AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron has announced that Robert "R.J." Nemer has been named the 19th president in the school's history. The appointment is effective immediately following the retirement of Gary Miller, who will remain as a special consultant to the new president until October.
The UA Board of Trustees confirmed Nemer as the university's new president during a meeting on Wednesday.
Nemer is ascending to the presidency at the University of Akron after serving as the dean of UA's School of Business for the last two years. The Akron native is a double alumnus of The University of Akron, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a J.D. from UA's School of Law. Nemer worked as an attorney before founding a professional golf agency in 1998, which grew into "the largest independently held sports agency of its kind in the world. Nemer sold the firm to William Morris Endeavor/IMG in 2015 and assumed global leadership of the company's IMG Golf brand."
"It's frankly a surreal moment to be named president of this institution, having so many wonderful memories here both from undergraduate and law school," Nemer told the board after he was officially appointed. "I've been so fortunate and blessed in my professional life and I couldn't have done it without being launched from the University of Akron."
Miller steps down after five years at the helm of UA, navigating the institution through turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to thank the Board, staff, faculty and most of all our inspiring students for giving me the opportunity to create a bright future for this fine University,” said Miller in a statement. “As I enter the next chapter of my life, I have full confidence that President Nemer will continue the good work we have done to create an exciting future for our students and our campus. His skills as an entrepreneur, business leader and innovator will serve this University well as we continue to seek creative ways to stay ahead in a challenging marketplace.”
According to its release, UA's Board of Trustees "has tasked President Nemer with leading the University in its next steps toward a more sustainable future, focusing on a return to solid financial footing."
“I look forward to working with all of the colleges and other campus entities to build enthusiasm, endorse positive culture and make room for necessary change University-wide,” Nemer added. “We have a great opportunity ahead of us and we have all the tools necessary to implement purpose-driven stability and growth, ensuring our next 150 years. My immediate priority is to create a stronger and more collaborative culture across the University so we can do far better at recruiting and retaining students.”
You can watch the UA Board of Trustees vote to appoint Robert Nemer as president below.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released a statement following the University of Akron's announcement of the retirement of Gary Miller and the appointment of R.J. Nemer as new president.
"I want to congratulate Dr. Gary Miller on his retirement as President of the University of Akron and thank him for his service. Dr. Miller has led the university through some difficult moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and he has been a steadfast partner to the City of Akron. I also want to thank Georgia Nix Miller for her service to the community, including her unwavering support for the arts and creativity.
"Finally, I want to congratulate the University of Akron’s next President, Robert J. (R.J.) Nemer, who previously served as Dean of the Business School. Born and raised in the Akron area, President Nemer knows our community well and I look forward to working closely with him."
More from 3News:
- What's the job market like for new college graduates in Northeast Ohio?
- Case Western Reserve University to temporarily withhold degrees from some students involved in pro-Palestine encampment, ban them from campus
- Cleveland State president speaks exclusively to 3News as school deals with projected $40 million budget deficit
- Last day of classes for students at Notre Dame College as school closes forever in South Euclid