Allison Smith Hernandez, '14, M.F.A. '18
Biography
Allison currently serves as assistant director for communications and annual giving for the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. In this role, Allison assists with annual giving appeals and serves as project manager for health sciences – College of Nursing, College of Public Health, and College of Podiatric Medicine.
Allison began working in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Kent State University in 2024. She is a double alumna of Kent State University holding a BFA, 2014 and MFA, 2018 with a concentration in Textiles. Allison served as the graduate assistant to the director of the School of Art Collection and Galleries while pursuing her graduate degree. She previously held administrative positions with Massillon Museum, Transformer Station, and FRONT Exhibition Company. She received the Ohio Museums Association’s Emerging Professional of the Year Award in 2023 and is an exhibiting artist in the U.S. Department of State Art in Embassies program.
Her favorite thing about Kent State is its continued commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive environment and the rich legacy of craft in the School of Art.