Communicating hope.

Ashton Blake briefly peered into the crowd gathered at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

The stage was his. 

Saxophone in hand, Blake began to play the solo he knew so well. Practicing for this day was an honor and privilege for the 20-something who was a skilled musician before he had reached middle school.

World-class experts bring valued research to Stark County.

Kent State University at Stark’s faculty are a force in the community, working to better the region by offering their academic expertise in a tangible way. Kent State Stark brings immeasurable value to community organizations, the health care industry, environmental groups and more.

Survivor.

Acres away from the farmer’s home, Jennifer Peterson stared hard at the bright blue sky. Then, darkness. In and out of consciousness, she tried to move. Only pain.

She tried to scream. Her cries for help were mere whispers.

The tractor came from a distance. Had the farmer not remembered his dream during the night, Peterson is sure she would have died that day. 

The Conference Center and Corporate University build relationships and support the educational needs of regional employers.

Faith Sheaffer-Polen has conducted workforce training amid construction, in buildings with sanitation issues and in crowded hotel rooms while sitting on the edge of a bathtub. That’s one reason why the director of Kent State University at Stark’s Corporate University urges employers to undertake professional education in a setting that is conducive to learning.

Enter the Conference Center.