A familiar face is returning to Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK as part of the institutional leadership team. Dr. Patrick Roberts, has been named vice president, advancement, and will lead the University's development and alumni efforts. "Pat was the obvious choice," said President R.J. Nemer. "His passion for UA is palpable, and he has an incredible breadth of experience. I am confident he is the right person to lead our advancement initiatives and to assist in propelling the University toward comprehensive growth.
For Roberts, the University is his former educational and work "home." As a three-time UA alumnus (bachelor's degree in business administration, master's degree in public administration, and doctorate in urban studies and public affairs) and former colleague, he is thrilled to lead the department where he held several director roles. Echoing President Nemer's excitement, Roberts stated, "When your alma mater calls, you pick up the phone. I look forward to working with our dedicated community, alumni base and stakeholders of all types to advance the University's mission."
In the past, Roberts served the University of Â鶹ÊÓƵAPKDepartment of Development as director of the annual fund, director of development for engineering and nursing, executive director of the UA Alumni Association and director of development for college-centered programs, where he led the marketing and fundraising endeavors of nearly fifty total departments.
His considerable work experience at UA, coupled with numerous institutional leadership positions across Northeast Ohio, poises Roberts to spearhead the advancement of the University. He will vacate his current role of vice president of marketing, advancement and partnerships at Stark State College, a job he has held since late 2022.
In addition to Stark State, Roberts has also served in various director, senior director, assistant vice president and vice president roles at Hiram College, Cleveland State University and Malone University, where he focused on major gifts and gift planning. Roberts began his career in educational advancement in the development office at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron.
A fixture on several nonprofit boards, and a member of fundraising organizations, Roberts has also garnered leadership awards andrecognition. He was selected as a member of the 30th Leadership Stark County cohort, is a Leadership Â鶹ÊÓƵAPKalumnus, and was honored with the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award from Sales and Marketing Executives International.
Roberts' tenure as vice president, advancement, will begin on Monday, Aug. 4.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, cboyd@uakron.edu