More than 2,000 prospective students and their families from 13 states will experience Kent State University’s campus through an arena kickoff, hands-on demonstrations and a day exploring college life during Preview KSU on Friday, Oct. 16. Graduating high school seniors who attend the university’s biggest recruitment event of the year will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
From prehistoric weaponry to modern robotics, Kent State research will move outside for the walking tour, enhanced by the sounds of the Marching Golden Flashes band and all-important glimpses of residence hall life and the downtown vibe of Kent, recently named Ohio’s best college town by MoneyLion.
“Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a family makes, and Preview KSU is designed to help them make it with confidence,” said Sean Broghammer, Ph.D., Kent State’s vice president for enrollment management. “Families will see the quality of our academic programs, meet the faculty who teach our students and learn how a Kent State degree prepares graduates for successful careers. We want every student to leave knowing what life as a Golden Flash looks like and where it can take them.”
The $1,000 campus visit scholarship, a first for Kent State, is automatic. High school seniors who register for and attend Preview KSU, then enroll at the Kent Campus for spring, summer or fall 2027, will receive $1,000 over four years ($250 per year). Seniors who can’t attend Oct. 16 can earn the scholarship through other qualifying campus visits through Nov. 30.
Preview KSU highlights
- Arena kickoff, 9 to 9:45 a.m., Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center: The Marching Golden Flashes, cheerleaders, dance team and mascot Flash open the day, followed by remarks from:
- Kent State President Todd Diacon
- Virginia Addicott, two-time Kent State alumna, retired president and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical and Kent State trustee from 2013 to 2022
- Nathan Smith, student body president of Undergraduate Student Government
- Esplanade Expo, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m.: Academic programs take to the campus walkway with demonstrations and hands-on activities, including:
- Spear-throwing with the Experimental Archaeology Laboratory
- A finance cash grab machine
- Tours of the drone trailer, TeleProductions’ video production truck, the Wick Poetry Center’s mobile studio and the Mobile Flashes health outreach vehicle
- Academic sessions, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Students meet faculty and explore majors.
- Campus life on Risman Plaza, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Housing, dining, education abroad, recreation and wellness, student performances, tie-dye shirts and a photo booth.
- Campus tours and financial aid workshops, noon to 3 p.m.: Student-led tours include model residence hall rooms. Financial aid workshops are in the Kent Student Center Kiva.
- Downtown Kent, noon to 3 p.m.: Students and families can explore Kent, Ohio’s best college town. Each student receives six 10%-off coupons for select downtown Kent restaurants and retailers.
Registration for Preview KSU and other qualifying visits is free.
