University of Akron and Cleveland Browns partnership evolving

The University of Akron became The Official University of the Cleveland Browns in the fall of 2024. The partnership between the university and the team has grown and continues to evolve to provide students with job opportunities, credit-bearing courses, and networking opportunities with the team and other professionals.

According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, university president R.J. Nemer was quoted as saying of the partnership, “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 will benefit our students, the Browns and the entire community.”

Due to the partnership between the university and the team, three new courses have been introduced at the University of Akron designed to give students the opportunity to study the intersections of professional sports and business and football and science. The three new courses are Materials Science of Football, Sport Consulting Project, and Business of the Browns.

Materials Science of Football is a course that gives students the opportunity to learn about the science of football equipment, such as how the use of ceramics, metals, plastics, and composites in the equipment have helped evolve the sport. Students will have access to equipment supplied by the Cleveland Browns and will be able to meet individuals from Xenith Helmets, as well as receive a tour of a sports facility. The course is taught by Dr. Jennifer Lillard, an associate professor and director of the corrosion engineering technology program. 

The Sport Consulting Project course is a look into sports marketing and consulting. Students will participate in the NFL’s Global Markets Program during their capstone project, where they will identify an international market for the Browns. Additionally, students will work to improve the Browns’ presence worldwide through marketing strategies. Matt Papatheodorou, who serves as the Browns’ Director of Marketing, will be involved in the course and will provide students with feedback and mentorship. The course is taught by Dr. Seungbum Lee, a professor of management.

The Business of the Browns will also be taught by Dr. Lee. The course examines the Browns organization as a whole and explores branding, social media, technological advancements, and current trends in the industry. Browns executives will visit the classroom throughout the semester to provide students with their own insights and experiences.

In addition to classroom opportunities, students have also had several opportunities to volunteer at games, and will continue to have the opportunity to participate in more. The volunteering opportunities have been open to students across majors and have given them the chance to be involved in marketing, operations, logistics, and engagement aspects of Cleveland Browns gameday activities.

Future planned activities and opportunities for students include the Browns Give Back Movement, which includes volunteer services activities, and the opportunity for students in the Materials Science of Football and the Sport Consulting Project courses to present their research at the Browns practice facility for an audience of Browns personnel and UA faculty, opening the door to further networking opportunities.

Additionally, as the partnership between the two organizations evolves, it is planned that Browns personnel will have the opportunity to continue their education at the University of Akron.

For more information about the University of Akron, visit the school’s website.