of the Portage Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show The 49th annual Portage Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show promises a spectacular display of craftsmanship and history on August 9th at 530 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron. This event, the second longest-running antique and classic boat show in the country, allows attendees to connect with vintage watercraft designed before 1941, as well as classic models built after that year and before 2001. Spotlight on Heritage and Craftsmanship Chairman Gil Maringer emphasizes the artistry involved in the creation and maintenance of these beautiful boats. “When you take a piece of wood and manage to twist it and bend it into a barrel back, it’s mesmerizing,” he shares. Not only do attendees appreciate the visual beauty of the boats, but they also marvel at the engineering feats, as some engines have been known to run for over 75 years due to their exceptional construction and upkeep. Engaging a New Generation With hopes of sparking interest among younger audiences, the show has historically attracted up to 3,000 visitors. John Vorhies, a participant since 1988, highlights the show's connection to the region's legacy of wooden boats. The event fosters a sense of community, with over 70 businesses supporting the show. Maringer adds that many boats have fascinating backstories, like a recent encounter where a passerby recognized a boat as his former possession, reflecting the enduring connection to maritime heritage. The Experience Awaits Held regardless of weather conditions, the show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you are browsing boats for sale or enjoying the exhilarating moment when all the engines fire up simultaneously at 2 p.m., this event promises an unforgettable day immersed in boating history. “The sound of the engines reverberating through the lakes is simply exhilarating,” Maringer concludes. Don’t miss this opportunity to relish in the artistry and engineering that define classic boats. Plan your visit to the Portage Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show for a day filled with nostalgia, appreciation of craftsmanship, and community spirit.

Meet Dr. Patrick Roberts: The New Vice President of Advancement at UA

A New Era of Leadership at The University of Akron

Connecting With Alumni and the Community

A Vision for the Future

A Commitment to Excellence

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title