What a difference a year makes! This time last year, most of us were living in a state of confusion and concern as the COVID pandemic began unfolding around us. We found ourselves isolated from friends and loved ones. We faced restrictions in public places. And we grew accustomed to seeing “closed” signs on businesses or watching as popular events were canceled.
Despite a year of uncertainty and challenges, the Kent State Columbiana County campuses remained open and continued to deliver quality educational experiences to the students. We kept our promise and helped them stay focused on achieving their goals.
By no means was it easy. It took many hours of planning and strategizing to keep this train on track. It also took sincere dedication, commitment and hard work by all our employees – faculty, staff and administrators – to make it through this past year.
We truly had to re-think how to teach, advise, counsel and support our students in a remote environment without losing the personal touch. We succeeded.
Day after day, I witnessed examples of Flashes taking care of Flashes
The Salem and East Liverpool communities also stepped up to help us through these trying times. Local health officials constantly updated and advised us through the highs and lows of the pandemic. Our advisory board members and local foundations helped provide financial assistance to students – many of whom lost income because of workplace shutdowns and closures. Area businesses and healthcare agencies donated PPE supplies and other items to our campuses.
Our faculty did whatever it took to make certain the students kept pace with their academic goals. Many of the instructors had to reinvent their teaching styles as they transitioned from the classroom to an online/virtual format. It was not easy, but they did it and they did it without wasting any time. Throughout the past year and despite COVID restrictions, many of our faculty members continued their research projects, presented at conferences or published in journals. Learning never stopped!
The pandemic’s safety protocols made lab and clinical experiences challenging for our many allied health students and instructors. These are truly hands-on settings and vital for students to learn the intricate application of procedures and practices. Again, the instructors had to be creative, adaptive and extremely patient as they worked through the obstacles they faced.
Our non-teaching staff were stellar, as well. They created work schedules so that someone was on each campus, each day, to help students or visitors who came through the doors. We never closed our doors! Our IT staff actively responded to the seeming never-ending requests and needs for technical upgrades, support and equipment.
The maintenance, custodial and security crews on each campus were the soldiers of the battle. They reported to work each day and spent weeks arranging classrooms to meet social distancing standards and teaching needs. They installed protective barriers, signage and sanitizing stations throughout office and common areas. They cleaned and sanitized nonstop; they still do. Security had a daily presence on each campus, as well.
It was the students, however, who showed true grit through the pandemic. They learned to adapt and accept the “new normal” with their classes. They logged onto their computers to attend remote classes; they submitted their assignments using technology; and, for those who had lab instructions, they followed the safety protocols by social distancing and donning gowns, gloves, masks and face shields.
I encourage you to follow the links in this newsletter that will take you to our “Points of Pride.” There, you will see numerous examples of the amazing work by our faculty, staff and students this past year on the East Liverpool and Salem campuses. It is quite satisfying to reflect on the achievements made during the 2020-2021 academic year, especially under such trying circumstances.
As we head into the summer, I am hopeful that we are on our way to a more “normal” campus environment. We will continue to offer some classes remotely, but we will have more in-person classes, too. Our staff and administrators are returning to their offices later this summer.
This means that our campuses will begin to come back to life. I am so looking forward to that!
In 2020, we were unable to hold any in-person year-end celebrations because of the pandemic: no award banquets, no scholarship dinners, no commencement.
In May, however, we held in-person commencement/pining ceremonies at the Columbiana County Fair Grounds. It was not the typical setting for our graduation event, but we worked hard to make it happen and it was wonderful to see the graduates with their families celebrating their achievements. It was a great day!
Later this summer, we will share plans for homecoming celebrations on each of our campuses and invitations for you to join us. We want to see a gathering of recent graduates, alumni, retirees, students, faculty and community members on each campus.
The Salem Campus will observe the 50-year anniversary of the opening of our main classroom building on St. Route 45, as well as the 10-year anniversary of the completion of Centofanti Hall.
The East Liverpool Campus will take a step back in time to host a “So Happy It’s Thursday” party to celebrate its place as a cornerstone in the community.
Please have a safe and enjoyable summer. Go Flashes!
Sincerely,
David M. Dees, Ph.D.
Dean and CAO for the Kent State East Liverpool and Salem Campuses