Auburn, Dr. Mark S./James Francis Dunlap Travel and Study Fund for Theatre Students
The Dr. Mark S. Auburn/James Francis Dunlap Travel and Study Fund for Theatre Students was created in April 2011 through funds redirected from the Dr. Mark S. Auburn Scholarship in Theatre Arts and by supplemental gifts from Drs. Mark S. and Sandy K. Auburn.
Dr. Mark S. Auburn is a 1967 honors graduate of both The University of Akron (B.S. mathematics and B.A. English) and the University of Chicago (A.M. 1968, Ph.D. 1971). He served The University of Akron as the fifth and final dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, as professor of theatre and professor of English, senior vice president and provost, executive vice president, interim director of the School of Theatre Arts, North Central Association self-study coordinator, and interim chief research officer. In 2006, he was granted professor emeritus status.
In addition to his tenure with the University, Dr. Auburn was a senior administrator at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, the University of Arkansas System, and The Ohio State University. He was active as a speaker, essayist, and community volunteer in Ohio, Arkansas, and Indiana. Dr. Auburn served as a director of humanities councils in each of these states, including a term as president of the Arkansas Endowment for the Humanities.
Dr. Auburn is married to Dr. Sandy K. Auburn, a graduate of The University of Akron (B.S. speech pathology 1967, M.A. speech pathology 1968) and of The Ohio State University (Ph.D. 1978). Their son, David, is a playwright and filmmaker. The Benjamin M.J. Auburn Endowment and the Ben Auburn Award in Cultural Criticism were established in memory of their late son, Benjamin Max Joseph Auburn. Mark Auburn is the son of the late Norman P. Auburn, president of The University of Akron, 1951-1971, one of three founders of the University, and the “Father of State Status.”
The Dr. Mark S. Auburn/James Francis Dunlap Travel and Study Fund for Theatre Students was established to provide financial assistance to a theatre student to travel for study or professional development. For proper consideration, applicants should be entering either their junior or senior year or be accepted as a graduate student in theatre or arts administration. Each applicant should submit a one-page written proposal about what will best enhance his/her career preparedness of academic aspirations through a travel experience, agree to create a summary of their funded experience, and agree to make a public presentation about that travel experience to fellow students, faculty, and guests. Awards are made from available earnings at the discretion of the director of the Theatre Program or its successor organization. Students studying an allied performing art may apply.