10 Year Review - The University of Akron

KENNETH G. PRESTON
720 Treecrest Drive
Akron, OH 44333
kpreston@uakron.edu
EXPERIENCE
2001 – Present THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, Akron, Ohio. A 26,000 student, multi-campus university
having one of the largest and highest-ranking graduate polymer science and engineering
programs in the world.
Associate Vice President for Research, Director of Technology Transfer, and Executive
Director of the UA Research Foundation (2001 – Present)
Responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing, protecting, and marketing University
inventions and works; assisting faculty and staff in research, technology and intellectual
property planning, funding, partnering, and related compliance and policy matters; and
fostering economic development through promotion and initiation of startups, spinouts,
CRADAs and other collaborations.
1990 – 2001 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, Tampa, Florida. A 36,000 student, multi-campus
university, ranked as one of the 20 largest in the nation and a Research I institution with
over $200 million in annual sponsored research.
Associate Vice President for Research (1996 - 2001)
Executive Director, University of South Florida Research Foundation (1991 - 1999)
Director, Division of Patents & Licensinq (1991 - 2001)
Assistant Director, Division of Patents & Licensinq (1990 - 1991)
Responsibilities similar to those at The University of Akron with particular emphasis on
developing and managing foundation activities and investments, and the protection and
marketing of biomedical, marine science and microbiology fields.
1970 - 1988 TRW, INC., Cleveland, Ohio and Los Angeles, California. A $17 billion worldwide
manufacturer and marketer of defense, electronics, information and automotive products
and services.
Vice President and Senior Counsel (1986 – 1988)
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel (1976 – 1986)
Chief Patent Counsel (1970 - 1988)
Major responsibilities included business and legal advice to company managers,
department management (including a staff of 30) and planning of the company's domestic
and foreign legal activities involving litigation, product liability, environment, real estate,
trademarks, patents, licensing, antitrust, purchasing, technology transfer, government
contracts, and data rights.
1966 - 1970 EATON CORPORATION, Cleveland, Ohio - GroupPatent Counsel
1964 - 1966 HUPP CORPORATION, Cleveland, Ohio - Patent Attorney
1961 - 1964 DEPARTMENT OF NAVY, Washington, DC - Patent Advisor
1959 - 1961 U.S. PATENT OFFICE, Washington, DC - Patent Examiner
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