Familiar Face

Dr. N.J. Akbar

Associate Vice President
Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Kent Campus

BRANCH, RANK, AND MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY:

Army National Guard, SPC, Human Resources Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Serve as senior deputy to the VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion responsible for climate, strategic planning, assessment, research and student success.

WORKED AT KENT STATE SINCE:

July 2009

EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO KENT STATE UNIVERSITY:

University of Michigan

FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE AT KENT STATE:

Standing in line all day in the rain to hear President Obama speak at the MAC.

LIKES MOST ABOUT KENT STATE:

The people...students and staff are some of the most amazing people I have ever met.

ATTRACTION TO KENT STATE AS AN EMPLOYER:

The ability to live my dream, have impact in an area of my life's purpose, and the beauty that is this campus.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE WORKING AT KENT STATE:

Finishing my PhD after initially giving up out of the grief of losing my mother...I did it for us both!

RESIDES IN:

Akron, OH

HOMETOWN:

Detroit, MI

EDUCATION:

PhD - Cultural Foundations of Education (Kent State University);
MA - Educational Leadership 
B.S. - History and English for Secondary Education (Eastern Michigan University)

HOBBIES:

Playing with my dogs Piston and Dhamu, playing The Sims game, serving the community.