Community and Society

Students in the Upward Bound program during the summer of 2022

A five-week pilot project funded by a $15,000 Teagle Foundation Knowledge for Freedom Program grant will be held at Kent State this summer for Upward Bound and Firestone High School students.

Kent State hosted Innovation Day 2023 for the Northeast Ohio Public University Research Alliance (NEO-PURA)

Innovation Day 2023 was a collaborative effort of the Northeast Ohio Public University Research Alliance (NEO-PURA) comprised of Kent State University, Cleveland State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University, The University of Akron and Youngstown State University. 

Kent State employee Jeff Florentine, his wife Jen and son Beckett, moved to Kent in July 2022.

After living in various other locations, Kent State staff and faculty make Kent their home because it's a community with small town charm and a flourishing downtown. 

Kent State President Todd Diacon speaks at the March 9 Board of Trustees Meeting

President Todd Diacon took the opportunity to make the presentation “Kent State Works” at the Board of Trustees meeting, which was held at Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph. The presentation illustrated how Kent State prepares its students for job readiness. Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education Randy Gardner and the new President of the Inter-University Council Laura Lanese attended the Board of Trustees meeting. 

Sports betting can become a problem for college students if they are not careful.

Since sports betting became legal in Ohio Jan. 1, 2023, television, social media, billboards and the like have been inundated with these comical ads. And Ohioans over 21 years of age, who can bet conveniently from their phones and at various venues such as casinos and bars, are part of the target audience. 

Dear Ukraine exhibit installed at the Washington National Cathedral

In a new partnership, the "Dear Ukraine" exhibit was recently installed on the walls of the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at the Washington National Cathedral so visitors can recognize the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

E-Cycling location near the home of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Electronic recycling drop-off dates in March are part of Kent State's overall institutional sustainability initiatives.

The Blue, Gold and Grateful program has been good to employees and downtown small business alike.

Now referred to as Kent Card, the Blue, Gold and Grateful employee appreciation program is still going strong. Employees appreciate receiving their $20 Kent Card, which can be spent at participating downtown businesses, and in turn downtown businesses enjoy the influx of customers and thousands of dollars. 

A room set up for a fancy event with decorated tables

In early 2021, during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, masses of employees across the country began resigning their jobs in record numbers, marking what is known as the “Great Resignation.” For students in Kent State's Hospitality and Event Management program, there’s a big opportunity to capitalize on an industry that is in the middle of a large shift in management. 

Kent State Community Reflect on the Impact of Black History Month on Their Lives

Black History Month had and continues to have a major impact in the lives of Kent State community members. Some learned about Black History when they were very young, while others acquired knowledge as college students or adults. All, however, are grateful for the role that Black History Month has played in their lives.