The Dr. Sylvester Small Endowed Scholarship in Education

The Dr. Sylvester Small Endowed Scholarship in Education was established in 2008 by a local scholarship committee, chaired by Mr. Lewis W. Adkins, Jr., in recognition of Dr. Small’s devotion to education, the Akron community and its students. He retired from Akron Public Schools after serving the district for nearly 40 years.

Born in 1947, Dr. Small grew up in South Akron and graduated from Hower High School, Class of 1965. He attended The University of Akron and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in secondary education With a concentration in Social Studies in 1970. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa honorary society. He also earned his MA.E, in Secondary School Administration (1976) and Ed.D. in Education Administration (1984) from The University of Akron.

His professional career began in 1970 as a substitute teacher for Akron Schools. He joined Thornton Junior High School as a full-time teacher in 1971, and later taught at West Junior High School, Buchtel High School, and Ellet High School. After serving in Student Services and as a curriculum specialist for Akron, Dr. Small was named principal of Margaret Park Elementary School in 1991. He also served as principal of Buchtel High School prior to being named assistant superintendent in 1995, In 2001, Dr. Small became Akron’s first African American superintendent, serving in this capacity until his retirement in July 2008.

As chief administrator of Akron Schools, Dr. Small is credited with transforming the district in many ways. Many who knew his work ethic believed that no student had a greater advocate than in Dr. Small. Focusing on what was right and best for students, Dr. Small helped pass operating levies and tax issues to provide important resources for Akron. He also raised the district’s academic performance rating, expanded education programs and fostered community partnerships. In addition, he set in motion the physical transformation of Akron Public Schools with an $800 million rebuilding project that will replace or renovate all school buildings in the district.

The Dr. Sylvester Small Endowed Scholarship in Education stands to inspire students to “get out there and change the world” though education and service to others. The scholarship is designated to be awarded annually to an undergraduate student in The University of Akron’s College of Education. The recipient must be a graduate of Akron Public Schools and must have financial need.