LeAnn Starlin Nilsson, Ph.D.

As a first generation college student, LeAnn began her career in student activities with a focus on helping students learn transferable skills through booking, planning and hosting campus events. After about eight years in varying student affairs roles, including orientation, student leadership training, and planning every student event imaginable, she began working specifically with students in art and design. A passion for the arts led her to Kent State in December 2012 to focus on recruitment and retention of students within the Kent State University. During this time, LeAnn increased faculty partnership for recruitment, and focused on ways to provide support for students in professional art field, and has collaborated with university admissions and marketing to enhance the presence of the College across the region. Her passion for education extends to working with first generation students, specifically focusing on students from Appalachia and rural areas.

Outside of work, LeAnn volunteers for the Project Grad program through Akron Public Schools, and serves as a Trustee for Sing Stark! Her other passions include diversity work and education that focuses on antiracist work. She resides in Akron, Ohio with her husband, Daniel, daughter Daniella, and two cats named Friday and Sabado.