Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.Meet Reagan Pruente, a junior human development and family science major from Brook Park, Ohio.Pruente originally came to Kent State University to pursue a teaching degree but discovered that her true passion lay in helping children in other ways.“Switching to human development and family science felt right because I still wanted to work with kids and help them in one way or another,” Pruente told Kent State Today. This decision led her to an opportunity to intern at the Stark Co...

The importance of mental health advocacy and wellness in the context of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s concept of the Beloved Community was the focus of Kent State University’s annual MLK Celebration on Jan. 30.A luncheon and panel discussion titled “The Dream of Wellness: Mental Health Advocacy Through the Lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” marked the occasion, which was held in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.Yvonna Washington-Greer, Ph.D., associate vice president of the Division of Student Life, was the emcee for the event, which opened with a performance called “A Griot Speaks Rememb...

Kent State University held its first Alumni Day of Service in 2009. Since then, it has blossomed into a weeklong initiative supporting our blue and gold communities around the world. During Flashes Give Back Week, Golden Flashes can choose to volunteer at one – or more – of our 50+ service sites. With in-person volunteer opportunities from Washington, D.C. to Southern California, plus several virtual options, there are a variety of ways to make a difference at Kent State and in our communities.Because of the overwhelming support of our Flashes family over the past 15 years, we are excited...