About Kent State
Kent State University is one of the largest university systems in the nation, yet one of the closest families in the world. We embrace diversity and the culture it creates ‒ promoting visionary ideas and bold thinking. From this environment, our students draw strength and support to stand for what matters and to take meaningful action for change.
More than 100 years after William S. Kent donated his valuable farmland so the state could build a teacher-training school for the area, Kent State is one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since its founding as Kent State Normal School in 1910.
Today, as it plays a leading role in 21st century education, Kent State holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only five institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an R1 top-tier research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Kent State is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report.
With eight campuses spanning Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, the Twinsburg Academic Center and academic sites in locations around the globe ‒ such as New York City; Florence, Italy; and Curitiba, Brazil ‒ Kent State illuminates the way as a world-class institution. Its programs and partnerships boldly expand the boundaries of knowledge for faculty engaged in research and collaboration, and for students receiving life-changing experiences in experiential and education-abroad programs.
The student body comprises more than 34,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students from 102 countries. The university earns worldwide recognition for its optimum balance of more than 390 undergraduate programs of study and more than 270 graduate programs of study.
The addition of new teaching and learning environments, from the sciences to the arts, and the development of exciting new academic programs characterize Kent State’s focus on transformational educational experiences. The university is accelerating its strategic investment in established areas of research expertise, including environmental science, population health, global understanding and materials sciences. Building upon its historic and foundational research in liquid crystals, Kent State's Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute embraces a leading international role in advanced materials and soft matter science and innovation.
Kent State recognizes its place in history with the May 4 Visitors Center and annual May 4 Commemoration, which pay homage to the seminal events of May 4, 1970, on the university's Kent Campus. The center and annual observances honor those who lost their lives, those who were wounded and those who survived.
World-renowned, nationally ranked and regionally vital, Kent State proudly serves higher education and the world with graduates who are finding their purpose and making a difference with their contributions.
While some people measure both history and success by tangibles, a Kent State professor emeritus suggests considering timeless intangibles that “can be measured by the lump in your throat … by walking tall.” On a sun-drenched July day in 1914, Kent State’s first graduation class of 34 members walked tall. They led the way for the many hundreds of thousands of Kent State alumni who live and work around the world. Proudly joining their ranks are today’s newest members of the Kent State family on this glorious day of celebration.
For more information about Kent State, visit www.kent.edu.