Student Life

Carving Out His Path from Brazil to Broadway
For Brazilian student Rafael Bahls, being involved in the Kent State University American Academy in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, has expanded his worldview in a multitude of ways.

So many Emilys
Which first names were read most often during Spring 2023 commencements?

Where There's A Will, There's A Way

Flying Flashes Prepare to Defend Kent State's First Place Title at the Air Race Classic
During the four-day Air Race Classic, Kent State alumna Laura Wilson and junior Peyton Turner will fly 2,400 miles and make nine timed flybys at airports in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama and Florida before landing in Homestead, Florida.

What Does Juneteenth Mean to You?
From traditional celebrations to annual reflections, tell us what Juneteenth means to you.

Fifteen Years + Tenacity + Devotion to Family = Associate and Bachelor's Degrees
Timothy Johnson said Kent State advisors, who knew he had been working on his degree for 15 years, helped him coordinate his schedule so that he could take in-person classes — while working a full-time job — and still have time to spend with his children. He earned an associate degree in December 2022 and a bachelor's degree in May 2023.
'Full-Circle Moment' Leaves Lasting Impression on Admissions Leader
Mark Ledoux's work has made a difference with a lot of students. Make that, a lot of students. For more than a decade, he's been on the front lines in helping new students find what they need to afford their journey. Recently, a single interaction with a graduate left a lasting impression.

President Todd Diacon’s Commencement Speech Lauded
When Kent State University President Todd Diacon used his May 13 commencement address to send a message to state officials who are challenging Ohio’s public universities as a bastion for the privileged, the reaction was swift and supportive from alumni and friends of the university.
“There is in Ohio, among some state elected officials, a growing ivory tower accusation being leveled against our state’s public universities and against, quite frankly, Kent State University,” Diacon told thousands gathered for commencement.

Connecting to the Community Through Food
Kent State University education major Klair Heestand said the time she spent teaching refugee students in Akron in the spring was excellent preparation for when she enters her own classroom one day.
“It was very helpful, because we’re going to have students of varying abilities, and students for whom English is a second language, no matter where we teach,” Heestand said. “We don’t need anyone left behind because of a language barrier.”

How Will Senate Bill 83 Affect Kent State’s Students, Staff and Faculty?
Senate Bill 83, the Ohio Education Enhancement Act, is a far-reaching bill that includes a proposal for rules aimed at ending mandated diversity training.