Community & Society - Impactful Initiatives
News
Small towns generate a lot of misconceptions. Some believe that growing up in a small town can feel limiting or that the towns are outdated. For Jennifer Mapes, Ph.D., assistant professor of geography, author and cartographer, small towns not only break these stereotypes, but they have also provided a wealth of research.
In July 2016, Jill Cofojohn became the first radiation therapist in Ohio to use proton therapy to treat a cancer patient. Nine years later, Cofojohn – a Kent State Salem graduate – helped introduce this technology in Columbus where she now serves as the lead proton therapist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
As part of Kent State’s ongoing 2025-26 Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series, the university hosted seven-time Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria as a guest artist. He led master classes, rehearsals and lectures focused on music, business and social change.
This scene of first year nursing students studying in the University Library has a different vibe during spooky season.
Meet Derrick Tindimwebwa, a sophomore construction management major from Kampala, Uganda, whose family ties led him to Kent State where he's building community and managing connections between the university and the community.