�鶹��ѡ

�鶹��ѡ's College of Aeronautics and Engineering has achieved a significant milestone in advanced air mobility research, receiving a specialized Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver for drone operations over people and moving vehicles. This waiver positions �鶹��ѡat the forefront of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) innovation and research.

The �鶹��ѡPolice Department received its tenth consecutive reaccreditation in November 2024 after consistently exceeding the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a third-party accreditation agency. “It is a part of our DNA,” Interim Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Chris Jenkins said. “It is a foundational professionalism that contributes to every aspect of the services and the policing that we do and provide.”  

Board games, card games and computer games are all fair game at the second annual Let’s Make the Rules: A Game Creation Experience, a design challenge open to �鶹��ѡ students who have an idea for a new game.

�鶹��ѡ will be closed Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed on Jan. 20.

This year, �鶹��ѡ will hold the 55th commemoration honoring the memory of May 4, 1970, a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard fired on �鶹��ѡstudents during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students, wounding nine others and sparking a turning point in American history. Kicking off the program for the annual May 4 Commemoration is a play that focuses on student activism and book bans.

“Trial by Fire” is coming to �鶹��ѡin February. The play, written by �鶹��ѡalumnus and staff member Eric Mansfield, and inspired by a true story, is about banned books and a �鶹��ѡgraduate who presented them to her high school class and how her students rose to activism to defend her. The performances are part of this year’s 55th May 4 Commemoration schedule, presented by the May 4 Education Committee. 

International Student Orientation activities welcomed a new group of international students to �鶹��ѡfor Spring Semester 2025.

Kent State’s MLK event "The Dream of Wellness: Mental Health Advocacy Through the Lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." will be held on Jan. 30 in the Student Center Ballroom.

Former �鶹��ѡfootball player and two-time Golden Flash graduate Nick Saban, who went on to become college football’s most successful coach, will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 class, the National Football Foundation announced today.

“In the News” features �鶹��ѡ’s values, cultures, high-quality academics and award-winning support and access for all in these media stories of our faculty, staff, students and alumni in action. 

Grace Puin excels at getting Parkinsons patients to speak and swallow with intent. She’s so good in fact that Parkinson Voice Project, a nonprofit organization that helps people with Parkinson’s all over the world, invited her to host one of its online SPEAK OUT! Home Practice Sessions.

Meet Maura Dougherty, a senior theatre studies major with a focus on performance from Pittsburgh. From acting in elementary and high school productions to working at a theatre for young audiences for five years, Dougherty has consistently pursued her passion for the performing arts.

�鶹��ѡ’s Nursing Simulation Labs use sophisticated manikins to help students learn to provide proper care – and caring – for patients of all ages. 

Studies show students who participate in student organizations are more successful academically and are more satisfied with their college experience. Sponsored by Kent State’s Center for Student Involvement, the Fresh Start Fair on Jan. 17 gives students an opportunity to explore the university’s 350+ student organizations.

When cities and universities work together, incredible things can happen. Like any good partnership, �鶹��ѡ and the city of Kent have spent years building and strengthening their relationship, and it has paid off. �鶹��ѡwill host the 2025 International Town and Gown Association Conference.

Dr. Nick Campitelli, D.P.M., has been practicing podiatry in Fairlawn, Ohio, now for 20 years and has garnered a major following on TikTok and YouTube for sharing his expertise, leading to many happy patients. 

Students braved a snow-covered campus and cold temperatures as classes began for Spring Semester 2025.

The work of a well-known Cleveland textile artist who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from �鶹��ѡ will be on display at the �鶹��ѡ Museum beginning Jan. 24.

�鶹��ѡ President Todd Diacon spoke Jan. 10 at a breakfast event hosted by the Greater Akron Chamber, where he highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, efficiency, student well-being and community partnership, reinforcing its role as a vital institution in the region.

As we start a new year, we take a moment to reflect on the vibrant moments that shaped �鶹��ѡ in 2024. From a beautiful sunset on the Lefton Esplanade to jubilant commencement ceremonies, from a solar eclipse to championship athletic performances, our university photographers captured the spirit and energy of our campus community throughout the year.