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Kelley, Frank and Judith Endowment for Polymer Science and Engineering

The Frank and Judith Kelley Endowment for Polymer Science and Engineering was established in 2024 through the generous support of Dr. Frank N. Kelley and his wife Judith. This endowment provides critical, ongoing funding to support the endeavors of faculty within The University of Akron's School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.

The first in his family to go to college, Dr. Kelley is a three-time graduate of The University of Akron, earning a B.S. in Chemistry in 1958 and a M.S. (1959) and Ph.D. (1961), both in Polymer Chemistry. As an undergraduate, Dr. Kelley was president of student government, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Omicron Delta Kappa. He was also commander of the AF ROTC Cadet Wing and a member of the men's track team.

On January 1, 1960, Dr. Kelley married Judith Lowe. Judith is also a University of Akron graduate, earning a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Health Education in 1985, and she was also a registered nurse. She has served as a school nurse as well as in several other nursing capacities in both Ohio and California.

Together, Frank and Judith have three children, all of whom are graduates of The University of Akron: Dr. Frank M. Kelley (M.D.) received a B.S., Natural Sciences-Division in 1989; Dr. Christopher P. Kelley received a B.A., Sociology, and a B.A., English, both in 2004; and Dr. Katie R. Bruno earned a Ph.D., Polymer Science, in 1991. One of Dr. Kelley's fondest memories is the graduation ceremony at °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ where he hooded his daughter, marking the moment she followed in his footsteps. Christopher has also shown his father's influence as he serves as a professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

While attending the University, Dr. Kelley was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. After graduation, he worked for the Union Carbide Corporation until entering active duty as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In the Air Force, he was assigned to the AF Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base in California as a scientist conducting research and managing technical programs associated with solid-propellant mechanical properties. Dr. Kelley became a key member of the team that made advances in ballistic and air launched rockets as well as inroads in space travel during the period immediately following the launch of Sputnik and the first orbit of Earth by the Russians. Dr. Kelley remained at the laboratory as a civilian after completing his military tour in 1964. He was named chief of propellant development in 1966, chief of advanced plans in 1970 and chief scientist in 1971. Dr. Kelley transferred to the position of chief scientist of the Air Force Materials Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in 1973 and was later named director of the 450-person laboratory in 1976.

In 1978, Dr. Kelley returned to his alma mater as a professor and director of the Institute of Polymer Science at The University of Akron. When the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering was formed in 1988, Frank Kelley was named the founding Dean, a position he held for 18 years before retirement. As a professor of Polymer Science, Dr. Kelley personally supervised the research of 18 Ph.D. and 6 M.S. graduates and published approximately 50 articles and book chapters. He has two patents and has given invited lectures in over 30 countries worldwide. Dr. Kelley is a former member of the advisory boards for the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Law­-Intellectual Property. He received the inaugural College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering Alumni Award in 2017.

Polymers are the foundation of countless innovations that shape our everyday lives, from rubber tires to medical devices and life-saving materials to high-performance electronics and sustainable solutions. The Frank and Judith Kelley Endowment for Polymer Science and Engineering empowers our esteemed faculty to pursue groundbreaking research and explore new frontiers in polymer science and engineering, tackling critical challenges and developing solutions with real-world applications. This endowment will provide funding that attracts and retains world-class faculty members, ensuring the continued excellence of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ's Polymer Science and Engineering programs. In the spirit of advancing science, this fund helps foster a dynamic environment where faculty can delve deeper into their areas of expertise, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

The Frank and Judith Kelley Endowment for Polymer Science and Engineering ensures a lasting impact on the field of polymer science and engineering. By supporting faculty, this endowment contributes to: scientific breakthroughs leading to the development of new materials, technologies, and processes that benefit society as a whole; educational excellence, providing students with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and gain invaluable hands-on experience while preparing them for successful careers; and enhanced reputation, solidifying The University of Akron's position as a global leader in polymer science and engineering.

Awarding of funds through this endowment shall be at the discretion of the Director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering to support the endeavors of faculty in this area. Funds may be used for equipment support, student travel, and general support of polymer science and polymer engineering research. Preference shall be given to funding the needs or requests of assistant professors in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, who may be early in their careers and/or new to academia.

To make a tax-deductible gift to this fund, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Frank and Judith Kelley Fund” in the text box. Thank you!