The University of Akron is a public research university located in Akron, Ohio. Founded in 1870 as Buchtel College, it became a state institution in 1967. The university has strong ties to the local industrial community and has grown significantly, with enrollment increasing from 198 students in 1913 to over 25,000 by 2015. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including liberal arts, business, education, and advanced degrees in fields such as sociology, urban studies, and polymer science. It is known for pioneering the world's first courses in rubber chemistry and establishing the first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Other notable programs include the School of Law, School of Nursing, and the Honors College. The university emphasizes applied research, particularly in polymers and engineering, contributing to its historical connection with Akron's rubber industry.