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....

Getting involved on-campus is a big step to help build relationships and make a change. One student put his front foot forward and is helping an organization gain recognition, as well as making an impact. Honors College student William Dakin (He/Him) is a current first-year student. Majoring in Business Management and minoring in International Business, he hopes to work within the field of international business dealing with organizations that are based in the Middle East. For the past two semesters, William has been a part of the National Millennial Community and Generation Z (NMGZ). As...

School of Fashion senior lecturer Elizabeth (Betsy) Carr will retire this summer.  Betsy brought over 30 years of industry experience to the Kent State Fashion Design and Merchandising program, sharing that expertise with her students through instructing sewing, flat pattern and draping classes. In 2021 Betsy was a named University Teaching Council Outstanding Teaching Awards Finalist. She was also the faculty advisor to the annual fashion show production held every spring, which represents senior accomplishments.  She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Des...

At the end of the semester we will say farewell to Associate Professor of Fashion Design and Merchandising Sara Snyder, who will be pursuing a new opportunity.  Sara has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Kent State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Textiles from Kent State University. Sara returned to Ohio and Kent State University in 2009 after spending several years working in New York as a knitwear designer. Sara has taught a variety of classes on all levels in basic visual design principles, beginning illustration, technical design, portfolio developme...

At the end of this semester, we say farewell to Tamara L. Honesty, associate professor of scenic design, who departs Kent State for a new opportunity at her alma mater West Virginia University.  A native Ohioan, Honesty holds a B.A. in theatre from Wilmington College and an M.F.A. in scenic design from West Virginia University. She joined the Kent State faculty in 2016 and has been instrumental in the School of Theatre and Dance's design technology and production area, teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. She has also been deeply involved in the College of t...

Congratulations to the class of 2022! Graduation is just days away and we are here to answer your questions. As always, be sure to visit the Commencement webpage for the latest updates.   Where will in-person commencement take place? We will be celebrating our graduates with ceremonies at Manchester Field on the Kent Campus.  What time and date does my ceremony take place?  Kent State will hold multiple spring commencement ceremonies starting Thursday at 1 p.m. The ceremonies will be divided by college. Find your graduation date and time here. Can’t make it to c...