The partnership between the team and the university will provide students with job opportunities, new academic programs, and other regional benefits.
The University of Akron has been announced as the official University of the Cleveland Browns in a new strategic partnership that is expected to have benefits for the team, the school, students, and the region. Students will have a plethora of opportunities to work with the NFL team in a number of ways, new academic programs will help create a talent pipeline between the two entities, and the region itself will benefit from the partnership.
According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, R.J. Nemer, who serves as the university’s president, shared his enthusiasm for this new partnership and all of the benefits it will bring. He is quoted as saying, "This is a touchdown for both organizations. Given the prominence of professional sports in our region and the comprehensive educational programs we offer at UA, we're creating a pipeline of talent and jobs that is of net benefit for our entire region and beyond."
One component of the partnership is the opportunity for students of various majors to take part in internships with the team. Additionally, new academic programs will be implemented that will involve students collaborating with Browns personnel as well as University of Akron faculty to research and present findings of different topics as part of for-credit special topics courses. This will give students the experience of working in a different setting and exploring different topics as a complement to regular classroom learning. Students will be able to take advantage of networking opportunities and career preparation and mentoring from both university faculty and Browns personnel.
Haslam Sports Group Chief Human Resources Officer Michael Nikolaus shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, "We are pleased to join forces with The University of Akron and use this partnership to expose students to possible education and career growth opportunities in the sports industry. One of our goals as an organization is to have an impact in the Northeast Ohio community and we look forward to witnessing this collaboration achieve its full potential."
Additionally, Browns personnel will benefit from the partnership in the form of potential eligibility to continue their education through the University of Akron.
The partnership also includes the joining of the University of Akron with the Browns on the team’s Browns Give Back Movement, which will see the two entities joining forces to participate in volunteer opportunities around the community.
For more information about The University of Akron, visit the school’s website.