Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Dr. David W. James, the former Akron Public Schools superintendent, to serve as a member of the University of Akron (UA) Board of Trustees. James was appointed to a six-year term beginning on Aug. 7, 2026, filling the vacancy created by the expiration of Trustee Thomas Waltermire's term, which ended July 1, 2026.

James has served as a UA Board of Trustees advisory trustee since 2019. He has been the executive director of Summit Education Initiative since January 2023. James served as deputy superintendent of operations at Columbus City Schools after he retired from Akron Public Schools (APS) in 2021.

"We're thrilled that David is making this transition to our Board of Trustees," said UA President R.J. Nemer. "During his time as an advisory trustee, his leadership, insight and guidance have made a meaningful impact. Even in retirement from Akron Public Schools, David remains a highly respected community leader in both K-12 education and in Akron, and those relationships have been a tremendous asset to the University."

James had a 29-year stint at APS and served as superintendent for 13 years prior to his retirement. During his tenure, James brought the College and Career Academies experiential learning model to Akron, transforming the entire educational experience for all students. Leadership from James also led to the partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation to create the I PROMISE School, which opened in July 2018. This educational model provides wrap-around support to at-risk students and the resources they need to stay on track to graduation.

James earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University. He has a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Phoenix.

He is the recipient of the 2022 Downtown Akron Kiwanis, David James Excellent Educator Award; 2021 Community Action Akron Summit, Hubert H. Humphrey Humanitarian Award; 2019 Leadership Akron, Lieberth Community Vision Award; and the 2019 Values in Action, Sam Miller Goodness Award, among others.

Advisory trustees are distinguished individuals who bring expertise and experience to the Board in an advisory, non-voting role. The other current advisory trustee is David Reese.

The Board of Trustees will discuss at its Sept. 29-30 committee and regular meetings the addition of another advisory trustee. Advisory trustees are not appointed by the governor.

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