Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Leadership Transition
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Valoree Vargo, vice president for philanthropy and alumni relations, will retire from university service on July 3, 2026. Diacon has appointed Leigh Greenfelder to serve as interim vice president effective July 5, 2026. (4/20/26)
Upcoming Senior Leadership Transitions
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Nicholas (Nick) Ciofani has been appointed as executive director of government and community relations, effective March 1, and that John Rathje, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, will depart Kent State on Feb. 6. James (Jim) Raber, Ph.D., has been appointed as interim vice president and CIO, effective Feb. 7. (1/22/26)
Annual Financial Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/16/25)
Leadership Transition in Government and Community Relations
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Nick Gattozzi is leaving his position as executive director of government and community relations on Oct. 19 and Brady Oxender will be appointed interim executive director effective Oct. 20. (10/9/25)
It’s the Best Week of the Year!
President Diacon welcomes Kent State faculty and staff to the fall semester, celebrating summer graduates, welcoming new students, and sharing encouragement from his commencement speech. (8/14/25)
Leadership Announcement
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff the appointments of Doug Kubinski, J.D., as the university’s vice president and general counsel effective June 23 and Chris Jenkins as director of public safety and chief of police effective June 1. (5/22/25)
Leadership Transition in Finance and Administration
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Mark Polatajko, Ph.D., senior vice president for finance and administration, will retire on Aug.1 and Jeannie Reifsnyder will serve as interim senior vice president effective Aug. 1. (5/14/25)
Links Shared During Today’s Talking With Todd
President Diacon shares links that he mentioned during the April webcast of Talking With Todd. (4/23/25)
Message From the President Concerning Student Art Display
President Diacon addresses the student art display that brought considerable social media attention this past week. (4/19/25)
Reminder: Hear the Results of Our Engagement and Well-Being Survey on April 9
President Diacon reminds the university community that the results of the Engagement and Well-Being Survey will be shared on April 9. (4/7/25)
Supporting Kent State’s International Community
President Diacon addresses recent events regarding revoked visas. (4/4/25)
Hear the Results of Our Engagement and Well-Being Survey on April 9
President Diacon invites members of the university community to hear the results of Kent State’s Engagement and Well-Being Survey. (3/20/25)
Our Commitment to Caring Amid Changing Directives
President Diacon sends a message to students, faculty and staff affirming Kent State’s commitment to caring for all members of the university community. (2/18/25)
Leadership Transition in General Counsel
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Willis Walker, J.D., vice president and general counsel, retired on Jan. 31 and David Ochmann, J.D., has been named interim general counsel effective Feb. 1. (2/4/25)
Leadership Announcement
President Diacon announces to the university community that Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., will be named senior vice president for student life, effective Dec. 1. (11/20/24)
Tomorrow We Celebrate Our Democracy
President Diacon reflects on the importance of voting and emphasizes resilience and mutual support at Kent State as students prepare to engage in the electoral process and navigate its emotional impacts. (11/4/24)
Leadership Announcement
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., will be named executive vice president and provost. (11/1/24)
Annual Financial Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/17/24)
We Need Your Input
President Diacon encourages members of the Kent State community to participate in the university’s Engagement and Well-Being Survey. (9/17/24)
Focusing on Our Purpose
President Diacon welcomes Kent State faculty and staff to the new fall semester and academic year. (8/20/24)
Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Kent State’s Core Values
President Diacon reflects on Kent State's core values. (1/16/24)
Warm Wishes From Todd Diacon and Moema Furtado
Season's Greetings from President Todd Diacon and First Lady Moema Furtado (12/18/23)
University Budget Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/17/23)
Supporting Each Other During Overwhelming Times
President Diacon reflects on the violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and encourages members of the Kent State community to practice and follow our Kent State core values. (10/10/23)
Students – Introducing the Division of People, Culture and Belonging
President Diacon shares with students that the university has brought two existing divisions together to form a new unit to better serve and support the Kent State community. (10/4/23)
Faculty and Staff – Introducing the Division of People, Culture and Belonging
President Diacon shares with faculty and staff that the university is bringing two existing divisions together to form a new unit to better serve and support the Kent State community. (9/22/23)
We’re Blue, Gold and Grateful
President Diacon welcomes faculty and staff to the fall semester and another academic year filled with promise. (8/24/23)
Leadership Transition in Student Affairs
President Diacon shares with the university community a leadership transition in the Division of Student Affairs. (7/18/23)
Our Deep Commitment to Access and Completion
President Diacon discusses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in higher education and how it will not affect the university’s deep commitment to access and completion for all Kent State students. (6/29/23)
Update on Our Paris American Academy Friends and Colleagues
An update on the explosion at the Paris American Academy’s historic building, which had served as Kent State’s Paris home for 16 years. (6/28/23)
President Diacon Discusses Advancing Legislation in Columbus
Reminds the university community about our core values and our one core value that best captures our aspiration to be a supportive community: respect, kindness and purpose in all we do. (6/8/23)