Introduction | McCollester | Rexford | Cone | Knight | Priest | Church | Kolbe | Zook | Simmons | Auburn | Guzzetta | Muse | Elliot | Ruebel | Proenza | Scarborough | Wilson | Green | Miller
Marion A. Ruebel
(1996-1998)
Dr. Marion Albert Ruebel was born in May of 1938 and raised in Manson, Iowa. He embarked on his academic career at the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 1958. Following graduation, he became a high school teacher and coach in his home state. In 1962, he earned a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Northern Iowa. After several years as a high school principal, he received a Ph.D. in educational administration from Iowa State University in 1969.
Ruebel came to The University of Akron in 1970 as an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education. Three years later he was named Department Chairman and Associate Professor. Over the next two decades, Ruebel progressed steadily through the academic ranks. He served as Assistant Dean of the College of Education, Dean of University College, Executive Assistant to the President, Interim Senior Vice President and Provost, Acting Vice President of Student Support Services, Director of Alumni Affairs and Governmental Relations, and as Acting President in 1992.
Ruebel retired from UA in 1994 and became President of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. In 1996, he returned to The University of Akron to serve as its 14th President, which lasted until 1998. As President he sought to improve the quality of education and expanded the University through a distance learning initiative, increased off-campus programming, and greatly enhanced the scholarship program through the Scholarships for Excellence Initiative. Faced with state budget cuts and a potentially crippling deficit, he worked with campus constituencies to identify and implement $14 million in spending cuts, which placed the University back on firm financial ground.
Ruebel served on numerous educational and professional groups at the local, state, and national levels including the Ohio Aerospace Institute, the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, and the Ohio Sciences and Technology Council. He also authored numerous papers, reports, and articles, and delivered countless presentations on education issues. Ruebel currently lives in Fairlawn, Ohio and Naples, Florida with his wife, Neoma.
“I assure you that I will do everything in my power to continue to make [The University of Akron] a strong and positive force, and a great source of pride.”
– Marion A. Ruebel
From The University of Akron Office of Special Events Records in Archival Services of University Libraries
Dr. Marion A. Ruebel was invested as the 14th President of The University of Akron on October 11, 1996 at E.J. Thomas Hall. During the event, the oath of office was conferred by Chairwoman of the Board Rainy Stitzlein; Dr. E. Gordon Gee, then President of The Ohio State University, served as guest speaker. The event was also attended by former UA Presidents Dominic J. Guzzetta and Norman P. Auburn.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
In 1996, President Ruebel unveiled and dedicated a statue of Dr. Charles M. Knight, Professor of Chemistry, first professor of rubber chemistry, and 4th President of Buchtel College. The statue faces the New Knight Chemical Laboratory, which was the third building on campus to bear his name.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
During President Ruebel’s administration, the David C. Corbin Gateway and Commons were created and opened in 1998. The tree-lined, red-brick pedestrian walkway extends west from Crouse Hall to the McDowell Law Center where it terminates with a gateway and park at Wolf Ledges. The Akron-based Corbin Foundation funded the project through an $800,000 grant, part of the University’s 125th Anniversary Campaign with a goal of $125 million by the year 2000.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
President Ruebel worked to enhance the campus environment for students, alumni, and the community. Under his administration three residence halls were renovated as well as E.J. Thomas Hall and Kolbe Hall, which received technology-enhanced classrooms. In 1997, Ruebel dedicated the Harry P. and Rainy G. Stitzlein Alumni Center. More importantly, he initiated plans for what his successor would call the “New Landscape for Learning.”
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
During President Ruebel’s administration, the University caught national attention when it was chosen as the site for President Bill Clinton’s Town Hall Meeting on Race. “One America: President Clinton’s Initiative on Race” occurred at E.J. Thomas Hall on December 3, 1997. The event was telecast live on C-SPAN and covered by regional, state, and national media.
From The University of Akron Office of the President Records in Archival Services of University Libraries
President Bill Clinton sent this letter to President Ruebel after his “Town Hall Meeting on Race” in late 1997 to thank Ruebel and UA Board Chairman Alex Arshinkoff for their hospitality during the roundtable meeting in Akron.
From The University of Akron Photographs Collection in Archival Services of University Libraries
Many people of prominence spoke at UA during President Ruebel’s administration, including first lady Barbara Bush, actor Charlton Heston, author David McCullough, and former President George H. W. Bush. Bush was the guest lecturer at the School of Law Dean’s Club Dinner in January 1998. That year, E.J. Thomas Hall witnessed a record season in attendance and revenues.
“Dr. Ruebel . . . has done an outstanding job as the leader of The University of Akron. . . . He has made critical contributions to the University, and his place in its history is secure.”
– Alex R. Arshinkoff