Jonathan Swoboda, associate professor at Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance and a featured keyboard artist with No. 1-selling Christmas artist Mannheim Steamroller, performed with the group at the National Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at President's Park at the White House in November 2017. Mr. Swoboda, who began playing with Mannheim Steamroller in 2006, was a student of the group's original featured keyboard artist Jackson Berkey years before. "I grew up learning and listening to the music of Mannheim Steamroller before it was known for any Christmas music...

As another successful year ends, the Kent State University Alumni Association wants to say thank you to its alumni, volunteers, university colleagues and partners for their unwavering support of the alumni association. This past year, the alumni association celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Distinguished Teaching Award, recognized seven outstanding recipients at the Alumni Awards ceremony and hosted events in six countries outside the U.S.: Brazil, Canada, China, Jordan, South Korea and Taiwan, and much more. Learn more about the achievements and activities of the alumni a...

To ensure complete and accurate directory listings, University Communications and Marketing is requesting that designated departmental representatives verify and update departmental listings in the online directory as it is not synced up with Banner or Human Resource information. Designated staff members can review departmental listings by accessing the Phone Directory link from the Kent State University home page and selecting the Full Department Listing option.  If information in the directory is incorrect, request access to make your update...

No excuses. Zion Clark lives by these two words. Born without legs, the Kent State University at Tuscarawas Golden Eagles wrestling phenomenon overcomes obstacles and gladly accepts challenges both on and off the mat every day with a contagious smile. “The obstacles I face in wrestling prepare me for everyday life,” Mr. Clark says. “Wrestling teaches me patience and persistence.” The 19-year-old was born in Columbus, Ohio, with a condition known as caudal regression syndrome that impairs development of the lower half of the body. Given up for adoption as a baby, Mr. Clark was b...

During a thesis competition, it is the norm to see contestants present topics about remedies for natural disasters or solutions to major health crises, but Kent State University graduate scenic design student Patrick Ulrich decided to enter the competition to showcase what the theatre department does for society. He used his platform to talk about how theatre inspires social change through an artistic medium. “I thought that this competition would be a good opportunity to take theatre arts to others and show them what I have chosen to do with my career and my life,” Mr. Ulrich says. “Our work...

A Kent State Education is now “A Whole Lot Closer” for Prospective International Students Because it values diversity among its student population, Kent State University has created a new “Global Scholarship” to attract a greater number of high quality international students to its campuses. The Global Scholarship is immediately available to all incoming international undergraduate degree-seeking students who apply to Kent State beginning with fall 2018 semester. The Global Scholarship provides eligible students with $4,000 per year ($2,000 per semester), reducing the cost of a Kent State 4...

Kent State University at Trumbull continues to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff, and community.  Only one physical altercation was reported in 2017.   According to Gary Bateman, Security & Safety Manager, Kent State Trumbull, a total of 26 reports were made last year. A majority of those were either a medical emergency or fender bender in the parking lot.    “We take great pride in providing a safe environment for our students and staff,” Bateman said. “Because of job changes, we were down a few (security) officers for the bett...

The Kent State University Florence Summer Institute 2018 in Florence, Italy is proud to announce a new courses designed specifically for biology majors and minors.   Brain Health and Disease: Mediterranean vs. Western Lifestyle   The objectives for the course are to provide a broad understanding of how cross-cultural differences between Mediterranean-style living and US-Western style living impact brain function and general health.  Focus will be placed on how differences in diet, exercise, and social aspects including stress between these two lifestyles impact physi...

Kent State University advertising student Michael Weber balances a 4.0 GPA with a thriving passion for music – a passion that recently propelled him to win first place on MTV’s talent show, “Amazingness.” The episode featuring Weber, ’19, aired nationally on Jan. 5, 2018. It featured six acts competing for a $10,000 prize, which Weber ultimately won for his talent of playing guitar. Music has been Weber’s passion since childhood. When he’s not studying advertising in Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), he’s working on music and promotion for his band, The Michael...