OTS and UA: Strengthening Local Partnerships

Last Thursday, Sarah Johnston and Joe Vogel joined other educational leaders in the K-12 space in Summit County at the Anthony J. Alexander Professional Development Center at the University of Akron. The group spent the morning learning about the innovative work on the UA campus, with a particular focus on the College of Business. The discussion was led by College of Business Dean R.J. Nemer.

Although the meeting was focused on UA, the Old Trail School connections were discernible. Anthony J. Alexander is the grandfather to three current Old Trail School students and Mrs. Johnston and Mr. Vogel were joined by UA Economics Department Chair Dr. Sucharita Gosh, who is a member of the OTS Board of Directors and an alumni parent of Rashul Basu ‘11 and Romir Basu ‘15. 

“As a part of the greater Akron community, it is critical that Old Trail School remains connected to the institutions that have shaped Akron for so many years,” Mrs. Johnston said. “The University of Akron is a pillar of our community and continues to be forward-thinking and inventive in its commitment to education. In moments like this, we can continue to support one another and learn from each other.” 

Mrs. Johnston said the two institutions will continue to explore ways of strengthening this natural partnership, led by a shared vision of graduating students equipped with the creative and critical-thinking skills that their world will demand. 

The University of Akron recently announced two new undergraduate degree programs that started this fall: Bachelor of Science in Sport Analytics and Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Business. The university established the programs to respond to growth in the global sports industry. The global sports market was valued at approximately $390 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow by more than 50% to nearly $600 billion by 2025. 

The programs are housed in the college’s Department of Management.