Kent Stater Biographies

Leighann Bacher, 28, works as the editorial product manager for a marketing company in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas. She was Stater editor in spring 2013, the same year she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Bill Bryan of Lakewood, Ohio, is semi-retired and works as a freelancer. He was Stater editor in the fall of 1981 and graduated in August of 1982 with a degree in journalism.

Bob Downing, editor, winter 1972

Ken Krizner, 57, of Wickliffe, Ohio, is a technical writer for ViewRay Inc., medical device manufacturing company. He was Stater editor in spring 1987 and earned a degree in journalism in 1987.

Matthew Merchant, 29, of Stow, Ohio, served as Stater editor in summer 2014 and spring 2015. He graduated in January 2016 with a degree in journalism and works as a writer/project manager in the communications department of Davey Tree Expert Co. in Kent.

Michael Pesarchick, editor, fall 1980

Michael Pfahl, 41, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was Stater editor in spring 2000, and earned a degree in journalism that year. He is an attorney and serves as associate counsel in Kent State’s Office of General Counsel.

Tina Saiani, editor, spring 1984

Tom Wills, 58, of Cortland, Ohio, is metro editor for the Vindicator edition of the Tribune Chronicle, serving Youngstown and Warren. He was Stater editor in fall of 1983 and graduated in December 1983 with degree in journalism.