The last time James Reinart attended classes at Kent State University, George W. Bush was the president, “Friends” was the No. 1 show in America and a gallon of gas cost $1.46. A lot has changed since 2001 but not Reinart’s goal of finishing what he started. “It had always been on my mind that I only had 10 hours left,” Reinart said. Two decades after Reinart stopped taking classes to enter the workforce, the Chagrin Falls resident will be crossing the stage at Kent State’s spring commencement ceremonies on May 14, 2022, to finally become a Golden Flash alumnus. Reinart, 45, genera...
When she receives her doctorate degree in cellular biology on May 14, Amber Rose Titus will enter an exclusive group: She will become one of just seven Kent State University graduates to earn her doctorate at the age of 25 or younger. “That’s really exciting,” Titus said, as she considered her spot among the youngest ever doctorate recipients. She said the title “Dr. Titus” still seemed a bit unreal. Wayne Schneider, Kent State’s director of Institutional Research, said that since the university began tracking such data more than 20 years ago, Titus will be just the seventh student to earn a...
The School of Theatre and Dance's associate professor Courtney Brown is starring in Rubber City Theatre's production of "Enemy of the People," running May 6-21, 2022. Set in a mid-sized, Rust-Belt city during the Trump era, this adaptation of "An Enemy of the People" delves into questions that were as pertinent for Ibsen as they are today. What inspires people to action? Can scientific discovery mobilize outcomes when economic opportunities are at stake, and fear is pervasive? Will Tammie sacrifice everything, her job, her friends, her family--for the truth? Or is she j...
Jack McWhorter, professor of art at Kent State University at Stark, passed away on May 1, 2022 after a brief illness. He was a professor of painting at Kent State University at Stark for 32 years and also served as the coordinator for the studio art program, the galleries, and the regional Scholastic Art Awards. Professor McWhorter was also an alumnus, earning his B.F.A (’76) and M.F.A. (’83) from Kent State University. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Fine Arts Building at Kent State at Stark, located at 6000 Frank Ave...
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...