broader fabric of the university to benefit multiple disciplines.” On the academic front, partnerships with technology providers like Workday and AVAAP have been instrumental in enhancing operational capabilities. Similarly, the collaboration with EAB for academic dashboards underscores UA’s commitment to leveraging data analytics for strategic decisionmaking. A COMMITMENT TO LIFELONG LEARNING AND GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION For the UA procurement team, the most rewarding aspect of working in education is witnessing the transformative power of knowledge. The university’s dedication to continuous improvement is evident in its recent infrastructure investments, such as the completion of Crouse Hall, a multipurpose sciences building, in late 2023. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the facility represents UA’s forward-thinking approach to education and research. When asked about advice for graduating students, Irish emphasizes the importance of adaptability and perseverance. It’s about finding a niche, embracing lifelong learning, and always continuing to grow. In a rapidly changing world, these values are crucial for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Higher education provides opportunities that can truly change lives, and this belief aligns with UA’s broader mission to promote lifelong learning as a pathway to personal and professional growth. “It’s about taking as manyopportunities as you can.Just having real-world experience,in addition to higher education, gets you very far,” Irish says, emphasizing the importance of combining workforce-related experiences with acquired curriculum knowledge. As The University of Akron continues to innovate and expand, its focus remains steadfast on creating Photo Credit: Robert Muller 114 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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