This year marks a major milestone for the campus: the centennial of student media at Kent State University. For 100 years, our student journalists, photographers, designers, and media leaders have captured daily life at this institution, documenting our history while preparing for their own careers.
Student media’s story begins in February 1926 with a publication named Searchlight, which in turn paved the way for the first issue of The Kent Stater in July 1926, under Editor-in-Chief Peg Hayes. Since that first printing, The Kent Stater has remained an independent, student-run source of news and information about Kent State and the broader community. As we look back through the digital archives held by KSU Special Collections, we see more than just old headlines; we see a century of dedication to the truth and a training ground for generations of future industry leaders.
While we celebrate the past, I’m equally inspired by our present. On a cold Saturday afternoon last December, almost a hundred student media leaders and staffers joined many of their advisors and the Director of Student Media, Katrina Chandler, to celebrate the fall semester’s successes. Watching from the back of the auditorium I was delighted to see the energy and commitment to the mission. As you may remember, the 2024-2025 academic year marked the first year of work under a new organizational structure and now we’re seeing a revitalized energy across all student media partners. Participation is on the rise, and our students are collaborating across disciplines in ways that reflect the modern media landscape. This increased engagement ensures that as we honor student media’s 100-year legacy here on campus, we are simultaneously building a forward-looking foundation for the century to come.
More details forthcoming, but for now, see below for information about planned Centennial events. You’re invited to join!
Centennial Events: Save the Dates
• Patrick O’Connor (staff, 1995-2000) Editorial Comic Exhibit: Feb. 25 – May 9
• Patrick O’Connor Talk – "Then and Now!": March 24 | 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Alumni Studio Tour & Happy Hour: April 30 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Alumni Graduation Banquet: May 1 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• The Kent Stater Centennial Library Archive Exhibit: Sept. 1 – Dec. 11
Whether you are a current student, a proud alum, or a supporter of independent journalism, you are welcome to join us in these celebrations. Contribute memories or learn more about Centennial programming by visiting kentstater.com/centennial or reaching out to Katrina Chandler, Director of Student Media, at kchand10@kent.edu. And make sure you sign up for the monthly newsletter so you’re always up to date on all things Kent State Student Media.
Join in me congratulating Kent State Student Media for an incredible 100 years!