The Destination Kent State (DKS) Registration and Advising program helps students transition and connect to the university. Research shows that students who successfully make a connection to the people and the university are more likely to persist to graduation. One intentional way that Kent State University seeks to connect with students is through their relationship with an exceptional group of students called Flashguides. Flashguides are Kent State’s version of orientation leaders, and they are selected through a lengthy multiphased interview process. The Flashguide position requires abundant energy and commitment, the ability to wear many hats and a very large portion of Kent State pride. This year’s class of 24 Flashguides is a diverse and fun-loving group of students who participate in the program because they want to make a difference in the lives of new students.
The Flashguides are truly the heartbeat of the Destination Kent State Registration and Advising program. While many professional staff present and connect with students and guests through the program, the Flashguides make presentations, help guests navigate the campus and lead community-building activities so that the new students already have friends when they return to campus in August. Additionally, Flashguides help students understand how to access university resources and the importance of taking advantage of the great support services Kent State provides.
DKS is a season filled with newness, energy and an annual reminder that Kent State truly is a place for everyone!
When you see one of the Flashguides escorting new students and guests around campus, please join the Office of Success Programs in thanking them for being wonderful representatives of Golden Flash pride.
This year’s Flashguides are:
Eric Abowd (Senior, Sports Administration)
Katie Ankrum (Junior, Tourism Management)
Sam Bobik (Junior, Human Development and Family Studies)
Bella Bowman (Junior, Fashion Merchandising)
Erin Davis (Junior, Mathematics and Economics)
Celeste Dawson (Junior, Human Development and Family Studies)
Olivia Eastly (Sophomore, Public Relations)
Kody Elsayed (Sophomore, Public Relations)
Jordan Euell (Senior, Digital Media Productions)
David Fair (Sophomore, Spanish Literature, Culture and Translation)
Biagio Giaimo (Junior, Criminology and Justice Studies)
Megan Hamula (Junior, Organizational Communication)
Taylor Heilman (Junior, Speech Pathology and Audiology)
Paige Hlad (Sophomore, Public Communications)
Holly Keller (Junior, Psychology)
Cassidy Lombardy (Junior, Entrepreneurship)
Bridgett Martinez (Sophomore, Theatre Studies — B.F.A. Musical)
Pooyan Mirjalili (Junior, Biology Pre-Med)
Stephanie Nguyen (Sophomore, Photo Illustration— Visual Communication Design)
C.J. Owensby (Freshman, Political Science)
Mariah Parker (Junior, Broadcast Journalism)
Dan Passonno (Junior, Public Health)
Robert Speaks (Sophomore, Nursing)
Hannah Thompson (Junior, Theatre Studies — Production)