Charles Guthrie is out as the director of athletics at the University of Akron.
UA announced the school and Guthrie have parted ways via an email Friday, and Guthrie made the announcement in a social media post the same day. Guthrie was Akron's Director of Athletics for just over three years.
UA's email read in part: "The University of Akron and Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately, to allow Guthrie to pursue another opportunity."
Guthrie wrote on his social media post: " Zips Nation: Today is bittersweet but, after extensive soul-searching and a lot of prayer, we have decided that it is in the best interest of both my UA family and my own family to part now. We have treasured our time and eagerly look forward to our next chapter."
The email sent out by UA included Guthrie's above comment, and also this comment from Guthrie: "We have treasured our time with Zips Nation and eagerly look forward to our next chapter. It has been a true honor to serve alongside an extraordinary team of coaches, athletic staff and administrators who prioritize the student-athlete experience, operate with unwavering integrity and have a tireless work ethic. Thank you to our dedicated alumni, donors and fans. Go Zips!"
UA introduced Guthrie as the Zips director of athletics on May 4, 2021. Guthrie followed Larry Williams, who left Akron during the summer of 2021. Guthrie took over the athletics programs on July 1, 2021.
"On behalf of The University of Akron, I extend thanks to Charles for his three-year tenure and for the dedication he showed for the advancement of our UA student-athletes and Akron Athletics," UA President R.J. Nemer said in the email.
Guthrie came to Akron from the Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he served as athletic director for almost four years. He had earlier served as athletic director for San Francisco State, a Division II school.
Akron won 11 MAC championships in assorted sports during Guthrie's tenure, with men's basketball reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and 2024. He also helped secure Akron men's soccer an affiliate membership in the Big East, with the Zips winning their first Big East regular-season title this fall.
He also oversaw the overhaul of Lee R. Jackson Track and Field Complex and the installation of new artificial turf and a new video board at the football stadium among other improvements to facilities.
Akron's email also said the following:
"To ensure the health and well-being of all 500 Zips student-athletes, Guthrie spearheaded a 10-year partnership with Akron Children's Hospital, now Akron Athletics' sole health care provider.
"... Additionally, the University has appreciated Guthrie's fundraising efforts that secured the two largest individual cash gifts in department history. He initiated the creation of the department's inaugural major giving society — the Summit Circle."
UA's email added that Nemer's office, "led by Chief Strategy Officer Matt Juravich, is collaborating with colleagues in Akron Athletics to ensure a smooth transitionary period."
Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Charles Guthrie out as Akron Zips director of athletics
