The University of Akron (UA) – Akron, Ohio

January 2, 2025

The University of Akron (UA)

Setting the Standard for Academic Operations

Innovative Software and Partnerships Procure Excellence for UA Students and Faculty.

At The University of Akron (UA), the procurement department operates at an extremely high level that reflects UA’s larger mission while aligning with regional needs.

By fostering partnerships with industries, research institutions, other Ohio colleges and universities, and community organizations, the university creates a dynamic ecosystem that fuels both academic excellence and economic development.

UA’s procurement department prioritizes the experiences of students, faculty, and staff. Many of its decisions revolve around investing in more robust student services, modern facilities, and accessible resources to ensure that everyone can thrive.

Fortunately, competitive compensation, opportunities for research, and professional development have been key to attracting and retaining the top-tier talent managing UA’s back end. The university maintains this standard while nurturing a culture of inclusivity, where diverse perspectives are celebrated and all community members feel valued and supported.

To further its progress, the university has embraced emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance its teaching, research, community engagement, and procurement. Initiatives such as innovative platforms, cutting-edge facilities, and impactful workforce structures position the university as the immediate solution to any local challenges.

Success has transformed The University of Akron over the years, and today, it’s recognized as a hub of innovation and opportunity—a vibrant institution where academic achievement and community impact converge to shape a brighter future for all.

A Foundation Built on Inclusion, Service, and Supply Chain

The University of Akron stands as a beacon of educational and operational excellence. At its core, UA deeply values student success, institutional efficiency, and meaningful community partnerships.

At UA, the philosophy of service resonates across all departments, with an emphasis on supporting students, staff, and faculty alike.

This ethos is understood to extend beyond front-facing departments to include administrative functions like procurement, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations throughout the university.

“A descriptive phrase for our procurement department would be ‘customer service.’We work with students on occasion, but we aren’t front-facing, so our priority is serving the staff and faculty of the university,” says Director of Purchasing Shandra Irish.

Under Irish’s leadership, the university’s procurement department has embraced technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and inclusive initiatives to adapt to the ever-evolving educational landscape.

Like many institutions, UA faced significant supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential items like gloves and masks were initially scarce. However, this scarcity brought with it an awareness of critical shifts that needed to occur moving forward.

“As far as increased bidding participation and supply chain go, we utilize consortiums whenever possible which saves time, resources, and many times provides a rebate,” Irish says.

“Since UA is a state entity, it’s required to submit a bid based on certain bid limits, which are $75,000 for goods and $100,000 for services. The usage of consortiums provides us the benefit of aggregate spend of members in turn providing highly favorable negotiated terms and conditions.”

Additionally, UA prioritizes vendors with established relationships within Ohio’s higher education network. “We tend to use vendors that other schools have used, specifically our sister public universities in the state of Ohio. So, by doing that, we eliminate even more risk because they’re already doing business with institutions like us,” Irish explains.

This approach secures reliability and consistency within the procurement process, ensuring that UA remains resilient, even amid global disruptions.

Luckily, the university has a dedicated physical facilities department, so its inventory management is handled separately, allowing the procurement department to focus on its most relevant functions.

Leveraging Technology and Collaboration for Institutional Advancement

In an era marked by rapid technological change, UA has positioned itself as a leader in digital transformation.

“We are utilizing Workday as our ERP system, which we launched back in June 2023,” Irish says. The implementation of Workday is a testament to the university’s commitment to total integration between finance, HR, procurement, and student systems in the form of a cohesive, end-to-end solution.

Workday enables real-time budget monitoring, streamlines the bidding process, and facilitates seamless supplier onboarding. It’s truly an integrated system that enhances efficiency and documentation.

This digital infrastructure optimizes internal operations and sets a benchmark for other institutions navigating the complexities of modern education. Additionally, UA is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to further enhance its systems.

Currently, many training and classroom processes would synergize well with AI utilization, so UA is exploring where it could be best implemented.

“We’re moving in that direction and always looking to further our experience for the students and staff,” Irish says.

While Irish acknowledges the inherent risks, she remains optimistic about AI’s ability to revolutionize processes, provided its adoption is guided by robust IT governance.

Inclusion remains a cornerstone of UA’s mission. Beyond serving its diverse student body, the university actively engages with local communities to empower small and minority-owned businesses.

“We work with the Greater Akron Chamber and local groups to help small businesses and minority enterprises navigate the sometimes complex bidding requirements for university contracts,” Irish explains.

These efforts aim to bridge gaps in understanding and foster equitable access to opportunities.

UA’s focus on collaboration is evident in its partnerships with organizations ranging from local businesses to national sports franchises.

President R.J. Nemer’s recent alliance with the Cleveland Browns exemplifies the university’s innovative approach to creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.

“This partnership opens doors for students in sports management programs and other academic fields,” Irish notes. “It’s about integrating the Browns into the 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 decision-making.

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 many opportunities 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 a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

The focus for the future lies in working with other higher ed institutions via the Inter-University Council (IUC) of Ohio Purchasing Group consortium and expanding its reach to further procure better resources more affordably and sustainably.

By prioritizing technological advancements, fostering community partnerships, and maintaining a student-centric philosophy, UA is poised to lead the way in higher education.

With leaders like Shandra Irish at the helm, the university’s purchasing department exemplifies the values of collaboration, efficiency, and service that define UA’s mission. Together, these efforts ensure that the institution remains a dynamic force for education, innovation, and community impact.