Scott Scarborough / Photo courtesy of The University of Akron
The University of Akron's presidential search is over.University of Toledo provost Scott Scarborough will assume Akron's top role after current president Luis Proenza retires in June.Scarborough was one of the top three finalists for the job, beating out The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Ronald Nykiel and Jim Tressel, Akron's current executive vice president for student success and former Ohio State head football coach.During a live online announcement, board chair Richard Pogue said Scarborough's five-year contract will clock in at $450,000 per year, along with bonuses, a home, and other perks.In his application materials, Scarborough called his life in academia "an amazing journey."That journey has also included stints at The University of Toledo's Medical Center, DePaul University, and several of The University of Texas' branches, according to his resume.In his cover letter, he wrote he's "most proud of my work to elevate the quality, distinctiveness, and economic sustainability of all aspects of a university’s tripartite mission: teaching and learning, research and discovery, and service and engagement."The idea of service seemed to be a common theme. During his open presidential panel forum, he mentioned higher education can be used as an agent for social good, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.“It changes people’s lives in ways that few things can,” he said.Scarborough's term will begin on July 1.During Thursday's announcement, Pouge also made a point to address the strength of all of the candidates. He specifically gave a mention to Tressel, saying the Akron alum "has brought significant, positive change" during his time on campus over the past two years.But it may not mark the end of Tressel's college presidential hopes. He's also one of three finalists for the same gig at Youngstown State University.