The University of Akron’s search for the 16^th president is over. May 8 ended the search when the Board of Trustees at the university elected Scott L. Scarborough to be UA’s next president.

Scarborough made his first appearance as the university’s next president in a public forum on May 12.

“I believe that leadership is important, but it’s just a piece of the puzzle. I simply just want to be a great president. If I can do that, I will empower other people.” Scarborough also added, “My career evolved in ways I couldn’t imagine. There’s nothing more energizing than the students and connecting with students. There’s something noble in working in higher education.”

He and his wife, Tammy were introduced by the Board Chair, Richard Pogue, and then embraced by President Luis Proenza.

Proenza has dedicated the last 15 years to his presidency at The University of Akron.

“Scarborough has a vision and the management experience to lead UA to the next and necessary transition,” Progue said.

The speech that Scarborough gave explained a plan for his first 90 to 100 days in office. The new presidency begins for Scarborough July 1. Scarborough emphasized on the importance of relationships, explaining these days are the most important to meet and get to know one another.

“A lot of time will be spent listening to these people and synthesizing their input as a foundation of what should be done,” Scarborough said

To gain feedback from the university and help the university financially, getting UA back to solid ground, “People do their best work when they feel the institution is on solid ground,” Scarborough said.

Scarborough departed from the University of Toledo Administration where he was a provost. Within the last two years, Scarborough held position as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Senior Vice President, and Executive Director of the University of Toledo Medical Center.

He spent four years as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration for both the University of Toledo and the Medical Center.

Scarborough’s transition here to UA includes moving his family from Toledo to Akron. His wife, daughter and in-laws are fully supporting the family decision.

Tammy was the chief financial officer for University of Toledo’s Physicians. She is now spending time with family while looking for a health care position in the Akron area.

Other candidates for the presidency included Ronald Nykiel, provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Jim Tressel. Tressel was The University of Akron’s vice president for student success and later received the title of vice president for strategic engagement.

Tressel was selected to be president for Youngstown State University and will begin his presidency the same day Scarborough takes his chair as president of The University of Akron.