5 things to know about new University of Akron President Robert J. Nemer
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On Wednesday, the University of Akron announced Robert J. Nemer would be replacing Gary Miller as president of the university, effective immediately.
Nemer was previously the dean of UA's School of Business. But prior to that, Nemer took an unconventional path to reach his newest position.
Here are a few things to know about the University of Akron's new president.
R.J. Nemer was a big player in sports management and marketing
Nemer founded ICON Sports Management in Stow in 1998, quitting his job as an estate tax attorney on his 30th birthday to start the company. It became one of the largest golf management and marketing agencies in the world.
In 2015, he sold ICON to William Morris Endeavor/IMG and headed its global golf brand out of its Cleveland office.
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"I was the quintessential outsider in golf, which is very much a closed circle that heavily values pedigree. I didn’t grow up at the right country clubs, I didn’t play golf at the right schools. But I remained patient," Nemer told the Beacon Journal in 2022.
In December 2019, he became chief marketing officer for MAI Capital Management in Cleveland before coming to UA.
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Legends Tour golfer gave R.J. Nemer reference for dean position
When Nemer applied to be dean of UA's College of Business, he called on PGA Legends Tour golfer Matt Gogel for a reference. Gogel was Nemer's second client at ICON.
"He just takes a very calm approach, and he’s a winner," Gogel said in an article about Nemer in 2022, when he became the dean.
R.J. Nemer is heavily involved in local organizations like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Nemer had served on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
“He can do anything. He’s such an entrepreneur, just like my father. He’s got the personality, he’s got the connections, he’s got the energy ... ," Rainy Elias Staniszewski, the daughter of Nemer's idol and pro bowler Eddie Elias, told the Beacon Journal when Nemer became dean. "When he wants something, he just goes after it.”
R.J. Nemer is an Akron-area native and Walsh Jesuit grad
Nemer is a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, where he was born and raised. He received degrees in business administration and law from the University of Akron.
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Nemer has rubbed elbows with some of the greats like Warren Buffet
Nemer's client list has included Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who once ranked No. 2 in World Golf Rankings; England’s Ian Poulter; noted instructor David Leadbetter; CBS Sports producer Lance Barrow and others.
In a 2016 Akron Roundtable address, Nemer describes being able to meet Warren Buffett as one of his most memorable experiences as a golf marketer and manager.
"What's really unique about him is ... you will literally and genuinely and authentically feel like you are the most interesting person he's ever met in his life," Nemer said.
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Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 5 things to know about new University of Akron President R.J. Nemer
