Kent State University Announces New Student Ombuds

Kent State University has announced the appointment of Jennifer Kulics, Ph.D., as the new student ombuds under the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Kulics, who was formerly the senior associate athletic director for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, will take over for Sheryl Smith, Ph.D., who retires from the university this summer. Kulics’s appointment, which took effect in May, follows a recent search by the university to fill the position.

Kulics has held a variety of administrative positions in her 14-year higher education professional career, and has worked closely with students in both group and one-on-one settings. She has served as an academic counselor for student athletes; assisted with the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures and goals; served as a student conduct hearing officer; supervised employees, including NCAA compliance and eligibility staff members; and managed a range of academic services for undergraduate students, including direct supervision of the department’s Academic Resource Center.

Kulics holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration from Kent State University and has graduate faculty status as an adjunct professor in Kent State’s School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration within the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services.