Communications
Leadership Transition in Finance and Administration
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Mark Polatajko, Ph.D., senior vice president for finance and administration, will retire on Aug.1 and Jeannie Reifsnyder will serve as interim senior vice president effective Aug. 1. (5/14/25)
Links Shared During Today’s Talking With Todd
President Diacon shares links that he mentioned during the April webcast of Talking With Todd. (4/23/25)
Message From the President Concerning Student Art Display
President Diacon addresses the student art display that brought considerable social media attention this past week. (4/19/25)
Reminder: Hear the Results of Our Engagement and Well-Being Survey on April 9
President Diacon reminds the university community that the results of the Engagement and Well-Being Survey will be shared on April 9. (4/7/25)
Supporting Kent State’s International Community
President Diacon addresses recent events regarding revoked visas. (4/4/25)
Hear the Results of Our Engagement and Well-Being Survey on April 9
President Diacon invites members of the university community to hear the results of Kent State’s Engagement and Well-Being Survey. (3/20/25)
Our Commitment to Caring Amid Changing Directives
President Diacon sends a message to students, faculty and staff affirming Kent State’s commitment to caring for all members of the university community. (2/18/25)
Leadership Transition in General Counsel
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Willis Walker, J.D., vice president and general counsel, retired on Jan. 31 and David Ochmann, J.D., has been named interim general counsel effective Feb. 1. (2/4/25)
Leadership Announcement
President Diacon announces to the university community that Eboni Pringle, Ph.D., will be named senior vice president for student life, effective Dec. 1. (11/20/24)
Tomorrow We Celebrate Our Democracy
President Diacon reflects on the importance of voting and emphasizes resilience and mutual support at Kent State as students prepare to engage in the electoral process and navigate its emotional impacts. (11/4/24)
Leadership Announcement
President Diacon announces to faculty and staff that Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., will be named executive vice president and provost. (11/1/24)
Annual Financial Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/17/24)
We Need Your Input
President Diacon encourages members of the Kent State community to participate in the university’s Engagement and Well-Being Survey. (9/17/24)
Focusing on Our Purpose
President Diacon welcomes Kent State faculty and staff to the new fall semester and academic year. (8/20/24)
Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Kent State’s Core Values
President Diacon reflects on Kent State's core values. (1/16/24)
Warm Wishes From Todd Diacon and Moema Furtado
Season's Greetings from President Todd Diacon and First Lady Moema Furtado (12/18/23)
University Budget Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/17/23)
Supporting Each Other During Overwhelming Times
President Diacon reflects on the violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip and encourages members of the Kent State community to practice and follow our Kent State core values. (10/10/23)
Students – Introducing the Division of People, Culture and Belonging
President Diacon shares with students that the university has brought two existing divisions together to form a new unit to better serve and support the Kent State community. (10/4/23)
Faculty and Staff – Introducing the Division of People, Culture and Belonging
President Diacon shares with faculty and staff that the university is bringing two existing divisions together to form a new unit to better serve and support the Kent State community. (9/22/23)
We’re Blue, Gold and Grateful
President Diacon welcomes faculty and staff to the fall semester and another academic year filled with promise. (8/24/23)
Leadership Transition in Student Affairs
President Diacon shares with the university community a leadership transition in the Division of Student Affairs. (7/18/23)
Our Deep Commitment to Access and Completion
President Diacon discusses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in higher education and how it will not affect the university’s deep commitment to access and completion for all Kent State students. (6/29/23)
Update on Our Paris American Academy Friends and Colleagues
An update on the explosion at the Paris American Academy’s historic building, which had served as Kent State’s Paris home for 16 years. (6/28/23)
President Diacon Discusses Advancing Legislation in Columbus
Reminds the university community about our core values and our one core value that best captures our aspiration to be a supportive community: respect, kindness and purpose in all we do. (6/8/23)
Todd Diacon and the Dance Team
President Diacon joins the Kent State dance team at a recent basketball game. (2/3/2025)
Todd Tries It - Snow Removal
President Diacon works with the Kent State grounds crew to remove snow from the campus walkways. (1/17/2025)
When the Gen Z Employees Write the Script
President Diacon allows Gen Z employees to write the script of his latest video. (1/10/2025)
Todd Diacon - Fall 2024 Commencement Speech
President Todd Diacon addresses graduates at the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies. (12/14/24)
Band Facility
President Diacon tours the new band facility with the Kent State marching band. (11/19/2024)
Crawford Hall Dedication
President Todd Diacon's remarks at the dedication of Crawford Hall. (09/27/24)
Convocation Fall 2024
President Todd Diacon delivers a speech at the fall 2024 convocation ceremony. (8/23/24)
Summer 2024 Commencement
President Todd Diacon delivers a speech at the summer 2024 commencement ceremony. (8/10/24)
Spring 2024 Commencement
President Todd Diacon delivers a speech at the spring 2024 commencement ceremony. (5/9/24)
President Diacon Explores the May 4 Visitors Center
President Todd Diacon explores the May 4 Visitors Center with Alison Caplan, Director, May 4 Visitors Center. (4/25/24)
What’s the Big Idea - Johanna Solomon
President Diacon talks with Johanna Solomon, Assistant Professor, School of Peace and Conflict Studies. (4/24/24)
Kent State Regional Campus System Town Hall - February 2024
A Regional Campus System Town Hall with President Todd Diacon. (02/23/24)
What's The Big Idea - Spinal Injury Research With Dr. Lique Coolen - February 2024
Kent State President Todd Diacon chats with Lique Coolen, Ph.D., of the Brain Health Research Institute and her student researchers about the complexities of the nervous system, along with their progress around spinal cord research, in this edition of "What’s the Big Idea?" (02/13/24)
Whats The Big Idea - Student Life Study - February 2024
Kent State President Todd Diacon joins professors Karin Coifman, Ph.D., and John Gunstad, Ph.D., within the Department of Psychological Sciences to review a massive new research study of the habits that drive student success for this edition of "What's the Big Idea?" (02/13/24)
Kindness and Respect – Love and Peace
President Diacon urges community to show empathy and support for those at the forefront of current events. (2/1/24)
'That's The Kent State Way. Freedom Of Speech. Kindness And Respect.'
President Todd Diacon welcomed the Class of 2027 during a colorful and festive Convocation celebration, encouraging students to embrace the spirit of the university’s core values. (8/18/23)
Our Students Graduating Today Are Tough. They Do Not Live in an Ivory Tower.
President's commencement address underscores what some elected leaders have gotten wrong about Kent State's students.
Kent State University President Todd Diacon delivered his commencement address to the thousands who gathered on Manchester Field on May 13 to celebrate the academic achievement of this year’s graduates. (5/17/23)
What's The Big Idea? Citizen Science with Dr. Lydia Rose
Kent State University President Todd Diacon is at it again!
Todd Diacon visits the East Liverpool Campus to meet with Associate Professor of Sociology Lydia Rose, whose research focuses on improving community health and well-being through citizen science.
As part of his new video series called “What’s the Big Idea?”, Todd Diacon will take viewers inside the latest research opportunities happening at Kent State. (4/6/23)
What's The Big Idea? AMLCI With Oleg Lavrentovich
This time, Todd Diacon finds himself at the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute (AMLCI).
Kent State President Todd Diacon meets with AMLCI Trustees Research Professor Oleg Lavrentovich, Ph.D., to discuss how his team is using liquid crystals to “domesticate” bacteria.
As part of his new video series called “What’s the Big Idea?”, Todd Diacon will take viewers inside the latest research opportunities happening at Kent State. (2/28/23)
What's the Big Idea? Seeking a Deeper Understanding of the Mission of the Urban League
This time, he finds himself engaging with Elizabeth Smith-Pryor, Ph.D., associate professor of history with Kent State’s College of Arts and Sciences.
So hop on board and let’s learn together.
As part of his new video series called “What’s the Big Idea?”, Todd Diacon will take viewers inside the latest research opportunities happening at Kent State. (12/7/22)
What's the Big Idea? Birds and Drones
President Todd Diacon talks with a student and an assistant professor from Kent State's College of Aeronautics and Engineering about the research they are conducting involving birds, drones and the challenges in keeping them from colliding in the sky.
As part of his new video series called “What’s the Big Idea?”, Todd Diacon will take viewers inside the latest research opportunities happening at Kent State. (11/28/22)
Todd Tries It: Academic Coaching
President Todd Diacon is in need of assistance to help catch up in his undergraduate French class that he enrolled in for fall semester. As his class meets four days per week, he's fallen a bit behind as students do from time to time.
So where does he turn? To Academic Coaching, of course, at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE).
For the latest installment of Todd Tries It, President Diacon is taking the initiative to ask for help. (11/4/22)
What's the Big Idea? Trauma Room Design
Ready for a ride and a peek into the future?
President Diacon Explores the Future of Emergency Care With Sara Bayramzadeh, Ph.D.
As part of his new video series called “What’s the Big Idea?”, Todd Diacon will take viewers inside the latest research opportunities happening at Kent State. (10/28/22)
Todd Tries It: Culinary Services
Can Todd Diacon handle the heat of Culinary Services? Or is this a kitchen nightmare?
Kent State President Todd Diacon gives KSU Culinary Services a hand in the latest video of the "Todd Tries It" series.
This collaboration was part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (5/11/22)
Todd Tries It: Custodial Services
Todd Diacon cleans up nicely as part of the Custodial Services crew.
Kent State President Todd Diacon gets the opportunity to work with our Custodial Services crew in the latest edition of Todd Tries It.
This collaboration was part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (5/11/22)
Todd Tries It: Running Cross Country
Todd Diacon goes for the gold up against Kent State students!
The Kent State Track & Field/Cross Country teams give Kent State President Todd Diacon a run for his money in the latest edition of Todd Tries It.
This collaboration was part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (11/18/21)
Todd Tries It: Field Hockey
Have the president's goal-keeping skills kept up over the years?
Kent State President Todd Diacon joins the Kent State University Golden Flashes field hockey team to take a swing at the sport in the latest edition of the Todd Tries It series!
Being a good sport was part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (10/13/21)
Todd Tries It: Flight Simulator
How hard can it be to fly a plane?
Kent State President Todd Diacon got a glimpse of that task when he piloted the flight simulator used by students in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
The president’s visit was part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (2/28/20)
Todd Tries It: TV2
Anchors Away! Todd Takes His Talents to TV2.
President Todd Diacon accepted the challenge of learning to read news live on the air and also to deliver the weather forecast from the green screen.
Taking part in TV2’s broadcast is part of the ongoing “Todd Tries It” (TTI) initiative where President Diacon immerses himself in an academic or campus activity to further connect with students, staff and faculty. (2/20/20)
President Todd Diacon in the News
- SB 1, DEI, budget woes and falling enrollment: Kent State president discusses challenges
- Is that Elvis? No, it's KSU's president: 3 fun facts you might not know about Todd Diacon
- 2024 Crain’s Power 150: Todd Diacon, President, Kent State University
- 63% of Kent State graduates stay in Ohio, contribute to state economy, president says
- Kent State sets new fundraising record with $383 million Forever Brighter campaign
- Transportation secretary glimpses Kent State students' high-flying aspirations
- Ohio public universities face massive budget cuts. Here's what's at risk
- Kent State University is looking at budget cuts, possible impacts on programs, staff
- Michael Schwartz, longtime president, administrator at Kent State, dies
- Ohio universities say they remain committed to diversity after Supreme Court ruling on race-based admissions
- 2022 Crain’s Power 150
- Kent State president addresses accessibility, affordability in higher education
- Kent State University receives prestigious R1 research status by Carnegie Classifications
- Kent State University earns national research classification
- Kent State president outlines drive to seek 'win-win' scenarios with local communities
- Kent State University issuing COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exemptions
- Kent State launches scholarship program available to thousands of students
- Kent State awards full-tuition scholarships to about a third of student body
- Kent State celebrates graduates with smaller, outdoor, in-person ceremonies
- 51st commemoration of May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State will once again be virtual
- Kent State University president calls for tougher state hazing legislation
- Ohio college presidents support enhanced anti-hazing legislation, Kent State president says
- Kent State president shares what fall semester could look like, ‘approaching normal’
- Kent State will restore salary reductions prompted by the pandemic
- Crain’s 2020 Power 150
- Northeast Ohio business leaders reflect on a tumultuous 2020 and look ahead to 2021
- Kent State Offers Mass Coronavirus Testing; In-Person Classes Continue Until Thanksgiving Break
- Colleges are preparing for parties and protests on election night and in the following days
- Leading A University In Uncertain Times
- Forbes names Kent State University top employer in northeast Ohio
- Kent State Officials Praise School's Reopening During Pandemic
- Kent State students hold unity march amid investigation into racist graffiti
- Kent State speaking out against new ICE policy for international students
- Kent State University President Paints a Picture of What College Life Will Look This Fall
- ‘This too will pass’: Diacon congratulates spring KSU 2020 grads in virtual ceremony
- Kent State alumni wounded on May 4, 1970 to serve as commencement speakers
- KSU Commencement to Feature Students Wounded May 4, 1970
- David Crosby, Joe Walsh to hold Kent State benefit concert
- Joe Walsh, David Crosby to headline Kent State's May 4, 1970 commemoration concert
- Inaugural class at LeBron James' school to receive free tuition to Kent State
- Students from LeBron James' school surprised with free college tuition for 4 years
- 2019 year in review: Education
- Kent State receives $2 Million Choose Ohio First grant
- Kent State moves forward with new parking deck, Fashion School expansion
- Kent State University sets plan to build its first parking deck
- $29M parking deck OK'd for Kent State
- Along the Way: KSU inaugural, Davey Tree anniversary positive milestones
- Business news briefs, Oct. 7, 2019: New KSU president joins Team NEO board
- New Kent State president touts graduation goals at inauguration
- Kent community celebrates inauguration of Todd Diacon as 13th president
- Kent State believes new president's familiarity with university can breed success
- Kent State's new president Diacon shares his priorities
- Todd Diacon makes first appearance as KSU president
- Remember, reflect, renew: Kent State prepares for yearlong 50th Commemoration
- Kent State remembers May 4, 1970, tragedy with speeches, songs
- Who is Todd Diacon, Kent State University’s next president?
- Kent State taps current provost Todd Diacon as next president
- Kent State University names Dr. Todd Diacon new president
- Kent State celebrates construction launch of new Design Innovation Hub
- Kent State names first director of Brain Health Research Institute
- In the midst of enrollment decline, Kent State looks for transfer students to fill the gaps
- Kent State enrollment falls 3.2% but freshmen set record
- Visas issued to foreign students are falling, which has an impact on universities' bottom lines