The last time James Reinart attended classes at Kent State University, George W. Bush was the president, “Friends” was the No. 1 show in America and a gallon of gas cost $1.46. A lot has changed since 2001 but not Reinart’s goal of finishing what he started. “It had always been on my mind that I only had 10 hours left,” Reinart said. Two decades after Reinart stopped taking classes to enter the workforce, the Chagrin Falls resident will be crossing the stage at Kent State’s spring commencement ceremonies on May 14, 2022, to finally become a Golden Flash alumnus. Reinart, 45, genera...
When she receives her doctorate degree in cellular biology on May 14, Amber Rose Titus will enter an exclusive group: She will become one of just seven Kent State University graduates to earn her doctorate at the age of 25 or younger. “That’s really exciting,” Titus said, as she considered her spot among the youngest ever doctorate recipients. She said the title “Dr. Titus” still seemed a bit unreal. Wayne Schneider, Kent State’s director of Institutional Research, said that since the university began tracking such data more than 20 years ago, Titus will be just the seventh student to earn a...
The School of Theatre and Dance's associate professor Courtney Brown is starring in Rubber City Theatre's production of "Enemy of the People," running May 6-21, 2022. Set in a mid-sized, Rust-Belt city during the Trump era, this adaptation of "An Enemy of the People" delves into questions that were as pertinent for Ibsen as they are today. What inspires people to action? Can scientific discovery mobilize outcomes when economic opportunities are at stake, and fear is pervasive? Will Tammie sacrifice everything, her job, her friends, her family--for the truth? Or is she j...
Jack McWhorter, professor of art at Kent State University at Stark, passed away on May 1, 2022 after a brief illness. He was a professor of painting at Kent State University at Stark for 32 years and also served as the coordinator for the studio art program, the galleries, and the regional Scholastic Art Awards. Professor McWhorter was also an alumnus, earning his B.F.A (’76) and M.F.A. (’83) from Kent State University. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Fine Arts Building at Kent State at Stark, located at 6000 Frank Ave...
Professor of Ethnomusicology and Director of the African Ensemble, Dr. Kazadi wa Mukuna will retire from Kent State University this summer. Professor Kazadi is known for his numerous publications on the traditional music of Africa on the continent and its influence in the music of the Americas. He has contributed a great deal on the popular music of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Brazilian cultural study. His publications in these subjects have appeared in various languages and countries. Originating from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr. Kazadi wa Muk...
Associate professor Dana Brown will retire from Kent State University this summer. Dana Brown served the School of Music in a variety of non-teaching and teaching duties. As Assistant to the Director, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, Coordinator of Class Piano, music scholarship administrator and piano class instructor Professor Brown has had an impact on countless students and professionals alike. A graduate of Kent State University, Professor Brown began his teaching career as a part-time instructor at Kent State University and the University of Akron, where he also was a st...
Richard Devore, Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition in the School of Music, will retire this summer. Dr. Devore taught undergraduate and graduate courses in ear training, the history of music theory, music theory pedagogy, and various aspects of music analysis. While at Kent State University he notably shared his expertise in composition and theory, American music, music theory pedagogy, and music analysis. His areas of research included the pedagogy of music theory, the history of music theory in the United States, and various other areas of American music. His Ph....
Janice Lessman-Moss, professor of textiles, is retiring this summer after more than 40 years of service at the School of Art. Since being hired as a full-time faculty member in 1981, she has been the driving force behind the progress and innovation of textile arts education at Kent State University. A beloved professor, Lessman-Moss has touched many students’ lives by sharing her knowledge, skills, and love for weaving and textile history with those who have been fortunate enough to have her as a teacher and a mentor. Throughout her decades-long career, she has shown her work locally, n...
Eighteen members of the Leadership Tuscarawas Class of 2022 graduated last night during ceremonies held at Kent State Tuscarawas. The evening began with a reception for the class, board members, and invited guests, followed by class project presentations and a keynote presentation by Dr. Brad Bielski, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at Kent State Tuscarawas. Members of the graduating class include Jill Cunningham (Tuscarawas Senior Center), Jen Armstrong (Mako’s Market), Shannon Bailey (Kent State Tuscarawas), Dan Baker (Kraton Chemical), Jade Boffo (Tusc. Co. YMCA), Dawn ...
Climate change is a complex problem with no easy answers—and everything at stake. As global temperatures continue to rise, Kent State faculty reflect on our potential to mitigate and adapt to a changing planet. By Kat Braz and Jan Senn When the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its latest report in April 2022, IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee described it as “powerful evidence that we have the potential to mitigate climate change. We are at a crossroads. . . . Climate promises and plans must be turned into reality and action, now....