Kent State Florence

This summer, students in Kent State University's School of Art had an opportunity to study in Italy through the university's Florence Summer Institute program. 

Fashion design major Kaleigh McGreal has been sharing her story with Kent State Today through her final two semesters at Kent State in our "Year with a Flash" series. Most recently, as she prepared for graduation, McGreal shared her thoughts about her journey with an inspiring message for other Kent State students. 

Senior fashion design major Kayleigh McGreal has completed a semester abroad, a semester away and three fashion internships.

Kent State University leadership and donors known as the Renaissance Scholars Society will gather to commemorate 50 years of education abroad in Florence, Italy, during the first week of October.

Acclaimed television producer and writer Don Reo is coming to Kent State Florence as a guest speaker and to and receive a lifetime achievement award. 

What first began in 1972 with a small group of Kent State architecture students and faculty traveling to Florence, Italy, for a few weeks has blossomed into one of the most prestigious education-abroad programs in the country.

Educators from across the globe will convene at Kent State University’s Florence campus June 21-23 for an international symposium where participants will use design innovation principles to create a framework for the future of education.