10 Year Review - The University of Akron

Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School
Akron, OH 44325-4717
(330) 972-6458 Office
(330) 972-2368 Fax
September 6, 2010
Dear University of Akron Faculty, Staff and Students,
It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly a decade since I joined The University of Akron as the Vice
President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, but as the adage goes: time flies when you’re
having fun. These last 10 years certainly have been just that, as I have had the distinct opportunity to
witness the broad scope of research performed on this campus while the Landscape for Learning
blossomed.
In my past annual reports, I have stressed the importance of ―Telling the (Research) Story.‖ That is, to
share all of the successes our research faculty have experienced with you, the University community. At
The University of Akron our faculty, in many areas, are setting the bar for research, innovation and
technological advancements at new levels. We are fortunate to have a dedicated and diverse faculty,
who recognize the significance of research and are willing to put in the extra effort necessary to achieve
such extraordinary accomplishments. Now, after 10 years of working with this faculty, I find it fitting to
take a moment and reflect back on this time and attempt to once again, ―Tell the Story‖--not of individuals,
but rather the composite.
Additionally, I would be remiss if credit was not given to those who have made it possible for the
successes that we have realized as a team. I am very fortunate to have dedicated and loyal colleagues in
The University of Akron Graduate School, Office of Technology Transfer, Office of Research Services and
Sponsored Programs, the University of Akron Research Foundation, as well as an awesome group of
individuals who donate their time, effort and talent to make our community richer and fuller. While it goes
without saying, a special thanks goes to Dr. Luis Proenza for providing this wonderful opportunity to me. I
continue to be energized and invigorated with the professional acumen of these individuals with whom I
have the pleasure of working each day. The dynamics and attitude in the greater Akron community has
grown and expanded over this time frame for the better, and will continue to be a richer and more
progressive community because of each of you, and your positive efforts.
In the pages that follow, a brief summary of the last 10 years is given for each of the aforementioned
areas. Taken individually, the sections highlight the challenges and accomplishments that each area has
experienced; taken as a whole, it tells a story of which I am very proud.
With best regards, I remain
Sincerely,
George R. Newkome, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Dean, Graduate School
Oelschlager Professor of Science and Technology
Professor of Polymer Science and Chemistry
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