![Students pass through Risman Plaza near the University Library.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/larger/public/page/risman.jpg?VersionId=d8EdCXg4JDocuOJDjkz_rjcwV6B0zOGm&h=e6f36a9c&itok=9ZbUe_sV)
News
Image
![Metin Eren, Ph.D., associate professor and director of archeology at Kent State University, demonstrates flintknapping. Metin Eren, Ph.D., associate professor and director of archeology at Kent State University, demonstrates flintknapping.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/eren-flintknapping.jpg?VersionId=FAG5p2t3q8yCcHDQOcBcnyqmvE0fBeuP)
For most, the craft known as flintknapping is a skilled hobby or art form that was thought to occasionally require bandages or stitches. However, new research suggests flintknapping is far more dangerous than previously understood.
Image
![Kent State University students cross Risman Plaza by the fountain. Kent State University students cross Risman Plaza by the fountain.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/Kent%20State%20students%20cross%20Risman%20Plaza%20by%20the%20fountain.jpg?VersionId=Ms1cqHQ7W4egBAhu7PZKysJ01Nhy5GXE)
U.S. News & World Report ranks 11 Kent State University programs among the best in the nation in its recently released 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
Image
![President Todd Diacon Delivers Commencement Address May 13, 2023 President Todd Diacon Delivers Commencement Address May 13, 2023](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/20230513_BC_Comencement%2C%20Sat%2C%202%20pm_099.jpg?VersionId=3uowI7OkLFKvuvXvImP1lvbNkn27E9yf)
“There is in Ohio, among some state elected officials, a growing ivory tower accusation being leveled against our state’s public universities and against, quite frankly, Kent State University,” President Todd Diacon said.
Image
![Graphic image for 2023 Day of Giving Graphic image for 2023 Day of Giving](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/2023%20Day%20of%20Giving1500x600.jpg?VersionId=tpkufntt5BsNvakeN7eJN_ZBAVRC677U)
On May 18-19, the university community will celebrate Kent State University’s 113th birthday with its annual Day of Giving.
Image
![A new Kent State graduate crosses the stage and proudly holds her diploma during the advanced degree ceremony. A new Kent State graduate crosses the stage and proudly holds her diploma during the advanced degree ceremony.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/Spring%202023%20Commencement%20-%20student%20with%20diploma%20at%20advanced%20degree%20ceremony.jpg?VersionId=k2e5YkM4IwsE5lDWdLBmQWmSHNoRpwh3)
The Kent State University alumni family will grow by about 5,500 new graduates as the university holds its spring commencement ceremonies.
Image
![Former Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste visits Kent State to sign his new book Former Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste visits Kent State to sign his new book](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/Celeste2.jpg?VersionId=JHRe9aqG0qAE7vOEEisA3kxvb4Db6poO)
Former Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste's new book, 'In the Heart of It All, An Unvarnished Account of My Life in Public Service,' is his first.
Image
![Randale L. Richmond, Kent State director of Athletics, said Black History Month serves as a source of inspiration for he and his family Randale L. Richmond, Kent State director of Athletics, said Black History Month serves as a source of inspiration for he and his family.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/BHM%20Randale%20Richardson.jpg?VersionId=esZrpjMTjhhLfnERZfC0ADmu3Gz3fMo3)
Randale L. Richmond will lead Kent State Athletics through July 1, 2028, as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, in accordance with a contract amendment announced by Kent State University President Todd Diacon.
Image
![A blaze burns the prairie grass that grows behind the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center during a controlled burning by the Kent Fire Department.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/article/04.19.21%20Photo%20of%20annual%20prairie%20burn.jpg?VersionId=EAtAemf2cF3dJBRi9qP7MLaQcts6bMBK)
The protected prairie surrounding Kent State University’s Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be burned on Tuesday, April 25, starting around 9 a.m., to allow for new growth during the summer season.
Image
![Future roommates Kenzi Riley (left) and Canna Stephens (right) meet for the first time at Future Flash Day at Kent State University. Future roommates Kenzi Riley (left) and Canna Stephens (right) meet for the first time at Future Flash Day at Kent State University.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/Future%20Flash%20Day%202023%20-%20future%20roommates.jpg?VersionId=odBG6dPaGgttj1zWKwJ4lmqSgO6yF.Nv)
Future Flash Days, when admitted students and their families visit the Kent Campus, enjoyed another successful year for 2023. Nearly 1,300 students from 24 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, experienced what it is like to be a Golden Flash.
Image
![Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis speaks at the inaugural luncheon established to honor his legacy as a May 4, 1970, historian and advocate. Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis speaks at the inaugural luncheon established to honor his legacy as a May 4, 1970, historian and advocate.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/Jerry%20Lewis%20at%20inaugural%20Jerry%20M.%20Lewis%20May%204%20Lecture%20in%202022.jpg?VersionId=xgGGKyQzjT1xVc3c3Og9ynFIogAruRp3)
The lecture series created in 2022 to honor the legacy of Kent State University Professor Emeritus of Sociology Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D., will feature Kent State Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration Erica Eckert, Ph.D., as this year’s selected speaker.