Chris Holthe

Chris Holthe is the Director of the Design Innovation (DI) Hub and Ecosystem at Kent State University, where he plays a key role in advancing the university’s broader vision for Design Innovation. He oversees the operations of the DI Hub, manages its staff and programming, and fosters a dynamic, collaborative environment that empowers students, faculty, and external partners to engage in interdisciplinary problem-solving. Additionally, Chris leads initiatives that connect and activate Kent State’s Design Innovation Ecosystem — a network of 20+ makerspaces and specialized labs—driving challenge-based innovation and experiential learning opportunities across the university.

With over a decade of experience in developing technology-driven spaces, programs, and services, Chris has led the creation and management of makerspaces, 3D printing labs, digital media studios, and extended reality labs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. Prior to joining Kent State, he served as the Training and Maker Services Manager at the University of Houston and most recently as an Experiential Learning Librarian at Northern Arizona University.

Meet with Chris