alumni-success
Alumni Spotlight - Dexter Shreve, '13
Dexter credits the hands-on learning experiences for preparing him for the real-world challenges of his career. In particular, the Materials and Processes class provided him with essential skills in machining, welding, and casting, which he later applied in various engineering roles.
Alumna Charts Her Own Path in NYC, Straight to Her Dream Job on Fifth Avenue
When in kindergarten, Mariah Moorer, ’20, was asked what she wanted to do when she grew up. Without hesitation, she said, “fashion.” That dream remained on her mind all throughout middle and high school, but she wasn’t sure what a career in fashion actually looked like for her. Moorer first heard ab…
Gail Pavliga: Psychologist, Professor, Politician
Gail Pavliga, ’91, MA ’98, Ph.D., is a good listener, a quality that has been the common thread throughout her life as a student, mother, therapist and, most recently, state representative for Ohio House District 72.Pavliga didn’t plan to be a politician. When she first enrolled at Kent State, she w…U.S. Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, ’07, Strives to Deliver Meaningful, Bipartisan Results for the People of Ohio’s 13th District
In 2022, U.S. Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, ’07, became the first Black person elected to represent Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. For eight years, Sykes served as the state representative for House District 34, including three years as the leader of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus. Now serv…Black Alumni Chapter Spotlight - Willard Jenkins, ’73
A Lifelong Love of JazzKent State graduate serves as artistic director of DC jazzfestSince his days as an undergraduate student at Kent State University, one might say jazz has been the soundtrack of Willard Jenkins’, ’73, life. Jazz was likely playing as he penned his jazz column f…
Kent State Alumnus Captures Notable Success
Influenced by artists like René Magritte and Piet Mondrian, Kent State University alumnus Jermaine Jackson Jr. believes the best way to get the point across in a photo is by keeping it simple.
Fashion Design Alumna Wears Her Heart on Her Sleeve
Kelsi McCafferty, ’16, was laid off from her full-time job at FOUNT Leather Goods in December 2020 because of the pandemic, but that didn’t stop her from doing what she loved. Using her talents, Kelsi wanted to help the community and began making masks at home. Inspired by her innovation, Kelsi m…
Kent State Alumna and Journalist Finds Additional Success on Social Media
Kent State alumna Jeannette Reyes, ’12, uses TikTok for fun outside of her television anchor responsibilities at FOX 5 Washington, D.C. Last October, Reyes posted a video with her husband using their “anchor talk” voices to decide on choices for dinner. She never expected her video to gain so much momentum.
Alumna Sarah Shendy, ’06, Named First Director of Ohio Office of Law Enforcement and Recruitment
Sarah Shendy, ’06, has been appointment as the first Director, Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment. Had it not been for Kent State University, she may have never gone into law enforcement.
Alumna Wins Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” and $10,000
Leslie Srodek-Johnson, ’01, a Kent State University journalism graduate, mother of two and lead decorator and baker at Stan’s Northfield Bakery, received the call of a lifetime in December 2018. It was from the Food Network asking her to be a part of the “Christmas Cookie Challenge.”