University of Akron President Gary L. Miller will deliver his first State of the University speech Friday, February 11 at noon before the Akron Press Club. There will be the opportunity for questions following his address.
The speech will be delivered before an audience at Quaker Station and live streamed for those not comfortable attending in person. For those attending in person:
- Masks are required.
- Seating will be theater style, with spacing.
- A “to go” box lunch will be provided at the end of the speech.
Miller became the 18th president of the University of Akron in October 2019, months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He led the university’s transition to online learning, and back to in-person classrooms.
He led an inclusive strategic planning process to reinvest in the areas of strength and create new programs and degrees. Miller has reached out to the community and has led the campus to review its culture and processes related to diversity and inclusion. He also was faced with UA’s long-standing budget issues. The university went through a round of layoffs and negotiated a six-year contract with unionized faculty.
Miller came to Akron after serving as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and before that the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He also has served as a provost and a dean. He taught at the University of Mississippi, Weber State University and Mississippi State University. He holds a doctorate in biological sciences from Mississippi State University. He earned both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of William and Mary.
He and his wife, Georgia Nix Miller, enjoy the arts and outdoor activities. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.
The cost for this event is $25 for those attending in person and free for those viewing via live stream. Money from this event will help fund scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Between the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund, scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to 10 students in 2021.
Speaker: University of Akron President Dr. Gary L. Miller.
Date: Noon, February 11, 2022.
Place: Quaker Station, 135 South Broadway, University of Akron campus
Cost: $25 in person, with boxed lunch to go; free to watch live stream but must still register to get the link.
To register: Go to https://conta.cc/3KqrNVO
The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of offering newsmakers a forum to discuss issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public. The club also funds scholarships for journalists and public relations students.