The musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s award-winning novel “The Color Purple,” which is slated for national release on Dec. 25, is already making headlines with glowing reviews. The film, featuring performers such as Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo and former “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino, was directed by Kent State University graduate Samuel “Blitz” Bazawule. In a review of the film, Mark Meszoros of The News-Herald raved about Bazawule’s interpretation of the novel, stating the film delivered “enthralling scene after enthralling scene.” Meszoros ...

Keeping Kent State students, faculty and staff safe with a high level of sensitivity is a priority that Kent State University Police Services strives for continuously. Officers are committed to listening, engagement and peaceful discourse as they endeavor to serve the Kent State community.  This has been seen demonstrated over the past few months as the Kent State community has held demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas war and other issues, such as abortion.  “Our department's No. 1 priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Sgt. Tricia Knoles. ...

Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost, delivered the Fall 2023 Commencement Address.     Kent State President Todd Diacon delivered the commencement address at the second ceremony.   ...

During Kent State University President Todd Diacon's Fall 2023 Commencement speech, he told the graduates that leaving Kent State and moving on to their careers is a momentous transition that they must approach with flexibility, patience and gentleness for those who do not share the same skills as they do. The graduates must also demonstrate their value and the diverse ways in which they approach their jobs, despite people rejecting their suggestions. "Keep demonstrating your value and the existence of other ways of doing things and eventually you will make headway," Diacon sai...