Meet Antajuan Hightower, a member of the Honors College and a human resources management major, from Boardman, Ohio.
“I chose this field because I wanted to expand beyond my early professional experiences at the Davis Family YMCA and make a meaningful mark during my college career,” Hightower told Kent State Today. “Human Resources allows me to focus on people skills, leadership, and staff training.”
Hightower is involved on campus in many ways, including as a member of the Honors Leadership Academy, where he took part in a memorable experience shortly after arriving at Kent State University.
“Through the program, we raised money and traveled to New Buffalo, Michigan, to assist organizations serving communities with high poverty rates,” Highwater said. “We connected with students, supported teachers by packing supply bags for their classrooms and learned about local history through museum visits.”
Hightower also works for the Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center as the facilities and HR lead for operations and guest services.
“In this role, I coordinate in-service trainings, assist with overseeing facility cleanliness and equipment, and support the development of training new hires," Hightower said. “This role has allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a professional environment while strengthening my leadership, communication and staff retention skills,”
Hightower currently serves as the vice president of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, where members are considered the organization’s greatest strength and are committed to boosting brotherhood, scholarship and service.
“Through this role, I help raise funds for charity events, give back to the community and support the development of young men as they transition into adulthood after college in Akron, Ohio,” Hightower said.
Outside of class, Hightower balances his duties at the recreation center and his fraternity through running and lifting, which keeps him motivated.
“Both help me maintain discipline, manage stress and stay focused,” Hightower said.
Through balancing multiple leadership roles alongside his academic responsibilities, Hightower has continued to grow personally and academically at Kent State.
“My journey at Kent State has been shaped by leadership, service and growth,” Hightower said. “Being part of the Honors Leadership Academy significantly shifted how I approach people, present myself in professional settings and build meaningful relationships.”