Speeches & Communications
Communications
Talking with Todd - Feb 9
President Diacon invites faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (2/9/23)
Reminder: Talking With Todd Today at 11 a.m.
President Diacon invites faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (12/18/22)
Finalists Selected For Vice President For Research And Sponsored Programs
President Diacon is pleased to announce the search committee has completed the initial phase of its national search, recommending three finalists for the position of vice president for research and sponsored programs. (11/21/22)
Talking with Todd - Nov 3
President Diacon invites faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (10/28/22)
University Budget Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff about the university's budget. (10/14/22)
Indigenous Peoples Day
President Diacon's message about Indigenous Peoples Day 2022. (10/10/22)
Search For Vice President For Research And Sponsored Programs
President Diacon announces the launch of Kent State's national search for an accomplished and collaborative leader to serve as our vice president for research and sponsored programs. Working to maintain momentum as an R1 institution, Kent State is now moving forward in identifying permanent leadership for the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. (9/26/22)
Presidential Fellow
President Diacon announces the appointment of Joseph Ortiz, Ph.D., as the Kent State Presidential Fellow. (8/31/22)
Reminder: Talking With Todd Today At 3 P.M.
President Diacon reminds faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (8/30/22)
Reminder: Talking With Todd This Tuesday at 3 p.m.
President Diacon reminds faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (8/29/22)
Talking with Todd - Tuesday, Aug. 30
President Diacon invites faculty and staff to take part in a new monthly live video chat, Talking with Todd. (8/23/22)
2022-2023 Staff Salary Increases
President Diacon announces staff salary increases. (8/4/22)
Let’s Lead by Example
President Diacon responds to the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. (6/27/22)
Join Us June 18 for Kent State’s Juneteenth Jubilee
President Diacon encourages the campus community to attend Kent State’s Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 18 at Manchester Field on the Kent Campus. This event is free and open to the public. (6/7/22)
Presidential Fellowship Application
President Diacon announces an opening for a Presidential Fellow to begin Fall Semester 2022. The Presidential Fellowship is designed to provide an opportunity for a mid-career and senior faculty to serve full time for at least two academic years advancing equity in STEMM fields at Kent State. (5/18/22)
Together, You Make Us Who We Are
President Diacon's end-of-the semester message. (5/10/22)
Kent State’s Faculty Athletics Representative
President Diacon Provides an update on Kent State’s Faculty Athletics Representative. (4/21/22)
Keeping Our Campuses Safe and Secure
President Diacon addresses a social media post widely viewed as a serious threat to campus security. (3/11/22)
Leadership Update
President Diacon announces the appointment of Sean Broghammer, Ph.D., as Kent State University’s new vice president for enrollment management, effective March 1. (3/8/22)
Finalists Selected for Vice President for Enrollment Management
President Diacon is pleased to announce the search committee has completed the initial phase of its national search, recommending three finalists for the position of vice president for Enrollment Management. (2/15/22)
Celebrating Our Heritage: Black History Month 2022
Kent State University President Todd Diacon's Black History Month message to the university community. (2/1/22)
Search for Vice President for Enrollment Management Announced
Kent State University President Todd Diacon announces the search for Vice President for Enrollment Management to the university community. (1/26/22)
Leadership Update
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ward as Kent State University’s next vice president for university communications and marketing. (1/12/22)
Warm Wishes From Todd Diacon And Moema Furtado
As we dash through the snow – and the year – we wish everyone a healthy, happy season and a bright new year! (12/20/21)
Together as a Community
President Diacon's message to the Kent State Community for Winter 2021 (12/17/21)
Finalists Selected for Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
President Diacon is pleased to announce the search committee has completed the initial phase of its national search, recommending three finalists for the position of vice president for university communications and marketing. (12/1/21)
We Are Blue, Gold and Grateful
President Diacon takes a moment to recognize the efforts of our hardworking and caring faculty and staff. (11/19/21)
We are Flashes Together
President Diacon discusses the next phase of strategic planning with Flashes Together: A Strategic Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State. (11/10/21)
University Budget Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty, staff & students about the university's budget. (10/9/21)
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
President Diacon communicates on Kent State University's observation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
(10/11/21)
Search for Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
President Diacon provides an update on the national search for Kent State’s vice president for university communications and marketing. President Diacon requests input in identifying opportunities, challenges and desired characteristics for this key member of the senior leadership team.
(10/4/21)
KENT STATE TO PARTNER WITH IDEASTREAM PUBLIC MEDIA FOR MANAGEMENT OF WKSU
President Diacon announces that the Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Ideastream Public Media to operate our public radio station, WKSU, and its sister stations.
(9/15/21)
Leadership Announcements
An update on recent actions regarding the senior administration of the university.
(8/31/21)
We Are Blue, Gold and Grateful
We are Blue, Gold and Grateful that we will have everyone together on our campuses beginning Aug. 2. I am so pleased to welcome back those returning from remote work and extend my thank you to those who continued to work on our campuses during the pandemic.
(7/29/21)
Kent State to Observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 21
Juneteenth is an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge and embrace the full history of our nation, honor the life and legacy of the African American experience and reflect on the horrors of slavery as we measure our progress towards racial equity.
(6/17/21)
Memorial Day 2021
President Diacon's message for Memorial Day.
(5/31/21)
Staff: In Person and With Gratitude
President Diacon shares an update on the return to campus for Kent State University staff.
(5/27/21)
Leadership Announcement
Mary Parker, Ed.D., vice president for enrollment management, has accepted a position at the University of Florida.
(5/20/21)
We Don't Just Survive, We Thrive
President Diacon's end-of-the semester message.
(4/29/21)
Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., Selected as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
President Diacon announces the selection of Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
(4/28/21)
Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs Paul DiCorleto to Retire
President Diacon announces the retirement of Paul DiCorleto Ph.D., vice president for research and sponsored programs, effective May 31.
(4/22/21)
Our Continued Commitment
President Diacon's thoughts on the trial of Derek Chauvin.
(4/20/21)
Final Candidates Selected – Director of Athletics
President Diacon announces the three candidates that have been chosen as finalists for the position of director of athletics.
(3/31/21)
Hate Has No Home Here
A message to the university community about acts of violence against Asians and Asian Americans across the country
(3/18/21)
Join Me - Share Your Voice
President Diacon announces that Kent State is embarking on a new climate study as Kent State continues its efforts to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university.
(3/2/21)
Search for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
President Diacon announces appointment of 13-member search committee for vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion position.
(2/18/21)
Salary Restoration
President Diacon thanks staff for the outstanding work done since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and announces salary restoration.
(1/27/21)
Regardless of Outcome, Elect to Show Kindness and Respect
President Diacon writes that regardless of the 2020 Election Day outcome, we are still a community, and Flashes Take Care of Flashes. (11/2/20)
Kent State Selects New Provost
Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., has accepted the position of senior vice president and provost, effective Nov. 1, 2020. (10/27/20)
President’s Financial Update
President Diacon's communication to faculty, staff & students about the financial update. (10/9/20)
Final Candidates Selected – Senior Vice President and Provost
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff, sharing information about the final candidates for Senior Vice President and Provost. (10/1/20)
Partial Restoration of Salaries
President Diacon's communication announcing the partial restoration of salaries (9/24/20)
A Message to the Kent State Community: Working Together for Enrollment Success
President Diacon's communication announcing a new strategic enrollment plan (9/18/20)
A Message to the Kent State Community: Anti-Racism Actions
President Diacon's communication about the action steps to combat racial inequality developed (9/14/20)
A Message to the Kent State Community: Anti-Racism Task Force
President Diacon's communication about the new Anti-Racism Task Force (9/2/20)
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Announced Modifications
President Diacon's letter to Ohio Federal Delegation Members (7/10/20)
Leadership Transition
President Diacon's communication to the university community announcing the appointment of Valoree Vargo as Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director, KSU Foundation (6/15/20)
Searching for a Better Future
Communication to the university community from President Diacon, Provost Tankersley, Interim Vice President Gooden, and Vice President Hylton (6/5/20)
Our Student-Ready Commitment
President Diacon reinforces Kent State's commitment to being a student-ready college and announces the appointments of Dr. Lamar Hylton as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dr. Amoaba Gooden as Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (5/7/20)
President Announces Launch of Provost Search
President Diacon announces the launch of the search for Senior Vice President and Provost, including opportunities for the university community to share feedback (2/18/20)
Key Leadership Transitions and Searches
President Diacon updates the university community on key leadership transitions and searches (1/23/20)
Welcome Back, Spring 2020
President Diacon welcomes the university community back for the Spring 2020 semester (1/16/20)
Update on Kent State's Bond Ratings
Access a follow up to President Todd Diacon's October Financial Report. The update includes Moody's and Standard & Poor's various reasons for reporting a positive outlook for Kent State's future (1/8/20)
A Message of Thanks
As we break for the holiday, please know that I am thankful for all that each of you does for our students, for our colleagues and for our community (11/18/19)
President’s Financial Update
President Todd Diacon's email to the university community (10/29/19)
50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970
President Todd Diacon's email to the university community (10/18/19)
We Must Do Better
President Todd Diacon's email to the university community (9/12/19)
Welcome to Fall 2019 Semester
President Todd Diacon welcomes students and faculty back to Kent State's campus for the fall 2019 semester (8/20/19)
Welcome Email to the University Community
President Diacon's welcome email to the university community (9/4/19)
Coronavirus Communications
You Make Kent Special
Kent State University President Todd Diacon addresses the return to “normal” in-person work schedules, the ever-improving physical landscape on our campuses and an upcoming announcement of fun events during the week of Aug. 8-12, as we welcome faculty and staff back to mostly in-person work on our campuses. (7/14/22)
Reflecting on Two Years
Kent State University President Todd Diacon's Covid-19 update. (3/10/22)
Changes to Our Mask Requirements
Kent State University President Todd Diacon's Covid-19 update. (3/3/22)
Working Our Plan Makes Us All Safer
Kent State University President Todd Diacon's Covid-19 update. (2/3/22)
Keeping Our Balance
President Diacon looks forward to opening the semester as scheduled with safe in-person classes and enriching opportunities to learn and grow.
(1/11/22)
Complete the Kent State Two-Step
President Diacon encourages students, faculty and staff to complete the Kent State Two-Step as it relates to getting the Covid-19 vaccine and wearing face coverings.
(9/9/21)
Kent State Announces Kent State Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement
President Diacon announces Kent State's Covid-19 vaccine requirements to students, faculty and staff.
(8/27/21)
Faculty and Staff - Flashes Take Care of Flashes
Students - Flashes Take Care of Flashes
President Diacon welcomes Kent State students, faculty and staff back to campus.
(8/23/21)
In Person and With Gratitude
President Diacon recognizes the Golden Flash employees who were always working in person during the pandemic and welcomes remaining Kent State staff back to in-person work.
(5/27/21)
Students: Hold on a Minute and Flash Your Arm
President Diacon shares an important reminder to students about how they can be armed in the fight against COVID-19 by turning the Flashes Save Seven into the Flashes Safe Eight.
(4/6/21)
Making Sense of Fall 2021
President Diacon shares planning for fall semester and indicates the goal is to approach a more normal level of operations with more in-person opportunities for living, learning and working.
(2/15/21)
On The Wings Of Morning: Staying Safe During The Pandemic
President Diacon reminds everyone that even as the end of the pandemic draws near, it still poses a great danger. (1/19/21)
It's Not Light Yet, But It's Getting There
President Diacon reflects on this unprecedented year. (12/17/20)
MAC Votes to Play Football
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff, sharing information about the Mid-America Conference (MAC) vote to resume football this fall. (9/25/20)
Respect, Kindness and Purpose in All We Do
President Diacon's communication to the university community about reopening and operating during the COVID-19 era, the challenges and how our core values provide direction (8/24/20)
Update on Kent State University Fall Sports
President Diacon's communication to Kent State Student-Athletes (8/8/20)
We’re All in This Together
President Diacon's communication to faculty and staff addressing the new academic year (8/6/20)
Things Will Be Different, but We’re All in This Together
President Diacon's communication to Golden Flashes welcoming students to the new academic year (8/6/20)
Important Information: Watch Return to Campus Video
President Diacon's & Vice President for Student Affairs Lamar Hylton's communication to Golden Flashes regarding our return to campus (8/5/20)
A Message to the Kent State Community: An Update About Our International Students
President Diacon's communication to Golden Flashes regarding our international students (7/14/20)
A Message to the Kent State Community Regarding Our International Students
President Diacon's communication to Golden Flashes regarding our international students (7/10/20)
You Have the (Immediate) Future of Kent State in Your Hands
President Diacon's communication to Golden Flashes announcing the Flashes Safe Seven principles (6/17/20)
Planning in the Face of Uncertainty
President Diacon' message ensuring the university's commitment to provide the safest possible environments on campus while respecting the concerns of employees (5/28/20)
Reopening Committees Fall 2020
President Diacon's communication to the university community announcing the establishment of committees related to Fall 2020 reopening of school (4/30/20)
Ensuring Kent State's Future
President Diacon's communication to the faculty and staff (4/27/20)
Checking In
President Diacon's communication to the university community (4/2/20)
The End of the Beginning
President Diacon's communication to the university community (3/25/20)
Listen to Ariana
President Diacon's communication to the student body (3/16/20)
As We Prepare for Monday
President Diacon's email to the university community (3/13/20)
KSU Continues Remote Instruction for Remainder of Spring Semester
President Diacon's email to the university community (3/13/20)
Kent State to Stop Face-to-Face Classes, Begin Remote Classes
President Diacon's email to the university community (3/10/20)
Speeches
Thankful for Our Golden Flashes Family, 2021
This Thanksgiving, we have the opportunity to consider three words that begin with “m.” In the history of presidential communications, the words “mask,” “mandate” and “mashed potatoes” (OK, that’s four words) have perhaps never appeared together.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, 2020
President Diacon's remarks at the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Introduction of Mitch Landrieu
President Diacon's introduction of Mitch Landrieu, Presidential Speaker Series.
Veterans Day Commemoration 2019
President Diacon's remarks at the 2019 Veterans Day Commemoration.
Inaugural Ceremony
President Diacon’s Inaugural Address
Plane Dedication and Aeronautics Expo
President Diacon's remarks at College of Aeronautics and Engineering EXPO and Plane Dedication.
FedEx Academic Center Grand Opening
President Todd Diacon's remarks at FedEx Academic Center Grand Opening.
Convocation Class of 2023
President Todd Diacon's remarks at convocation.
Presidential News
President Todd Diacon in the News
- 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