Lakewood has often been called a college town without a college. For the past few months, there’s been a college but no leader.

Not anymore.

Suzanne Metelko, currently the vice president at Computer Systems Development Services and a trustee at the Lakewood Public Library, is set to become the first director of the University of Akron’s Lakewood satellite campus.

Her first day is Oct. 24.

“We’re going to hit the ground running," said Metelko. "I am excited about the opportunity because I honestly believe that this a game-changer in Lakewood.”

The new University of Akron Lakewood Higher Education Center opened its doors last month in the historic Bailey Building at the corner of Warren Road and Detroit Avenue.

Metelko was one of the key figures in recruiting the university to Lakewood, UA officials have said.

"The University of Akron is very happy to have solidified our partnership with the Lakewood Community through the naming of Suzanne as the director of UA Lakewood," said Paulette Popovich, the chairwoman of the search committee.

"Her passion, knowledge, and skills will bring terrific assets to UA Lakewood’s programs and students. I look forward to working with her, and the Lakewood community, very much."

Along with city officials, representatives from LakewoodAlive and the university's project team, Metelko had been working on the satellite project since 2004 — although most of the movement took place during the past year. 

“I think that was one of the significant attributes of her candidacy," said UA Provost Mike Sherman. “We’re thrilled to be able to have her expertise and insight — and her direct connection with Lakewood — to help ensure that the University of Akron presence is felt in a way that can strengthen the community and the University of Akron.”

Metelko said that the university will be a "serious partner" in economic development in Lakewood.

"I am excited and proud to be a part of it,” she said.

The school will partner with Lakewood High School and Lakewood Hospital to offer training in the university’s College of Education and Nursing.

That's just the beginning. 

Within a couple years, university officials expect "a couple hundred" students to grace the downtown Lakewood campus.

“Lakewood deserves this," Metelko said. "There’s not a not another community around that is this committed to education and higher learning than Lakewood, and we demonstrate that when we pass our school levies and our library levies."

“The value of education is high in Lakewood and the University of Akron recognizes that.”

Last spring, UA’s Board of Trustees OK’d the satellite branch and construction crews have been working since to get the 11,000-square-foot facility ready to open.

Some coursework is expected at the school this fall, but classes are set to officially begin in January.