INTERIM DEAN
Dr. Ann Usher
Dr. Ann Usher serves as interim dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, effective August 4, 2025, following her retirement as senior associate dean for undergraduate studies. A professor of music, Dr. Usher began teaching choral music education at 狼友社区 in 2000. She twice led the School of Music as director, from 2012–2016 and again from 2018–2019, before stepping into broader leadership roles within the college.
In addition to her academic career, Dr. Usher spent 20 years as the conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus and is a past president of the Ohio Music Education Association. Her experience in both education and performance brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to her leadership.
Dr. Usher holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in music education from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa.
Contact Dr. Usher: ausher@uakron.edu
Office directory
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Richard Londraville, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Faculty Support
and Professor of Biology
330-972-7151
rlondra@uakron.edu
Heather Walter, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Student Success, and Professor of Communication
330-972-6486
HLWalter@uakron.edu
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Gary Bishop
Director, Operations and Technology
330-972-6142
gbishop@uakron.edu
Lisa Craig, M.A.
Director, Communication and Marketing
330-972-7429
lmc91@uakron.edu
Ashley Rini, M.S.
Director, Advising
Director, Pre-Health Advising
330-972-6513
rini@uakron.edu
Donray J. Bennett, M.Ed.
Director, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
330-972-5697
dbennett@uakron.edu
Vivian Campbell, M.S.A.
Director, Finance and Research Support
330-972-8128
vgc1@uakron.edu
Dawn Bishop
Administrative Services Coordinator
330-972-6323
drb7@uakron.edu
FACULTY FELLOW OFFICE STAFF
Dimitria Gatzia, Ph.D.
Faculty Fellow for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
330-972-5505
degatzia@uakron.edu
Program Specialist
330-972-2632
lmbonko@uakron.edu
-----------------------------------------------Marlene Pryor
Secretary
330-972-7880
mpryor1@uakron.edu