College of Engineering and Polymer Science dean to retire by end of 2026-27 academic year

Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at The University of Akron (UA), has announced his intention to retire by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, or as soon as a suitable replacement is found.

The University will begin a national search for Menzemer's successor in the coming months. Additional details about the search process and opportunities for campus participation will be shared as they become available.

Menzemer has served as dean since 2022, when he transitioned from the interim role he had held since 2018. As dean, Menzemer oversaw several key institutional efforts, including the reorganization of three colleges and an academic unit into the current college structure.

"The UA College of Engineering and Polymer Science has been a steady leader in a variety of disciplines, and we thank Dr. Menzemer for his longstanding leadership and remarkable service as dean and faculty," said UA President R.J. Nemer. "Dean Menzemer's legacy ensures the ongoing strength of CEPS and champions the growth and advancement of the University. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his dedicated efforts and three-decade career at The University of Akron."

Menzemer developed five-year bachelor's and master's degree programs, and helped to conceive and develop the Timken Foundation Center for Precision Manufacturing on campus. During his tenure, the University's polymer science and plastics engineering program continued its world-class research and education, reaching a No. 1 international ranking from the website EduRank. Additionally, Menzemer has led the college to offer degree programs that span the entire career ladder from entry-level associate programs to elite doctoral programs.

He also steered improvements to the infrastructure of the college, such as replacing the bridge leading to the Auburn Science and Engineering Center.

"We are extremely grateful for Dean Menzemer's leadership and commitment to excellence during his tenure not only as dean, but also as a faculty member," said Dr. Gwen Price, senior vice president and provost. "His guidance expanded our research enterprise, elevated our global reputation, attracted world-class faculty, fostered partnerships with industry and created a multitude of opportunities for our students. We are thankful for the mark he leaves on the College and the University."

Since joining the University in 1996, Menzemer has served as a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering before serving as interim assistant dean and later associate dean from 2010-2018. Prior to academia, Menzemer spent 14 years working in industry for U.S. Steel and Alcoa.

Menzemer earned his bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degrees, all in civil engineering, from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

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