Did You Know?

KSU first to celebrate Black History Month

The first ever month-long celebration of Black History was established at Kent State University. In February 1970, Kent State students, faculty and administration designated the entire month of February as a celebration of Black History—preceding the national holiday designation—which was established in 1976.

Before the national holiday designation in 1976, Negro History Week was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The commemoration was established in February 1926 by noted historian and educator Carter G. Woodson in celebration of African American achievements and to recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

Since 1976, each president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a theme. The theme for 2020 is African Americans and the Vote, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment (1920), which granted women the right to vote, and the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment (1870), which granted African American men the right to vote.

336 CSH students studied abroad in 2018

The College of Sciences and Humanities Department of International Programs and Education Abroad offers 21 distinct programs in 13 countries, including a summer institute in Florence, Italy. During 2018, 336 students studied tropical biology in Costa Rica, conflict resolution in Israel, and much more. Visit the International Programs and Education Abroad page to know more about these programs.

WWE wrestler Dolph Ziggler is a Kent State graduate

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) SmackDown wrestler and two-time World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler is a Kent State University graduate. Ziggler, whose real name is Nicholas Theodore Nemeth, studied Political Science and Pre-Law before becoming one of the most popular wrestling stars in the WWE Raw lineup, and later as a part of the SmackDown brand. Among his many talents, Nemeth is known for his famous Zig Zag closing maneuver, he performs as a stand-up comedian, and he is fluent in American Sign Language.