Students, faculty, staff and alumni celebrated I AM FIRST Week, a recognition of Kent State University students’ first-generation identity, by building community and showcasing campus-wide support.“We intentionally highlight first-generation faculty and staff because we want to be able to show student representation here at Kent State University of successful individuals in their own right,” Melanie Jones, director of Student Success Programs, told Kent State Today, “[those] who have also been the first in their family to graduate.”I AM FIRST CelebrationThe week-long celebration culminated in ...

For many people in our community, food insecurity is a real and persistent challenge. While it may seem distant to some, it remains a pressing issue close to home.To address this need, Kent State University has launched an initiative called "Food in a Flash." The campaign's purpose is to fight food insecurity through collective action—uniting organizations, faculty, students, and staff across campus to collect food and raise awareness of this critical issue. "There are members of our community who do not know where their next meal is coming from," says Craig Berger, associate director in ...

Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.Meet Payton Schramski, a senior interior design major with a marketing minor, from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Growing up with a father in residential construction and watching Home and Garden Television (better known as "HGTV") sparked Schramski’s passion for interior design.  “I realized that interior design is a way to connect with and serve a wide community,” Schramski told Kent State Today. “In the sense that we all interact with at least one building every day.”Connection...