Dr. Marion A. Ruebel, The University of Akron’s 14th president, died Sunday, Sept. 28 at the age of 81.

Ruebel served as UA’s President from 1996 to 1999. Dr. Ruebel is a native of Manson, Iowa. He joined UA in 1970 as an assistant professor of secondary education.

Dr. Ruebel retired from UA in 1994 and became president of Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He returned to UA in 1996 to serve as the university’s president.

During his tenure at UA, Dr. Ruebel focused on creating more scholarship opportunities and academic support for students. He was integral in launching The Scholarships for Excellence, which increased the number of full academic scholarships available to students. A $125 million fundraising campaign also finished three years ahead of schedule under his watch.

Dr. Ruebel started his academic career as a high school teacher and coach after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in biological sciences in 1958. He also earned a master’s degree in school administration in 1962 from Northern Iowa.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Ruebel will be announced at a later date.