For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

For thousands of years, Manot Cave in Western Galilee, Israel, remained a silent witness to human history. Now, Kent State University’s Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Anthropology, and a team of international researchers are being recognized for bringing the secrets of Manot Cave to the surface.  

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences recently published the research article “Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia” on Dec. 9, 2024. Spurlock co-authored this article along with 25 other anthropologists.  

The article provides research and evidence for ancient homo sapiens and Neanderthals’ ritualistic practices. These practices were believed to be held in the deepest, darkest parts of Manot Cave. At nearly seven stories deep, the bottom of the cave could have held 100 people.  

The article emphasizes the importance of the findings in Manot Cave. Ritualistic behaviors in dark or deep zones of caves date back 35,000 years ago. Before Manot Cave, similar practices were evidenced in Europe. Now, this is the first example of ritualistic practices in the sub-region of Levant.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that objects tell us about the past,” Spurlock told Kent State Today. “From the moment I first picked up a piece of bone as a child, I knew anthropology was the path for me. To be involved in uncovering something as significant as the discoveries at Manot Cave, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion.”

Spurlock was invited to the Manot Cave excavation in 2013 by Bruce Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Biological Anthropology Program at Case Western Reserve University. The project was largely funded by Case Western Reserve University.  

“When I was invited by Bruce Latimer to come, I felt happier than I had in years,” Spurlock said. “The idea of working in Israel, unearthing ancient discoveries and bringing students along was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Spurlock was one of few biological anthropologists researching at Manot Cave. She researched there from 2013 to 2018 with many archaeologists.  

In 2014, Kent State students also had the unique opportunity to join Spurlock at Manot Cave, working with international researchers and gaining hands-on experience in their field.  

“The students absolutely loved it,” Spurlock said. “They have told me over the years, ‘Thank you so much for bringing me to Israel.’ They feel a lot of gratitude for having those experiences, and I’m glad.”  

Some of the discoveries at Manot Cave include isolated soot particles trapped within stalactites, which dated about 35,000 years ago. This indicates that torches were likely burned in the depths of the cave.  

Isolated bones and teeth were also found within the cave. Spurlock helped to decipher if the bones were human or not.  

“There were people from institutions all over the world there. All kinds of researchers, such as specialists in identifying fossil wood, combustion features and micro- and macro-mammal remains, were on-site excavating,” Spurlock said. “Because of this, we’re getting a very good idea of what life was like in this time period.”

The most impactful discoveries from Manot Cave include a 55,000-year-old partial human skull with traces of Neanderthal anatomy. The skull was found by amateur explorers who later gave it to proper authorities.  

Also, a stone carved to look like a turtle shell was found at the bottom of the cave. Because of its placement, researchers believe that this was used as a ritualistic totem or spiritual figure.  

“The turtle shell is an extraordinary piece of evidence that suggests early humans may have engaged in symbolic behavior,” Spurlock said. “We were picturing that the deep, dark zone of the cave is where people went to have religious experiences or an altered state of mind.”

The excavation presented numerous challenges that pushed Spurlock to her limits. Researchers endured continuous climbing up and down the cave, all during intense heat and humidity.  

“We had to go down deep and then come back out several times a day, which was a lot of exercise,” Spurlock said.  

Despite the challenges, this experience is one that Spurlock will never forget. The article has garnered substantial media coverage from several publications, including Discover Magazine and ScienceDaily.  

“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to get involved in something this big and important,” Spurlock said. “It is a very big deal, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”  

Learn more about the Department of Anthropology. 

Kent State University’s partnership with the African nation of Rwanda continues to blossom with the School of Fashion, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences all working to add program partnerships in Rwanda.

Rwandan Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere is visiting the Kent Campus this week to meet with officials from the Office of Global Education, various colleges and Rwandan students currently studying at Kent State. Irere’s visit aims to deepen the African nation’s educational partnerships with Kent State, hoping to see the university eventually open a formal office there.

Fashion forward

On Jan. 22, Kent State Today was on hand when Irere and Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., signed a letter of intent for Kent State to bring its fashion program to Rwanda.

Irere said that while Rwanda and Africa in general already excel in fashion design, there are areas of expertise that Kent State’s nationally renowned school can bring to help elevate the field in Africa, particularly in fashion merchandising.

Tankersley said the partnership with Rwanda has brought great enrichment to Kent State and its students.

“It’s quite an honor to be able to partner with the University of Rwanda and the Ministry of Education to come together to offer this fashion program,” Tankersley said. “Kent State is really proud of what we do in fashion design and merchandising and to be able to work with you and all the Rwandans in bringing this together is an honor few people get to experience.”

Irere thanked Kent State for its confidence in Rwanda, noting that the university could have partnered with any other country, and she was grateful they selected Rwanda. The minister also noted how the program would benefit not only Rwandans but students throughout Africa who would come to the Rwandan capital of Kigali for the proposed program.

Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for global education, said Irere was spending several days touring various colleges at Kent State, including the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, where work is ongoing to bring Kent State’s aeronautics program to the University of Rwanda. 

Soaring partnership 

Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the college, said details of the program are nearly complete; it will be a traditional two-plus-two program in which students would take courses in Rwanda for two years and then come to the Kent Campus to complete their degrees.

“The hope is it will be approved sometime in the spring,” she said, noting that it will likely formally begin during the 2026 Fall Semester.

Bloebaum said Rwandan students currently working on their doctorate degrees in aeronautics at Kent State are likely to return home to teach in the program.

Fantoni added that RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, also has reached out to Kent State for training of pilots and other airport management professionals.

A dual master’s degree program between Kent State’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Rwanda’s Centre for Conflict Management also is nearing fruition.  

Rwandan Student Success

The first stop on Minister Irere’s visit was the Office of Global Education in Van Campen Hall, where all 28 Rwandan students at Kent State braved Wednesday morning’s frigid temperatures to have coffee and doughnuts with Irere.

A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, Irere said she was pleased to see how the Rwandan students were creating a community at Kent State, just as they had in Oklahoma, where she earned her master’s degree in computer engineering.

Soon, Irere predicted, there would be 50 or 100 Rwandans studying at Kent State. She expressed her gratitude to Fantoni and the Office of Global Education for allowing the Rwandan students “to call Kent State home.”

She also emphasized the country’s desire for Kent State to open a physical location in Rwanda.

Kent State began working with the University of Rwanda and the Rwandan government in 2022 to create educational partnerships. The university also opened its base of operations for African recruitment in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. That same year, the first 12 Rwandan students came to Kent State to begin their studies.

Fantoni said the Rwandan students have been a pleasure to have at Kent State.

“I think you really make your country proud,” he said. “You are humble, you are here to honestly learn, and you have a heart, doing something that you can honestly share when you go back.”

Fantoni said the students are eager to return home to bring their knowledge back to Rwanda to help build up their country and make it a better place. Over the past three years, Fantoni said he has learned just how important the government of Rwanda believes that education is for the development of the country.

“I have been to many countries and in some places it is technology, at other places, it is industrialization, and in other places it is building roads. I think building people is really good,” Fantoni said. “And I am honored to represent Kent State in being part of this plan and you are a beautiful example that it’s a successful plan.”

Rwandan student population growing

The original 12 students have since been joined by 16 others, including Kundwa Sisi, one of the newest Rwandan students to begin her studies at Kent State.  

Sisi, 19, a first-year political science major in the Honors College, met Fantoni when she was working as an intern for Arise Rwanda, a non-profit organization in Kigali, that works to transform the community, by lifting residents from extreme poverty through education, clean water sources, healthcare, economic development and pastoral care.  

Sisi was present when about a dozen Kent State student-athletes visited Rwanda in January 2024 for a service trip and toured a new hospital under construction in the town of Boneza. One of her duties was to help serve as a guide for the group, which included Fantoni, and the pair began chatting about Kent State. Fantoni encouraged Kundwa to apply and she began her first year in the 2024 Fall Semester.

“It’s so diverse, that’s what I like about Kent State,” she said. “It’s a very engaging environment, I feel like you can learn so much here.”

Sisi hopes to one day work for the United Nations, representing Rwanda, working to give the underserved access to housing, education and health care.

“I want to be a voice for people,” she said. 

Kent State University’s partnership with the African nation of Rwanda continues to blossom with the School of Fashion, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences all working to add program partnerships in Rwanda.

Rwandan Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere is visiting the Kent Campus this week to meet with officials from the Office of Global Education, various colleges and Rwandan students currently studying at Kent State. Irere’s visit aims to deepen the African nation’s educational partnerships with Kent State, hoping to see the university eventually open a formal office there.

Fashion forward

On Jan. 22, Kent State Today was on hand when Irere and Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., signed a letter of intent for Kent State to bring its fashion program to Rwanda.

Irere said that while Rwanda and Africa in general already excel in fashion design, there are areas of expertise that Kent State’s nationally renowned school can bring to help elevate the field in Africa, particularly in fashion merchandising.

Tankersley said the partnership with Rwanda has brought great enrichment to Kent State and its students.

“It’s quite an honor to be able to partner with the University of Rwanda and the Ministry of Education to come together to offer this fashion program,” Tankersley said. “Kent State is really proud of what we do in fashion design and merchandising and to be able to work with you and all the Rwandans in bringing this together is an honor few people get to experience.”

Irere thanked Kent State for its confidence in Rwanda, noting that the university could have partnered with any other country, and she was grateful they selected Rwanda. The minister also noted how the program would benefit not only Rwandans but students throughout Africa who would come to the Rwandan capital of Kigali for the proposed program.

Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for global education, said Irere was spending several days touring various colleges at Kent State, including the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, where work is ongoing to bring Kent State’s aeronautics program to the University of Rwanda. 

Soaring partnership 

Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the college, said details of the program are nearly complete; it will be a traditional two-plus-two program in which students would take courses in Rwanda for two years and then come to the Kent Campus to complete their degrees.

“The hope is it will be approved sometime in the spring,” she said, noting that it will likely formally begin during the 2026 Fall Semester.

Bloebaum said Rwandan students currently working on their doctorate degrees in aeronautics at Kent State are likely to return home to teach in the program.

Fantoni added that RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, also has reached out to Kent State for training of pilots and other airport management professionals.

A dual master’s degree program between Kent State’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Rwanda’s Centre for Conflict Management also is nearing fruition.  

Rwandan Student Success

The first stop on Minister Irere’s visit was the Office of Global Education in Van Campen Hall, where all 28 Rwandan students at Kent State braved Wednesday morning’s frigid temperatures to have coffee and doughnuts with Irere.

A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, Irere said she was pleased to see how the Rwandan students were creating a community at Kent State, just as they had in Oklahoma, where she earned her master’s degree in computer engineering.

Soon, Irere predicted, there would be 50 or 100 Rwandans studying at Kent State. She expressed her gratitude to Fantoni and the Office of Global Education for allowing the Rwandan students “to call Kent State home.”

She also emphasized the country’s desire for Kent State to open a physical location in Rwanda.

Kent State began working with the University of Rwanda and the Rwandan government in 2022 to create educational partnerships. The university also opened its base of operations for African recruitment in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. That same year, the first 12 Rwandan students came to Kent State to begin their studies.

Fantoni said the Rwandan students have been a pleasure to have at Kent State.

“I think you really make your country proud,” he said. “You are humble, you are here to honestly learn, and you have a heart, doing something that you can honestly share when you go back.”

Fantoni said the students are eager to return home to bring their knowledge back to Rwanda to help build up their country and make it a better place. Over the past three years, Fantoni said he has learned just how important the government of Rwanda believes that education is for the development of the country.

“I have been to many countries and in some places it is technology, at other places, it is industrialization, and in other places it is building roads. I think building people is really good,” Fantoni said. “And I am honored to represent Kent State in being part of this plan and you are a beautiful example that it’s a successful plan.”

Rwandan student population growing

The original 12 students have since been joined by 16 others, including Kundwa Sisi, one of the newest Rwandan students to begin her studies at Kent State.  

Sisi, 19, a first-year political science major in the Honors College, met Fantoni when she was working as an intern for Arise Rwanda, a non-profit organization in Kigali, that works to transform the community, by lifting residents from extreme poverty through education, clean water sources, healthcare, economic development and pastoral care.  

Sisi was present when about a dozen Kent State student-athletes visited Rwanda in January 2024 for a service trip and toured a new hospital under construction in the town of Boneza. One of her duties was to help serve as a guide for the group, which included Fantoni, and the pair began chatting about Kent State. Fantoni encouraged Kundwa to apply and she began her first year in the 2024 Fall Semester.

“It’s so diverse, that’s what I like about Kent State,” she said. “It’s a very engaging environment, I feel like you can learn so much here.”

Sisi hopes to one day work for the United Nations, representing Rwanda, working to give the underserved access to housing, education and health care.

“I want to be a voice for people,” she said. 

Kent State University’s partnership with the African nation of Rwanda continues to blossom with the School of Fashion, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences all working to add program partnerships in Rwanda.

Rwandan Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere is visiting the Kent Campus this week to meet with officials from the Office of Global Education, various colleges and Rwandan students currently studying at Kent State. Irere’s visit aims to deepen the African nation’s educational partnerships with Kent State, hoping to see the university eventually open a formal office there.

Fashion forward

On Jan. 22, Kent State Today was on hand when Irere and Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., signed a letter of intent for Kent State to bring its fashion program to Rwanda.

Irere said that while Rwanda and Africa in general already excel in fashion design, there are areas of expertise that Kent State’s nationally renowned school can bring to help elevate the field in Africa, particularly in fashion merchandising.

Tankersley said the partnership with Rwanda has brought great enrichment to Kent State and its students.

“It’s quite an honor to be able to partner with the University of Rwanda and the Ministry of Education to come together to offer this fashion program,” Tankersley said. “Kent State is really proud of what we do in fashion design and merchandising and to be able to work with you and all the Rwandans in bringing this together is an honor few people get to experience.”

Irere thanked Kent State for its confidence in Rwanda, noting that the university could have partnered with any other country, and she was grateful they selected Rwanda. The minister also noted how the program would benefit not only Rwandans but students throughout Africa who would come to the Rwandan capital of Kigali for the proposed program.

Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for global education, said Irere was spending several days touring various colleges at Kent State, including the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, where work is ongoing to bring Kent State’s aeronautics program to the University of Rwanda. 

Soaring partnership 

Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the college, said details of the program are nearly complete; it will be a traditional two-plus-two program in which students would take courses in Rwanda for two years and then come to the Kent Campus to complete their degrees.

“The hope is it will be approved sometime in the spring,” she said, noting that it will likely formally begin during the 2026 Fall Semester.

Bloebaum said Rwandan students currently working on their doctorate degrees in aeronautics at Kent State are likely to return home to teach in the program.

Fantoni added that RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, also has reached out to Kent State for training of pilots and other airport management professionals.

A dual master’s degree program between Kent State’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Rwanda’s Centre for Conflict Management also is nearing fruition.  

Rwandan Student Success

The first stop on Minister Irere’s visit was the Office of Global Education in Van Campen Hall, where all 28 Rwandan students at Kent State braved Wednesday morning’s frigid temperatures to have coffee and doughnuts with Irere.

A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, Irere said she was pleased to see how the Rwandan students were creating a community at Kent State, just as they had in Oklahoma, where she earned her master’s degree in computer engineering.

Soon, Irere predicted, there would be 50 or 100 Rwandans studying at Kent State. She expressed her gratitude to Fantoni and the Office of Global Education for allowing the Rwandan students “to call Kent State home.”

She also emphasized the country’s desire for Kent State to open a physical location in Rwanda.

Kent State began working with the University of Rwanda and the Rwandan government in 2022 to create educational partnerships. The university also opened its base of operations for African recruitment in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. That same year, the first 12 Rwandan students came to Kent State to begin their studies.

Fantoni said the Rwandan students have been a pleasure to have at Kent State.

“I think you really make your country proud,” he said. “You are humble, you are here to honestly learn, and you have a heart, doing something that you can honestly share when you go back.”

Fantoni said the students are eager to return home to bring their knowledge back to Rwanda to help build up their country and make it a better place. Over the past three years, Fantoni said he has learned just how important the government of Rwanda believes that education is for the development of the country.

“I have been to many countries and in some places it is technology, at other places, it is industrialization, and in other places it is building roads. I think building people is really good,” Fantoni said. “And I am honored to represent Kent State in being part of this plan and you are a beautiful example that it’s a successful plan.”

Rwandan student population growing

The original 12 students have since been joined by 16 others, including Kundwa Sisi, one of the newest Rwandan students to begin her studies at Kent State.  

Sisi, 19, a first-year political science major in the Honors College, met Fantoni when she was working as an intern for Arise Rwanda, a non-profit organization in Kigali, that works to transform the community, by lifting residents from extreme poverty through education, clean water sources, healthcare, economic development and pastoral care.  

Sisi was present when about a dozen Kent State student-athletes visited Rwanda in January 2024 for a service trip and toured a new hospital under construction in the town of Boneza. One of her duties was to help serve as a guide for the group, which included Fantoni, and the pair began chatting about Kent State. Fantoni encouraged Kundwa to apply and she began her first year in the 2024 Fall Semester.

“It’s so diverse, that’s what I like about Kent State,” she said. “It’s a very engaging environment, I feel like you can learn so much here.”

Sisi hopes to one day work for the United Nations, representing Rwanda, working to give the underserved access to housing, education and health care.

“I want to be a voice for people,” she said. 

Kent State University’s partnership with the African nation of Rwanda continues to blossom with the School of Fashion, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences all working to add program partnerships in Rwanda.

Rwandan Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere is visiting the Kent Campus this week to meet with officials from the Office of Global Education, various colleges and Rwandan students currently studying at Kent State. Irere’s visit aims to deepen the African nation’s educational partnerships with Kent State, hoping to see the university eventually open a formal office there.

Fashion forward

On Jan. 22, Kent State Today was on hand when Irere and Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., signed a letter of intent for Kent State to bring its fashion program to Rwanda.

Irere said that while Rwanda and Africa in general already excel in fashion design, there are areas of expertise that Kent State’s nationally renowned school can bring to help elevate the field in Africa, particularly in fashion merchandising.

Tankersley said the partnership with Rwanda has brought great enrichment to Kent State and its students.

“It’s quite an honor to be able to partner with the University of Rwanda and the Ministry of Education to come together to offer this fashion program,” Tankersley said. “Kent State is really proud of what we do in fashion design and merchandising and to be able to work with you and all the Rwandans in bringing this together is an honor few people get to experience.”

Irere thanked Kent State for its confidence in Rwanda, noting that the university could have partnered with any other country, and she was grateful they selected Rwanda. The minister also noted how the program would benefit not only Rwandans but students throughout Africa who would come to the Rwandan capital of Kigali for the proposed program.

Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for global education, said Irere was spending several days touring various colleges at Kent State, including the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, where work is ongoing to bring Kent State’s aeronautics program to the University of Rwanda. 

Soaring partnership 

Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the college, said details of the program are nearly complete; it will be a traditional two-plus-two program in which students would take courses in Rwanda for two years and then come to the Kent Campus to complete their degrees.

“The hope is it will be approved sometime in the spring,” she said, noting that it will likely formally begin during the 2026 Fall Semester.

Bloebaum said Rwandan students currently working on their doctorate degrees in aeronautics at Kent State are likely to return home to teach in the program.

Fantoni added that RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, also has reached out to Kent State for training of pilots and other airport management professionals.

A dual master’s degree program between Kent State’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Rwanda’s Centre for Conflict Management also is nearing fruition.  

Rwandan Student Success

The first stop on Minister Irere’s visit was the Office of Global Education in Van Campen Hall, where all 28 Rwandan students at Kent State braved Wednesday morning’s frigid temperatures to have coffee and doughnuts with Irere.

A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, Irere said she was pleased to see how the Rwandan students were creating a community at Kent State, just as they had in Oklahoma, where she earned her master’s degree in computer engineering.

Soon, Irere predicted, there would be 50 or 100 Rwandans studying at Kent State. She expressed her gratitude to Fantoni and the Office of Global Education for allowing the Rwandan students “to call Kent State home.”

She also emphasized the country’s desire for Kent State to open a physical location in Rwanda.

Kent State began working with the University of Rwanda and the Rwandan government in 2022 to create educational partnerships. The university also opened its base of operations for African recruitment in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. That same year, the first 12 Rwandan students came to Kent State to begin their studies.

Fantoni said the Rwandan students have been a pleasure to have at Kent State.

“I think you really make your country proud,” he said. “You are humble, you are here to honestly learn, and you have a heart, doing something that you can honestly share when you go back.”

Fantoni said the students are eager to return home to bring their knowledge back to Rwanda to help build up their country and make it a better place. Over the past three years, Fantoni said he has learned just how important the government of Rwanda believes that education is for the development of the country.

“I have been to many countries and in some places it is technology, at other places, it is industrialization, and in other places it is building roads. I think building people is really good,” Fantoni said. “And I am honored to represent Kent State in being part of this plan and you are a beautiful example that it’s a successful plan.”

Rwandan student population growing

The original 12 students have since been joined by 16 others, including Kundwa Sisi, one of the newest Rwandan students to begin her studies at Kent State.  

Sisi, 19, a first-year political science major in the Honors College, met Fantoni when she was working as an intern for Arise Rwanda, a non-profit organization in Kigali, that works to transform the community, by lifting residents from extreme poverty through education, clean water sources, healthcare, economic development and pastoral care.  

Sisi was present when about a dozen Kent State student-athletes visited Rwanda in January 2024 for a service trip and toured a new hospital under construction in the town of Boneza. One of her duties was to help serve as a guide for the group, which included Fantoni, and the pair began chatting about Kent State. Fantoni encouraged Kundwa to apply and she began her first year in the 2024 Fall Semester.

“It’s so diverse, that’s what I like about Kent State,” she said. “It’s a very engaging environment, I feel like you can learn so much here.”

Sisi hopes to one day work for the United Nations, representing Rwanda, working to give the underserved access to housing, education and health care.

“I want to be a voice for people,” she said.