ZipsUnlimited

This short-form documentary was produced by George Henderson, a media studies student and aspiring sports journalist. It is based on the 2026 Black Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio.

When people think about Hip Hop, artists like Cardi B., Drake, and Kenrick Lamar might come to mind. But when Dr. Maurice Johnson thinks about Hip Hop, the intersection of music, history, and culture come to mind. It's been a part of his research agenda, and University of Akron students will soon have the chance to add to the discussion. 

Cookouts, tailgates, wedding vow renewals, lots of Zippy, and lots of fun ... in addition to Zips Football! Homecoming and Family Weekend at the University of Akron is October 9 - 11. Alumni Association Executive Director Kelli Pritt has the details!

University of Akron Political Science Professor Dr. David Cohen uses history, recent polling, and other research to offer some insight into the importance and possible outcome of the upcoming midterm elections. Do you know which political party usually fares better?  Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

Words are pointed and emotions are high at the height of the election season - just check your social media for proof. Should you avoid the conflict? Should you fire back? Dr. Andrea Meluch is an expert in conflict communication and has some tips on how to deal with it through Election Day and beyond. 

The Institute for Data, Analytics, and Technology (we call it the DATA+ Institute) is making a difference for faculty and students at The University of Akron as the campus continues to find new ways to prepare students for next generation jobs. Director Dr. Mark Fridline explains how the interdisciplinary approach is constructed and its early success.

Do you know about NAMI Summit County ? Jamie Messenger hopes you do! Jamie, a graduate of The University of Akron, is the executive director of the organization, which focuses on mental health education and services for individuals and families in the world of mental illness. She'll talk more about that as well as NAMI Walks , which will be held September 19. 

How is "student success" defined? Hint: there is more than one way. Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean for Student Success Dr. Heather Walter will offer her guidance along with Donray Bennett, the college's director of strategic engagement and recruitment.

University of Akron President R.J. Nemer welcomes students into the Fall 2026 semester. Nemer also talks about the theme of "growth" and one of the ways that he does NOT want you to describe the university! IG: @rj_nemer

The College of Business is a highly successful part of The University of Akron from innovative academic programs to an outstanding job placement rate to a commited alumni base and an enviable faculty. Leam more about one of the nation's top business schools and the philosophy of the dean who leads it, Dr. Terry Daugherty . 

There's no magic formula to predict and perfect life's trajectories, but are there steps you can take? Yes, according to Jacob Nelsen, author of The Operator. Nelsen, Vanguard's youngest best-selling author, is a graduate of The University of Akron College of Business as well as the School of Law by age 22 and begins a master's program at Harvard University this fall. Nelson's book is described as...

UA Alumnus Courtney Brown founded "Winners and Leaders" to help at-risk youth through mentoring and other organized services following trauma that plagued his own teen and young adult years. The organization is holding the third annual "Back2School" bash on August 16 with giveaways and other activities. winandlead911@yahoo.com 330-760-7442

Much of what people think about different cultures, forms of communication, and overall experiences is learned through television and film. Dr. Dimitria Gatzia completed a content analysis to help determine if portrayals of synesthesia are accurate or whether audiences are being led to believe things that further marginalize neurodivergent voices.

UAkron officials know that businesses recruit new graduates who not only have industry-specific know-how, but also have superior leadership skills that benefit all organizations. Senior Director for Professional Development & Strategic Engagement of the College of Business Jeff Klemm, talks about various experiences available that are designed to take students out of the classroom to learn thi...

You can visit The University of Akron just about any time, but the official Visit Days make it even easier to get the answers you need from where will I live and what will I study to what is there to go and how much will it all cost. Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Chris Stimler helps to sort it out just in time for Visit Days on July 17 and August 7. 

The 2026 edition of CORE (College Overnight Readiness Experience) featured unique experiences for a couple dozen high school students. Coordinator Donray Bennett explains the concept and its benefits along with student ambassadors Jordan Rogan and Cassidy Ballew. This episode also features excerpts from some students who created their own podcast during CORE. CORE is presented by the Buchtel Colle...

What is commonly known as the Towpath Trail is enjoyed by countless walkers, runners, bicyclists, nature observers, and others every year. The person at the helm of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is now the retired president & CEO. Dan Rice, a UAkron graduate, talks about the shaping and importance of the trail with WZIP's George Smith. 

This episode consists of highlights from the Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises of the College4 of Health and Human Sciences and the College of Business. You will hear speeches and other remarks from Board of Trustees Chair Michael Saxton, President R.J. Nemer, the provost, deans of the colleges, and others, including student responders Jessica Sparks and Mason Dexter . You can watch recent and ar...

This episode consists of highlights from the Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. You will hear speeches and other remarks from Board of Trustees Chair Michael Saxton, President R.J. Nemer, the provost, deans of the colleges, and others, including student responders Estrella Lemus and Pailey Vitale . You...

As hundreds of UAkron students are wrapping up their final courses as undergraduate students, there's also time for reflection and excitement about next steps. Meet a few of them who happen to be from WZIP: Alyssa Clemetson, Chessa Homan, Nicole Zylka, Mikayla Springston, Jordan Johnson, and Noah Steele. They and their fellow graduates will always be Zips!

It's time for the 47th Annual University of Akron Steel Drum Concert. Director Matt Dudack and percussion performance major Emma Sovacool talk about the musical styles and what it takes to play this instrument. Learn more: The University of Akron Steel Drum Band The University of Akron School of Music

Just in time for Valentine's Day but not the discussion about love that you may expect! Dr. Juan Xi discusses new research that investigates rewards of everyday loving behavior and its correlation with flourishing. Want to know more?  The full article: Feeling Loved, Showing Love, and Flourishing: Implications of Survey Findings for the Practice of Leadership Across All Sectors If you want to stud...

What is a Zips Visit Day vs. a Future Zips Day vs. an Academic Spotlight? The University of Akron Office of Undergraduate Admissions sorts it out! Join Nina Reinbolt and Chris Stimler who also have other tips for prospective students and their families including the application process. 

The University of Akron is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The EX[L] Center for Community Engaged Learning . Director Dr. Christin Seher and Assistant Director Megan DeLong-Borick offer just a sample of the "hands-on, community-based, problem-centered learning" that happens through the EX[L] Center on a regular basis.  IG & Facebook: @uakronexlcenter