From as far as 3,000 miles away in Alaska to as close as a short, 15-minute drive from Akron, the Class of 2027 comes from far and wide to be one thing: a Kent State Golden Flash.
The 4,226 students who makeup one of the largest freshman classes in Kent State University's history hail from 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, while also representing 47 countries from across the world – 16 more than the previous year.
The Class of 2027 also marks the largest class of honors students in Honors College history at 593 total students. Overall, this ambitious and dedicated class has an average GPA of over 3.5.
A record 20.1% of freshmen are from underrepresented groups, which includes African American, Hispanic, Native American and multiracial students, and one in three are the first in their family to attend college.
So, who are the students behind these numbers? We sat down with a few freshmen to tell us all about their journey to Kent State and to send themselves a message for 2027.
CLASS OF 2027 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Jordan Dougan from Sitka, Alaska
Major: Applied Engineering
Stemming from a childhood LEGO obsession, Jordan has always loved creating things. After high school, he worked in a welding and fabrication shop, creating useful items for his customers.
But it was only during a hiking trip near his hometown in Alaska that he heard about Kent State University.
"One day while hiking a mountain, I met and became friends with a Kent State graduate from Ohio who was volunteering in my hometown in Alaska," Jordan said. "Over the following months, we became best friends and he told me everything about Kent. After hearing about how much Kent changed my friend, I knew I wanted to come here and start pursuing my real interests."
Armed with his three main goals of participating in research, contributing an art piece to campus and spending a semester abroad, Jordan looks to his future as a Kent State Golden Flash.
"What I'm most excited for is the connections I will make and all the relationships I'm going to build with peers, mentors, and professors that will leave a lasting impact on my life," he said. "And, hopefully, I will leave a positive impact on theirs as well."
Jordan's message to himself in 2027
“Never stop growing as a person and keep seeking new experiences, especially ones that put me out of my comfort zone. Because those are the ones that shape you into a greater person.”
CLASS OF 2027 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Myah Burgess from Canton, Ohio
Major: Marketing
For her entire life, the words "home" and "family" were touchy subjects as Myah grew up in the foster care system. But when she stepped foot on the Kent Campus for the first time, she knew she was home.
"I never felt completely sure where I belonged in this world growing up," Myah said. "So when I came on my first visit to Kent State and automatically felt safe and genuinely felt like I was home, I knew where I needed to go after high school."
Steadfast and determined, Myah made her journey to Kent State happen all on her own and she intends to pursue her degree in marketing with a purpose.
"My dream job is to be on the marketing team for a non-profit organization for foster kids and organizations that help children in any way," she said. "I want to help push resources for children in need. I want to be the voice for people who struggle to share theirs."
Even though her Kent State journey has only just begun, Myah looks to a bright future at her new home.
"Although I’ve only been here for [a few] weeks now, I can confidently say Kent State is helping me reach my goals and strive for all my dreams despite my background."
Myah's message to herself in 2027
“I would tell future me that I’m so proud of her and despite all of the challenges she had to go through, she never backed down. She’s truly the definition of exceptional and I hope nothing but the best for her.”
CLASS OF 2027 BY THE NUMBERS
Meet Keanu Bindel from Strongsville, Ohio
Major: Professional Pilot
Keanu chose Kent State for four reasons: the city, the campus, the people, and most importantly, the renowned aviation program.
He comes to Kent State with some flight experience already under his belt, saying, "I come from a 2-year vocational/technical school which taught me the ground school and I also belong to a flight club where I take lessons."
The decision to come to Kent State was quick and easy for Keanu.
"I was influenced by my parents to go to Kent State [and] because it is a renowned and inexpensive aviation university."
As for his dream job and what he's looking forward to?
"My dream job is to fly private jets for a living!" he says. "I am most excited to live here with all my friends for the next four years, and have lots of fun!"
Keanu's message to himself in 2027
“I would like to tell my future self to work hard and stay determined, as you need to stick to what you love to get it!”
Meet Keirra Ashley from Akron, Ohio
Major: Psychology
Two months after Keirra lost her mother and grandmother, not only was her father put on dialysis, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That's when Keirra knew her path in life.
"My mental health became very bad during that time and I felt like I had no one there for me," she said. "I would love to provide help to others and let them know that I am here for them and that they’re never alone."
She credits campus visits through her high school as the biggest influence on choosing Kent State – not to mention the welcoming and helpful environment she found here.
"I came here for a field trip when I was in the 9th grade and I instantly knew I wanted to attend KSU," she said. "I loved how they had so many resources, and unlike any other college, they care about ALL of their students. Seeing everyone happily walking to their classes and coming to see the plays that were put on by the students was such a great experience."
Keirra looks forward to pursuing her dream of helping others, saying, "I would like to be a counselor. I want to provide others with peace and make sure that they feel comfortable mentally."
Keirra's message to herself in 2027
“Everything happens for a reason. Don’t let major events set you back. Take them as lessons and keep moving forward and let them make you into a better person.”
Meet Samantha Proctor from Centerville, Ohio
Major: Digital Media Production
Samantha is a storyteller at heart, so when the time came to choose a school to help launch her storytelling career, Kent State ended up checking off all the boxes.
"Kent State offered everything I could ask for in a school at a great price," Samantha said. "It was far enough from home without being too far, gives me the opportunity to study abroad, has an Honors College and required internships, and has professors who are either actively working in the field or had previously worked in the field."
However, as any college student can tell you, choosing the right university is no easy task. Luckily, Samantha had a fantastic support system to see her through to KSU.
"My parents, my friends and my mentors back home have always supported me," she said. "My friends stuck by my side through the highs and lows of this journey and helped me through when I was truly doubting my future. They ended up being my hype all throughout my college decision-making process and into my first year here at Kent!"
Now all settled into her first semester at Kent State, she looks to her academic career and dream career, saying, "I've always loved to learn and grow, and now I get to do it in a field I love! I'm also excited to meet my fellow Golden Flashes along the way!"
Samantha's message to herself in 2027
"Don't forget who you are and how far you have come. You have done some amazing things, and your journey is not over yet. You are going to continue to do amazing things. And, in those days of doubt, never forget how far you have already come!"
Meet Damari Williams from Lyndhurst, Ohio
Major: Sports Medicine
Playing on the Kent State Golden Flashes football team is an accomplishment within itself, but Damari won't stop there. He already has plans to open his own rehabilitation clinic with his sports medicine major.
"My dream job is anything that falls under rehabbing people, so now my focus is occupational therapy because that best fits me as a person and who I am," Damari said. "Me and my friend had the idea of going to the same college and opening up a rehab clinic together. Now, it’s all playing out in front of us."
Damari ended up choosing Kent State because of the scope of undergraduate programs offered. However, the on-campus atmosphere had a large part to play as well, recalling his first impression being calming and peaceful.
But the feeling he's most excited for?
"Being on the field during a Kent State football game and just being in that atmosphere."
Damari's message to himself in 2027
"You knew you could do it."
Meet Brianna Lykins from Willard, Ohio
Major: Nursing
After seeing loved ones have premature babies and babies with disabilities, Brianna found her calling in becoming a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse, citing Kent State as the best choice to get her to that goal.
"The NICU can be such a scary and sad place to almost everyone who has been there, but I want to be able to provide peace and comfort for those who need it," Brianna said. "Kent has one of the top nursing programs and I knew I wanted to be taught by some of the best professors as well as take my clinicals from some of the best hospitals around."
When deciding on Kent State, Brianna's entire family rallied around her to turn her dream into reality. Whether it was just talking through challenges or encouraging Brianna to dream big, Brianna's family was always there for her.
"My sisters all helped me figure out my financial aid as well as all my loan options to actually pay for school," she said. "My parents...never once told me my dreams were too big or unrealistic to achieve. My brother was there for me as well...he had every ounce of faith in me that I would succeed in whatever I chose."
And, now that she's beginning to live out her dream, Brianna only sees opportunity.
"There are so many wonderful local hospitals that I am excited to learn about," she said. "There are also so many incredible clubs and organizations on campus, and I cannot wait to find the perfect fit for me!"
Brianna's message to herself in 2027
"You did it Bri. You overcame so many obstacles and journeys to get where you are today. I am proud of you and I cannot wait to watch you walk across that stage and become Brianna Lykins RN, BSN."