University News
Kent State Celebrates Nearly 5,000 New Graduates at Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies
Kent State University will honor nearly 5,000 graduates from its eight-campus system during its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 7-9 and May 15. The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the commencement website.
Kent State Marks 56th Anniversary of May 4, 1970, With Commemoration on the Commons
Fifty-six years after the Ohio National Guard opened fire on student protesters at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine, the university community gathered once again on the May 4 site at the Kent State Commons to bear witness, reflect and reaffirm its commitment to preserving the legacy of that day.
May 4 Shooting Victim Inspires Students With Disabilities to Embrace Their Own
Dean Kahler is often quoted as saying he only had one bad day at Kent State University.
That day was May 4, 1970, when an Ohio National Guardsman’s bullet struck Kahler as he stood under a tree watching, from what he thought was a safe distance, a student protest against the escalation of the War in Vietnam. When the National Guard fired on the students, a bullet pierced Kahler’s spine, leaving him paralyzed and wheelchair bound for the rest of his life.
A Growing Legacy for Kent State’s 18th Year as a Tree Campus
Kent State marked Arbor Day with tree plantings at multiple locations across campus, bringing together students, staff and local children for a day focused on sustainability.
Kent State Marks Earth Day with Campus Wide Celebration of Sustainability and Research
Kent State University celebrated Earth Day with a campus-wide series of events that blended hands-on education, student research and community partnerships. From the Earth Fest on Risman Plaza to the scientific posters at the Environmental Science and Design Research Institute Research Showcase and the Electric Vehicle Showcase, the day’s activities highlighted how sustainability is woven into academic life.
Protector of History: Alan Canfora Collection to be Dedicated at Kent State University Libraries
The largest private collection of documents and materials relating to the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University, amassed by survivor Alan Canfora, will be formally dedicated by University Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives on May
From Hardship to the Gavel: Ivory Kendrick’s Journey as Kent State’s USG President
A public health senior who once faced homelessness after losing his father is now leaving a lasting mark on student government — and preparing to continue his impact in graduate school.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970, With 56th Commemoration
Kent State University will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.
Lion Hunting on Campus
An architectural ornament near Engleman Hall may be a subtle tribute to the tenacity of a Kent State University president at a particularly troubled time in the institution's long and storied history.
Hands-On Tax Learning Course Supports Community Members and International Students
Now officially approved as an experiential learning class, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program allows accounting students to provide free tax preparation services to community members while gaining hands-on experience that extends far beyond the classroom.