When she signed up for the Kigali Summer Institute in Rwanda, Kent State University senior Emily Spencer, thought it would be a good training ground for humanitarian work she hopes to perform in the future.   When she returned from three weeks in Rwanda in July, Spencer said she felt significantly changed.  “Post returning home from Rwanda my heart feels softer, and my perspective on gratitude, empathy and forgiveness has expanded exponentially. I saw ways I had grown accustomed to comforts that I should never forget are privileges. I now have a deeper understanding of...

EHHS is pleased to announce that EHHS alumnae Chynarkul Ryskulova, who received her Ph.D. in Higher Education Management from the School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration, was recently named Vice President of Academic Affairs at American University of Central Asia (AUCA). Ryskulova joined AUCA in 1998. She has served as assistant professor of English from 1998-2007, acting vice president of Academic Affairs from 2007-2008, dean of Academic Affairs from 2007-2010, coordinator of the Writing and Academic Resources Center and associate professor from 2...

EHHS recently named two new assistant deans. Daniel Diaz Nilsson (pictured left) was named Assistant Dean for Access and Engagement; Michael Bell is the new Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation. Both positions report to the dean of EHHS. Nilsson, will manage the day-to-day academic operations of offices and initiatives related to student access and engagement and will advise the dean on academic and other related matters. Nilsson previously served as director of the Office of Diversity Outreach & Development, where he provided transformational leadership to college and u...

Columbiana County Rising Scholars are truly reaching for the stars! Program Director Dr. Jessica Paull just learned that the hygiene kits scholars made last year through the NASA HUNCH program are headed into space. They will be delivered to the International Space Station, but the specific date and mission has not been announced. The scholars, in grades 7 through 10, received NASA training to learn best practices for quality assurance and proper safety documentation throughout the construction process. The items were required to be crafted to exact specifications and show the highes...

In this post-pandemic world, remote work is one element that has hung on, but there are mixed emotions about it. Employees tend to like it, but some employers have concerns.  A recent Crain’s Cleveland article, “Bosses dislike work-from-home but suspect they are stuck with it” discussed how remote work is changing the workplace environment and culture, but the article suggests remote and hybrid work schedules are here to stay despite some opposition. Two Kent State University professors who do research in this space weigh in on this discussion. Catrina Johnson, Ph.D., an assista...