Major Speeches
One of the many ways that President Beverly Warren connects to members of the Kent State University family all over the world is through regular speaking engagements.
Through a full schedule of events, President Warren engages university stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
To follow President Warren’s speaking engagements, check this page for posts about recent major events and activities on her schedule.
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY, Nov. 7, 2018 - Video available
Chautauqua institution, Aug. 15, 2018 - Video available
Kent State Beyond the Shootings: Journey of the Wounded Healer
Good morning. It is such a pleasure to be with you today in this beautiful, idyllic environment. This is my first time at Chautauqua, and I feel I have been transported to a magical place. It’s really great to see so many people interact with such respect for each other, even when we differ. And don’t you know, we need that more today than ever before.
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY, OCT. 17, 2017 - Video available
Era of Innovation
As we launch another academic year, we again come together to celebrate individual and collective achievements. And perhaps even more importantly, to consider our future -- to frame a shared vision for the university we aspire to become.
The City Club, Cleveland, Nov. 4, 2016 - VIDEO AVAILABLE
Making of Meaningful Voice
Good afternoon, everyone. It is an honor and privilege to be with you today and with those who are joining us for the live broadcast. It is always a special delight to share Kent State University with Cleveland.
Living the Kent State Promise
Thank you, Terri (Kent), for those kind words. You truly are the master of magical moments. Our students in the College of the Arts see it every day, and our community sees it through the wonderful productions on campus at the Roe Green Center and at the Porthouse Theater. Thank you for serving as a model for what truly is undeniably Kent State.
And what is also undeniably Kent State is the sense of community we feel across each of our eight campuses and within a gathering like this to explore our collective future. Let me begin by offering my thanks to those who have made this event possible. And I also offer my gratitude to every member of this remarkable university.
State of the University, Nov. 19, 2015
Celebrating Today ... Imagining Tomorrow
Thank you, Jordan. You are a shining example of Kent State’s talented and inspiring student body. For those who don’t know, Jordan Italiano remains in the national spotlight for another reason: He is one of 12 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy — the academic equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The final selection will be announced Dec. 8 in New York City. But we all know that you are a true winner in every respect of the word and we are delighted that you chose Kent State to pursue your education.
To everyone here in the Kiva and everyone viewing from a Kent State Regional Campus, thank you for joining me for the first State of the University Address I am attending from this side of a stage! It is an exceptional moment because it affords me the opportunity to speak about my favorite subject: this truly unique university we call “home”!
MAY 4 ANNUAL COMMEMORATION: 45TH ANNIVERSARY
Good afternoon, everyone. Personally and as president, I consider it a privilege to be here with you. I know I will always remember my first opportunity to participate in a commemoration of May 4 at Kent State University — especially the deeply moving traditions of the candlelight march and vigil of last evening.
So let me start by thanking the May 4 Task Force for inviting me. It is so impressive that students who were not alive in 1970 have made such strong and deeply personal commitments to ensuring that the history made here — and its lasting legacy — are not only not forgotten but long remembered for the lifelong impact on families, our university and our country.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS, May 1, 2015
Thank you, Chair Eckart. To you and all of Kent State’s truly dedicated Trustees; to the other distinguished guests who have graced this stage with your wit, wisdom and optimism; to everyone here in the MAC Center and everyone joining us from all eight of our campuses; to the amazing poets of the Holden Elementary School Writers Club; and to Chair Valoree Vargo and the talented, tireless members of the Inauguration Planning Committee — I thank you with all my heart. Thank you for being part of this historic day in the life of Kent State University, and one of the most momentous days of my life.
"The Heart of Kent State": Report on the 2014 Presidential Listening Tour, Feb. 3, 2015
Good afternoon! It is a pleasure to be with you today. It has been a brisk start to the new year — and I most certainly refer to more than our weather. In fact, it's been such a strong start that I make this confident prediction about 2015: It's going to be a year in which Kent State sees big dreams realized, sets bold ideas in motion and gains even greater momentum toward a future that excites us all.
As 2014 drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on our momentum and the many great moments I had the good fortune to enjoy. At the top of my list was the announcement that I would be joining the Kent State community. It has been a tremendous year of learning more about this outstanding university and the people behind its stunning success — people who contribute so much and care so deeply about our future together.
AKRON ROUNDTABLE, OCT. 16, 2014
Our lives are globally connected and the events of the last few days emphasize the importance of not only quality healthcare but also the equally important role played by public health officials and researchers.
As a new Northeast Ohioan, and serving as an academic leader in one of our region’s more than 20 colleges and universities, I have been looking forward to spending time with you today. I have heard so many wonderful things about the Roundtable, and I know you are an audience that cares deeply about this region that I now join you in calling home. That also includes everyone listening via Kent State’s nationally acclaimed public radio station, WKSU and the Akron Digital Network.
Bowman Breakfast Speech, Oct. 8, 2014
Reflections on 100 Days as Kent State President and Kent Resident
Thank you. Good morning, everyone! I am delighted to join the great tradition of the Bowman Breakfast. So let me start with a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has worked so hard to make this special gathering possible. Seeing the Ballroom packed at this hour is quite a sight! And so I add my sincere thanks to all of you for starting your day a little earlier than usual to explore the positive and productive partnership between a city and its university.