Profiles

While a student at Kent State University, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) dreamed of taking the stage as a dancer in New York City, not as a congresswoman in Washington, D.C. But today she’s a star in the eyes of many, with her federal legislative debut drawing attention beyond Northeast Ohio. 

During her visit to Kent State University at Stark on March 14, Congresswoman Sykes talked about the power of a public education that’s affordable and close to home.

Bob Rader’s path to becoming a Golden Flash was anything but traditional. 

Whitney Romine graduated in 2021 with a Master of Public Health, with a Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration.

In 2006, Betty Sutton became the first Kent State alumna to serve in the U.S. Congress, when she was elected to represent Ohio’s 13th District in the House of Representatives. Sixteen years later, Kent State alumna Emilia Sykes, a native of Akron, Ohio, was elected to represent the same district, making her the first Black Kent State alum to serve in the House of Representatives.  

In 1991, Carol A. Cartwright, Ph.D., made history when she was named president of Kent State University, becoming not only Kent State’s first female president, but also the first woman to serve as president of any Ohio public college or university.  

Some people delight in reading Shakespeare. But some people may find it difficult, confusing or incomprehensible. Senior theatre studies major Xavier Heipp has been working to create an open resource book to make Shakespeare’s writing more relatable.

In Spring 2019 Jenna Gilbreath, ’23, was an incoming communication studies student, unsure and nervous about what her new life at Kent State University would look like. During an incoming student visit day, one person and one conversation reassured her that she was on the right path. That person was Michael John Gallagher II, '19.

Valentino Zullo’s teaching stems from his identity as a queer first-generation college student and a child of immigrants. His philosophies also find their origin in his relationship with the humanities as creative writing and comics were personally liberating and helped him learn English.

Service animals are permitted in nearly every part of Kent State's campuses.