About University Park Alliance
University Park Alliance is a non-profit community development corporation, dedicated to advancing an ambitious strategy of transformation for University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA's comprehensive urban reinvestment development strategy is rooted in the importance of "placemaking," a holistic approach to community revitalization that plans and designs communities based on the needs of the people. UPA's efforts are organized around four programmatic areas: real estate development, economic development, social and human capital development, and community/civic engagement development.
Funding | Institutional Partner Member Directors | Community Member Directors
UPA Staff | Professional Affiliations
University Park Alliance
Andrew Jackson House
277 E. Mill St.
Akron, OH 44308
Office: 330.777.2070
Fax: 330.535.1417
Email: info@upakron.com
UPA was established through a major grant from the
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
UPA Board of Directors
Institutional Partner Member Directors
Akron Beacon Journal - Andrea C. Mathewson
Akron Children’s Hospital - William H. Considine
Akron General Medical System - Vincent J. McCorkle, Anthony N. Gorant
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority - Anthony W. O’Leary - Board President*
Akron Public Schools - David W. James - Board Vice President*
City of Akron - Donald L. Plusquellic
County of Summit - Russell M. Pry
Greater Akron Chamber - Daniel C. Colantone
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation - Jennifer Thomas
Summa Health System - Thomas J. Strauss*
The University of Akron - Luis M. Proenza*
Community Member Directors
Ethel L. Chambers
John Falatok - Board Treasurer*
Ann Lane Gates
Patrice Lange - Board Secretary*
J. Bret Treier
*Member of the Executive Committee
UPA Staff
Eric Anthony Johnson, Ph.D., executive director email
Beth Houseman, sr. director, communications and community relations email
Carol A. Murphy, director, strategic initiatives and resource development email
Ellen L. Deitrick, operations manager email
Marilyn K. Boley, administrative services coordinator email
Kelly Shidler, special projects manager email
Professional Affiliations
