Professor of Ethnomusicology and Director of the African Ensemble, Dr. Kazadi wa Mukuna will retire from Kent State University this summer.  Professor Kazadi is known for his numerous publications on the traditional music of Africa on the continent and its influence in the music of the Americas. He has contributed a great deal on the popular music of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Brazilian cultural study. His publications in these subjects have appeared in various languages and countries.  Originating from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr. Kazadi wa Muk...

Associate professor Dana Brown will retire from Kent State University this summer. Dana Brown served the School of Music in a variety of non-teaching and teaching duties. As Assistant to the Director, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, Coordinator of Class Piano, music scholarship administrator and piano class instructor Professor Brown has had an impact on countless students and professionals alike.  A graduate of Kent State University, Professor Brown began his teaching career as a part-time instructor at Kent State University and the University of Akron, where he also was a st...

Richard Devore, Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition in the School of Music, will retire this summer.  Dr. Devore taught undergraduate and graduate courses in ear training, the history of music theory, music theory pedagogy, and various aspects of music analysis. While at Kent State University he notably shared his expertise in composition and theory, American music, music theory pedagogy, and music analysis. His areas of research included the pedagogy of music theory, the history of music theory in the United States, and various other areas of American music. His Ph....

Janice Lessman-Moss, professor of textiles, is retiring this summer after more than 40 years of service at the School of Art. Since being hired as a full-time faculty member in 1981, she has been the driving force behind the progress and innovation of textile arts education at Kent State University. A beloved professor, Lessman-Moss has touched many students’ lives by sharing her knowledge, skills, and love for weaving and textile history with those who have been fortunate enough to have her as a teacher and a mentor.  Throughout her decades-long career, she has shown her work locally, n...

Eighteen members of the Leadership Tuscarawas Class of 2022 graduated last night during ceremonies held at Kent State Tuscarawas.  The evening began with a reception for the class, board members, and invited guests, followed by class project presentations and a keynote presentation by Dr. Brad Bielski, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at Kent State Tuscarawas.  Members of the graduating class include Jill Cunningham (Tuscarawas Senior Center), Jen Armstrong (Mako’s Market), Shannon Bailey (Kent State Tuscarawas), Dan Baker (Kraton Chemical), Jade Boffo (Tusc. Co. YMCA), Dawn ...

  Climate change is a complex problem with no easy answers—and everything at stake. As global temperatures continue to rise, Kent State faculty reflect on our potential to mitigate and adapt to a changing planet.  By Kat Braz and Jan Senn When the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its latest report in April 2022, IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee described it as “powerful evidence that we have the potential to mitigate climate change. We are at a crossroads.  . . . Climate promises and plans must be turned into reality and action, now....

Getting involved on-campus is a big step to help build relationships and make a change. One student put his front foot forward and is helping an organization gain recognition, as well as making an impact. Honors College student William Dakin (He/Him) is a current first-year student. Majoring in Business Management and minoring in International Business, he hopes to work within the field of international business dealing with organizations that are based in the Middle East. For the past two semesters, William has been a part of the National Millennial Community and Generation Z (NMGZ). As...

School of Fashion senior lecturer Elizabeth (Betsy) Carr will retire this summer.  Betsy brought over 30 years of industry experience to the Kent State Fashion Design and Merchandising program, sharing that expertise with her students through instructing sewing, flat pattern and draping classes. In 2021 Betsy was a named University Teaching Council Outstanding Teaching Awards Finalist. She was also the faculty advisor to the annual fashion show production held every spring, which represents senior accomplishments.  She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Des...

At the end of the semester we will say farewell to Associate Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising Sara Snyder, who will be pursuing a new opportunity.  Sara has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Kent State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Textiles from Kent State University. Sara returned to Ohio and Kent State University in 2009 after spending several years working in New York as a knitwear designer. Sara has taught a variety of classes on all levels in basic visual design principles, beginning illustration, technical design, portfolio developme...