Displaying items by tag: president

Open communication was one of the main concerns students and alumni had last school year during the University of Akron's public challenges with budget cuts, layoffs and declining enrollment.

This year -- it's a fresh start with open dialogue between students and U of A's Interim President Mathew Wilson during a Town Hall meeting. 

"What I've noticed that has been different about [Wilson] in comparison to [former President Scott Scarborough] is he is talking to students," said UA senior Hayley Cargill. "I mean, he's giving out his personal phone number for people to text him. He really cares about the students and that's a big difference."

The university faced heavy criticism over the past year under the leadership of now-former President Scott Scarborough. In late May, the board of trustees and Scarborough reached a mutual agreement for Scarborough's resignation.

It came as no surprise that some of the questions at Wednesday afternoon's meeting were focused on the administration's transparency and open communication. Those were problems that were brought up under the leadership of Scarborough. But Wilson, who has been working as the interim president for eight weeks, was quick to say that he's focused on being a good "communicator."

Even some of Scarborough's toughest critics at the event said they feel hopeful about what's to come for the university.

"Just the way [Wilson] speaks is encouraging," said graduate student Thomas Guarino. "Talking about putting students first. I've heard that many times, repeated, over and over. That's very encouraging."

Cargill said she's hopeful about the new direction the university is headed and appreciates Wilson's focus of connecting with students on campus.

"I have yet to see what this year will hold, but I have a lot of hope that it'll be a lot better than last year. It already is." 

Wilson talked about the hours he has spent helping connect students with the proper resources, including an an email he received from a student who was faced with the possibility of being homeless. Wilson said he worked with the student to help find a solution to pay for housing.

The status on donations at the university was also brought up. Wilson said pledges are coming in -- and that a major donation is currently under consideration. He noted that the total is in the millions, but didn't release further details.

Cleveland Browns president Alec Scheiner is leaving that position at the end of this month.

A team release says Scheiner is "stepping away" as president, and will continue to serve as a team consultant through the end of 2016.

Scheiner has been team president since 2013.

(Cleveland Browns, news release) Alec Scheiner is stepping away from his position as President of the Cleveland Browns as of March 31, 2016 and will continue to serve as a consultant to the team through the end of 2016.

"We greatly appreciate Alec's commitment and work as President of the Cleveland Browns," said Browns Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. "Alec is extremely capable and has helped us establish some very positive inroads with a significant focus on our fan experience, FirstEnergy Stadium and our business partners. He was integral to the rebuild of our organization, the renovations of our stadium and training facility, and many of our strategies on the football side of our business. His guidance has helped us accelerate our learning curve as NFL owners and that is something we will always appreciate. Alec is ready for the next challenge in his career, as our new structure would limit the opportunity for his leadership. He is one of the most talented executives in the industry, and we are fully confident that Alec will be successful in whatever permanent role he takes next. We wish him and his family only the best."

Scheiner served as President of the Browns since January 2013. During his tenure, Scheiner oversaw the transformation of FirstEnergy Stadium as well as the renovation of the team's practice facility in Berea. Under his stewardship, the Browns business made unprecedented strides. Scheiner overhauled the fan experience on game day as well as the team's digital, audio and broadcast media.

"I have had an incredible experience with the Browns," said Scheiner. "Cleveland is amazing and the fans are uniquely passionate. I want to thank Dee and Jimmy Haslam for the opportunity to do what I truly love: rebuilding an organization with a group of people who have shown unparalleled hard work, commitment to their team and city. I look forward to helping the Browns over the next several months as I determine my next challenge."