James L. Blank, Ph.D., interim dean of Kent State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has been named the new dean of the college. The announcement was made by Todd Diacon, Kent State’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Blank, who has been serving as interim dean since Nov. 1, 2012, becomes the permanent dean of the college effective Jan. 1, 2015. “We are fortunate to have Jim Blank at Kent State,” Diacon said. “He was chosen after a national search, during which he demonstrated his vast knowledge of academia in general, and arts and sciences in particular. He is...

Students in Karen Cunningham's Introduction to Conflict Management classes and Nonviolence: Theory and Practice class wrote essays this Fall semester for consideration in the YES! Magazine Fall 2014 Essay contest. A portion of Ray Stovall’s essay (written for Nonviolence: Theory & Practice) was selected as a “Literary Gem” — and here it is … I know that being different is a gift. If you focus on cultivating that gift, you can be the best at anything you choose. —Ray Stovall, Kent State University, Kent, OH View the Literary Gems Excerpts Read the Winning Essays ...

A Kent State University student a cappella singing group spent part of their holiday break traveling to Washington, D.C., to perform for President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. The Kent Clarks, an organization made up of students pursuing all types of majors who share the desire to create and perform, sang at the White House last night (Dec. 16).  Meagan Eishen, a senior theatre studies major from Fremont, Ohio, and music director of the Kent Clarks, said the members of the Kent Clarks were excited to perform at the White House and explore the national’s capital. “It’s su...