The University’s growth paralleled the remarkable expansion of Akron. During those years, enrollment swelled from 198 to about 10,000.

The college's strong ties to the community and its challenging financial situation prompted Buchtel College trustees to transfer the institution and its assets to the city of Akron in 1913.įor the next 50 years, the municipal University of Akron, assisted by city tax funds, brought college education within the reach of many more young people. Buchtel.įrom the outset, the college and the surrounding community were closely tied, with the college addressing the needs of the region as well as those of the Universalist Church and local entrepreneurs assisting the fledgling institution time and again.īy 1907, Buchtel College's emphasis on local rather than denominational interests led it to become a private, non-denominational school. The institution now known as The University of Akron was founded as Buchtel College in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention, which was strongly influenced by the efforts, energy and financial support of Akronites, particularly industrialist John R.

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