Nationally Distinctive
![Black squirrel neat a tree on Front Campus Black squirrel near a tree on Front Campus](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20231010_BC_October%20Feature_232.jpg?VersionId=4m4YjBT.6Fyxqrufj.jNgKnzktSCG6tH&itok=6muQBwFB)
At Kent State, campus black squirrels may need to step in for Groundhog Day forecasting duties.
![Kent State alumna Michelle Abrahamson Robell Kent State alumna Michelle Abrahamson Robell](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Robell.jpg?VersionId=LsYBNOWmO9HQKKGsYUBk1unJd6wEFOVE&itok=4SOQseNl)
After a few stops and starts, alumna Michelle Abrahamson Robell found her purpose in a fulfilling (and award-winning) career as a teacher.
![Students presenting their campaigns](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/PRCampaignsBanner.jpg?VersionId=ToWZ7_wRQguyRj1hDyFyPefHrwni9ElF&itok=lNaOVxbQ)
The combination of a strong curriculum, real-world experience and a focus on networking allows Kent State University’s undergraduate public relations students to develop a strong foundation for their future careers.
![Senior fashion design majors Mackenzie Karsten and Daniella Byrnes review candidates during model tryouts at Kent State's School of Fashion Senior fashion design majors Mackenzie Karsten and Daniella Byrnes review candidates during model tryouts at Kent State's School of Fashion](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/BOB_5816-Enhanced-NR.jpg?VersionId=bSM8woLWgmpThJRSwwPU89PeWkAjmS.o&itok=1viBKC3E)
Students, faculty and alumni from Kent State University’s world-renowned School of Fashion will be sending some of their most exciting designs down the runway on Feb. 8 in Haute for the House, a fashion show to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.
![Student pushing clothing racks in NYC](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-29%20at%204.16.20%20PM.png?VersionId=AKS4HutHVbs3QmI57Nj9ShWAgtnTnTUl&itok=9GCsQDv-)
Faculty and staff at the Kent State University School of Fashion revel in the creativity and confidence of our students. That's certainly true at Kent State University New York City Fashion, where Kent State Today found students, staff and alumni working side by side with the top names in Fashion to prepare our graduates to succeed.
![Kent State Florence is a nationally distinctive education-abroad program View of Florence, Italy, skyline](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/florence%20landing%20hero%20copy_0.jpg?VersionId=MFnxkaAcp5ohhZElqWkdifxXObBK1RK8&itok=vcUBV8Vi)
Boardman-based architect Robert Mastriana was among the first class of students to study in Florence, Italy, through the university’s education-abroad program. He tells The Vindicator newspaper how that experience still influences his work.
![A student rides a scooter on the coldest day (thus far) of 2024. A student rides a scooter on the coldest day (thus far) of 2024.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20240116_BC_Cold%20Snap%20Feature_015.jpg?VersionId=jqGeiYX8QnZxle6jHsXMgW3tJ7CMMua7&itok=VmA6dMz6)
Kent State students braved the extremely cold temperatures and below zero wind chills on their way to their classes.
![Jonathan Maletic smiling for a group photo with his former Ph.D students and their Ph.D students](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/Resized%20%282%29.jpg?VersionId=eTmLJ8ehUhBJu74in.ies.OI6L0T6ooX&h=dc60650f&itok=6puHH-z_)
Kent State University computer science Professor Jonathan Maletic, Ph.D., and alumnus Michael Decker, Ph.D., are developing a new software solution, creating a world where the computer science community can effectively track changes and improve group code development.
![Clearing snow at the KSU Airport Clearing snow at the KSU Airport](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/IMG_9760.jpg?VersionId=1YUVAmTZMt13rN7Gjf_wnQYUp1_DGVLE&itok=sfywu2RE)
Clearing fallen snow at the Kent State University Airport is a team effort.
![A snowy walk toward the University Library A snowy walk toward the University Library](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/20231101_BC_November_Feature_066_0.jpg?VersionId=grv3.S3eLcaoPPbQV19.AVXyRYTVYm4l&itok=kOfN5J2r)
Some of the season's coldest temperatures and snow cover set the scene for students' first day of classes after winter break.