Spotlight - Donahoe

Kellyn Donahoe

• Career and Community Studies Major
• Senior
• Marketing Assistant

Growing up in a large household of seven, Kellyn was always surrounded by energy and movement. As one of five siblings in an athletically motivated family, striving to do your best and teamwork came naturally. Her parents and her siblings instilled in her the importance of being active and well, not just through sports but as a lifestyle. Whether it was cheering on her siblings or personally working out, Kellyn’s love for physical activity became the foundation for how she approached life: with energy, purpose, and connection.

When Kellyn came to Kent State University, she already had a passion for marketing and knew she wanted to combine that with her love for recreation. During her time in the Career and Community Studies (CCS) program, she was first placed in an Operations position within Recreation and Wellness Services (RecWell). At first, she didn’t know what to expect. Operations wasn’t necessarily where she pictured herself, but it quickly became a learning experience that shaped her understanding of professionalism, reliability, and excellent customer service.

Through training and on-the-job experiences, she learned how to communicate effectively, handle responsibilities, and ensure that every patron walking through the doors of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) felt welcomed and supported. Her natural warmth and outgoing personality made her a perfect fit for RecWell’s community-oriented environment.

At the same time, Kellyn began working as a Marketing Assistant for RecWell, a role that allowed her to merge her creative side with her love for wellness. She also gained valuable marketing experience at GV Art & Design, where she encouraged customers to try on T-shirts and consider purchasing them: strengthening her ability to connect with people and promote a product or experience authentically.

Jennifer Miller, Associate Lecturer for the Career and Community Studies (CCS) program, shared the following reflections about Kellyn and her growth during her time at Kent State University.

Throughout her time in the CCS program, Kellyn has shown tremendous growth and resilience. She has become increasingly confident, independent, and engaged in her academic and professional experiences at Kent State University. Over the years, Kellyn has developed a strong sense of self-assurance and purpose, approaching new challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Her journey reflects steady growth, demonstrating her ability to balance her coursework with meaningful involvement in campus employment.

Miller noted that Kellyn’s work with Recreation and Wellness Services (RecWell) has provided her with valuable opportunities to apply what she has learned in the classroom to real-world experiences. She has found a supportive community among her co-workers and, in turn, has become a source of support and encouragement for her peers. Kellyn leads by example: demonstrating initiative, responsibility, and a strong work ethic, both in class and at RecWell. Through her practicum, she has strengthened her leadership and teamwork skills, learning to collaborate effectively toward shared goals, adapt to new environments, and uphold a high standard of professionalism. Her experiences in the RecWell marketing team have also enhanced her communication skills, time management, and ability to take initiative. These experiences have not only contributed to her academic success but have also shaped her personal and professional growth, helping her better understand her strengths, interests, and potential as a student and future professional.

When Kellyn first joined RecWell, she didn’t know anyone. But as she met more student employees and full-time staff, she found something special: a home. Her coworkers became her second family. She often says that her freshman year was about discovering the facility as a student, but her practicum and work experience helped her discover the people who make RecWell what it is.

As a tour guide for Kent State, Kellyn makes sure that every prospective student and their family sees the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. She proudly highlights not just the facility, but the opportunities within it: the chance to work, grow, and find a sense of belonging. “You can find your community here,” she tells them, “and it can really shape your college experience.”

Kellyn’s communication skills have improved through her many roles: whether she’s welcoming guests at the front desk, designing graphics in Canva, creating promotional videos, or collaborating through Microsoft Teams and GroupMe. She’s learned to balance her commitments using her iPad and color-coded organization system to stay on top of both work and academics.

Beyond RecWell, Kellyn is an active member of the Kent State Pep Band (Flasher Brass), an Archive Coordinator for the Catholic Student Association and altar server at the Newman Center, and the Officer of Diversity for the Dress Up for Down Syndrome Club. Sundays are her time to reset: recharging for another week filled with school, work, and campus involvement.

When asked how RecWell supports her academic success, Kellyn explains that the ability to work out and take care of her physical health plays a huge role in managing stress. The SRWC is her place to breathe, refocus, and stay grounded.

Her experience in RecWell has taught her leadership, teamwork, and the value of community. It has shown her that marketing isn’t just about promotion: it’s about people. She has built confidence in her leadership abilities and found purpose in helping others feel seen, welcome, and supported.

Today, Kellyn sees herself as an ambassador for RecWell: someone whose friendly smile and positive energy represent what the department stands for. She’s proud of the impact she’s made and the relationships she’s built along the way. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a full-time career in marketing within recreation, continuing to share her passion for wellness, teamwork, and belonging.

For Kellyn, RecWell isn’t just a job: it’s been a family, a launching pad, and a home that has shaped who she is and who she’s becoming.