Dr. Peter Q. Pfordresher named dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Akron (UA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Q. Pfordresher to serve as dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 31, 2026.

Pfordresher recently served as associate dean for academic affairs at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, in the College of Arts & Sciences, where he also previously held department chair and director of undergraduate studies roles. As associate dean, Pfordresher was responsible for curriculum development, student academic issues, advising, experiential learning, undergraduate research and allocation of state funding for Ph.D. lines.

An internationally recognized expert in the field of music cognition, Pfordresher is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, past president of the Society for Music Perception and Cognition, and an author of the textbook "Psychology of Music: From Sound to Significance" (third edition).

"Dr. Pfordresher's focus on innovation and his commitment to helping colleagues and teams reach their full potential are both timely and welcome." said Dr. Gwen Price, UA's senior vice president and provost "His collaborative leadership style will serve our constituents well as he works to address the challenges facing higher education and to strengthen UA's relevance and impact."

Pfordresher will be responsible for efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the College; increasing overall enrollment while enhancing student outcomes, especially retention and graduation rates; strengthening faculty relations, community relations and fundraising; promoting and advancing excellence by attracting and retaining a robust student body as well as faculty and staff community; expanding relationships with other universities, both foreign and domestic; and working with other UA college deans to develop additional synergistic programs for students.

"I am excited to join the vibrant University of Akron community," said Pfordresher, who has a Ph.D. from Ohio State. "The University has a forward-looking, innovative approach to education, a deep engagement with the community that infuses its research and creative activity, and is filled with talented faculty and students. My family looks forward to making the beautiful city of Akron our home."

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