University News

Emily Metzgar became the director of the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) at Kent State University July 1, 2020, in the midst of a pandemic. Metzgar previously served as the director of undergraduate studies of the Media School at Indiana University. Metzgar’s diverse background paired with the insight she has gained from her previous work experiences has guided her in her new role as the MDJ Director. Now more than a year into her role, Metzgar shares with Kent State Today answers to these 10 questions.

Kent State University President Todd Diacon announces the search for Vice President for Enrollment Management to the university community.

Donna Lee leads by example, performing piano on and off campus frequently to provide opportunities for students to see her polished programs. Her passion for music is evident to her students and anyone else who has heard her play. She not only prepares her students to fulfill their curricular requirements in piano performance but to understand the high level of dedication and work it takes to make a piece performance worthy through technical command, structural awareness, stylistic understanding and artistic expression. All of her preparation and passion led her to earn a 2021 Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA).

The new Flashes Fighting Hunger initiative takes the last 10 years to a new level, going beyond a kitchen that provides meals by becoming a program that prevents food waste, promotes food recovery and hosts multiple food pantries each week to serve the region.

Kent State will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, to celebrate King’s life and legacy. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. The virtual program is free and open to the public.

After having been nominated for this prestigious honor three previous times, Jamie McCartney could not believe she won. The associate professor in the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences and the Program Coordinator for the American Sign Language / English Interpreting program was rewarded with a 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award (OTA) this year for her compassion and commitment to helping students succeed.

Kent State’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers one of the nation's most outstanding online MBA programs, according to The Princeton Review®. The education services company profiles the College in its list, Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2022 ranking.

Julie Cremeans-Smith's, Ph.D., passion for educating isn’t new. The professor of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University at Stark said she’s wanted to be a teacher since she was young. Her dreams came true and glowing nominations sent by students and faculty members earned Cremeans-Smith a 2021 Distinguished Teaching Award. This award is sponsored by the Kent State University Alumni Association and is presented to three faculty members annually.

Kent State University President Todd Diacon updated the university community on recent actions regarding the senior administration of the university.