Students from across Ohio, the nation and the globe have made their way to Kent State, ready to make an impact.
This fall, 4,023 first-year students joined the Kent Campus, marking the fourth time in five years that an incoming class has surpassed 4,000. The Class of 2029 brings a vibrant mix of experiences, perspectives and aspirations, poised to shape the future of the university and beyond.
Representing 78 of Ohio's 88 counties, this class set a new record for applications and admissions from the Buckeye State. Students also come from 41 additional states, plus Washington, D.C., and a total of 36 countries, underscoring Kent State’s expanding global reach and reputation.
Kent State’s commitment to access, opportunity and student success is reflected in the makeup of the incoming class, with 23% identified as underrepresented students, which includes African American, Hispanic, Native American and multiracial students, and 34% as first-generation college students.
Academically, the class continues to raise the bar. With an average high school GPA of 3.57 and 561 students joining the Honors College, these Golden Flashes are already demonstrating excellence.
To go beyond the numbers, we invited a few members of the Class of 2029 to share their stories and to leave messages for their future selves as they begin this exciting new journey.
CLASS OF 2029 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Jaiden Miller from Kent, Ohio
Major: Digital Media Production
Kent State has always felt like home to Jaiden, and not just because it’s in her hometown. With both parents as alumni, she grew up seeing how their time at Kent State shaped lifelong friendships and lasting memories.
“When I thought of Kent, I thought of family,” she said. “Kent made me feel like part of their family before I even applied.”
Jaiden’s passion for media began early, but it was an internship and conversations with film professionals that solidified her path. Drawn to Kent State’s top-tier equipment and expert faculty, she saw it as the perfect place to grow, both as a filmmaker and as a person. Now, driven by a love for storytelling and a vision for change, Jaiden aspires to become a film director who amplifies diverse voices and promotes kindness through her work.
“There’s a serious lack of different perspectives in the media industry,” she explained. “There are people in all walks of life in the world. I want to show that to the next generation.”
Jaiden's message to herself in 2029
“We did it! You are unstoppable. Tell the Bishop boy (our puppy) that I said ‘Hi!’”
CLASS OF 2029 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Sophia Pseno from Chicago, Illinois
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Sophia has always seen the world a little differently, and that’s exactly why she chose to major in fashion merchandising.
“I just want to put my own spin on the market,” she said. “I’ve always felt different from other people, and I feel like I have so much to offer.”
Originally from Chicago, Sophia said Kent State stood out to her when compared to schools in the city. She describes it as having “a lot of big space to create.”
This big-city student has big dreams — like working for a luxury brand, possibly in New York or France. But to her, the job title isn’t as important as what she gets out of it.
“I don’t care what the job description is,” she noted. “Just to be creative and express myself.”
While at Kent State, Sophia is looking forward to studying abroad, playing rugby and making fun memories.
Sophia's message to herself in 2029
“Enjoy the time now and try to get influenced by everything, because you don’t know how that’s going to affect your ideas and what you produce.”
CLASS OF 2029 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Maddy Perry from Plattsburgh, New York
Major: Zoology
Sometimes inspiration can fly out of nowhere. Just ask Maddy, whose passion for working with animals began with a moment she’ll never forget.
“One day, I was waiting for my ride to school, and a random bird flew right onto my head and just sat there,” she said. “I knew then I wanted to work with animals.”
Her close encounter with a feathered friend led Maddy to study zoology at Kent State. But instead of birds, she dreams of working with something a little smaller, and often misunderstood.
“I want to become an entomologist because of my love and appreciation for insects and arachnids,” she explained.
She credits her brother, a current Kent State student, and her roommate for helping her get settled in as the newest Golden Flash in the family. She’s excited to dive deeper into her studies and meet new people.
Maddy’s message to herself in 2029
“I trust you to work hard and achieve what we want. Good luck!”
Meet DJ Foster from Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Major: Education
For DJ, coming to Kent State was about more than proximity — it was about possibility.
“It was close enough to family but far enough that I can start a new phase of my life,” he said.
DJ didn’t always plan to become a teacher. A few years ago, he might have said he was headed for the bright lights of Broadway. But somewhere between curtain calls and class discussions, a new passion took center stage: education.
“I slowly realized I have knowledge that most people don’t even realize how it can benefit them,” he shared. That realization, paired with the encouragement of his high school theatre teacher, helped him see his potential beyond the stage.
DJ dreams of returning to his old high school one day, this time as a language arts teacher. As he begins his journey as a Golden Flash, he’s most excited to meet new people and connect with professors who will help shape his path.
DJ’s message to himself in 2029
“We made it because we kept marching on.”
Meet CeCe Miller from Crescent Township, Pennsylvania
Major: American Sign Language/English Interpreting
The moment CeCe stepped foot on Kent State’s campus, she knew it was the right fit for her.
“It was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “It truly checked every box I was looking for.”
One of those boxes was Kent State’s nationally recognized American Sign Language (ASL) program — a perfect match for CeCe, whose passion for ASL began with her younger brother, born deaf due to a rare genetic syndrome.
“We had an interpreter come every week to teach us,” she explained. “Since I was 10, it’s been my absolute dream to do this.”
Now living that dream at Kent State, CeCe is gaining the skills and experience she needs to become a professional ASL interpreter. Her goal is to advocate for the Deaf community and bridge the gap between hearing and non-hearing worlds.
“There’s no reason those who are deaf are any different than those who are hearing,” she said. “I want to be there for them.”
CeCe’s message to herself in 2029
“One journey may be over, but there is so much more to achieve and do to help others.”
Meet Salem Yarwood from Columbiana, Ohio
Major: Geology
Salem didn’t expect that a visit to Kent State for a friend's birthday would make such an impact on her college decision, but that’s exactly what happened.
“I was eating at Eastway and just thought, ‘This is it. This is where I belong,’” she said.
She began her college journey as a physics major, but, once again, a simple visit changed everything for Salem when she toured McGilvrey Hall during Future Flash Day and spoke with a geology professor.
“Her passion completely won me over,” she admitted. “Every time I’m in her class, I’m instantly infected with a hunger for knowledge. I can’t get enough.”
Now pursuing geology, Salem has her sights set on becoming a research oceanographer, studying the sea floor and its geological processes. Her connection to water runs deep: she’s been a swimmer, a lifeguard and someone who’s always felt at peace near the ocean. She’s ready to start perusing her new-found passion in her new home.
Salem’s message to herself in 2029
"Always remember how hard we worked to get here.”
Meet Gracie Slentz from Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Major: Exploratory
It was a picture-perfect experience the first time Gracie visited Kent State, almost like stepping into a movie.
“The foliage and the feeling of the campus were immaculate,” she said. “The second I stepped on campus, I knew this was the college for me.”
Gracie chose Kent State not just for its beauty but for the sense of belonging she felt from the very beginning. “Everyone greeted me with a smile,” she recalled. “I didn’t see one person who wasn’t extremely welcoming. It felt like home.”
As an Exploratory student, Gracie is still discovering where her academic path will lead, but she’s confident she’s in the right place to figure it out.
Gracie is excited to be part of the Kent State community — a place where “Flashes take care of Flashes.” Whether it’s through study abroad programs or making fun memories with friends, she’s ready to embrace every opportunity.
Gracies's message to herself in 2029
“Hi, me! You’re probably ready to get out into the real world and start your journey as an actual adult. I know you’re off to great places and you’re going to do amazing things with whatever career you decide. Love you!”