By 1994, Darrel "DJ" Jones had completed two years at Kent State University, but his education was abruptly interrupted by a 25-year prison sentence for a crime he committed at the age of 20.  When Jones, of East Liverpool, was released from prison in 2019, he had a few courses under his belt, but no certifications or degree programs had been available in prison. After his release, a reentry program at Kent State at Trumbull gave him the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies in 2022.  Now, Kent State has been awarded a new $900,000 Department of Jus...

Jazz singer-songwriter Ava Preston is making waves in the music scene. Recently, she performed at the prestigious 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival in California, where she had the honor of singing with the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and participated in a smaller gala, where she performed for such musical luminaries as Herbie Hancock and Christian McBride. She’s also a Golden Flash. Preston is a senior at Kent State University, majoring in music with a concentration in jazz studies.   Watch: Preston sings “September in the Rain” at The Bop Stop in Cleveland.   Reco...

University Libraries is the place for student success. There, students can study, tap into a database for a journal article, get a book, 3D print, grab coffee, have a dance party, participate in the Halloween Costume Contest ... wait, is this still about the library? Yes, yes it is. Kent State Today takes a deeper look into University Libraries in a three-part series about Demystifying the Library for students. Part one was about the Student Multimedia Services. Part two covers the numerous ways the library can help students succeed – and have fun while doing it. Student and Research...

The May 4 Reflection Gallery at Kent State University's Taylor Hall, on Nov. 16, was bulging with a standing-room-only crowd of students who came out to share their feelings and gain an understanding of the Israel-Hamas War.  "Israel, Palestine and Me: Students' Forum for Reflection and Dialogue," was organized by Kent State’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies and School of Communication Studies, to provide currently enrolled Kent State students a safe place to gather, talk and gain a better understanding of the issues and what is at stake for all parties.  Tatsushi Arai...

Hype music and large glow sticks pounded the air in the Kiva as Nov. 8’s I AM FIRST celebration marked the middle of I AM FIRST Week at Kent State University. The weeklong series of events honors first-generation college students, those students who are or will be the first in their family to complete a bachelor’s degree. While it can be difficult to navigate college as a first-generation college student, attendees like Ivory Kendrick, a first-generation sophomore public health major from Ravenna, look at it in a positive way. “Use it as a way to embrace where you came fro...