Community Impact

Protest images

Kent State University has a strong history of student activism. The university wants to ensure students can exercise their right to protest, demonstrate and march about issues that matter to them. And to do it safely.

Gina DeSantis in her Lakewood Studio

DeSantis, a 2006 graduate of Kent State University, and her team work out of an old automobile factory in Lakewood, Ohio. As lead designer, all work is designed and thrown by DeSantis herself. No small feat when you consider that her work has been featured in Uncommon Goods, Anthropologie, McGee & Co. and the Sundance catalog, in addition to 400 retailers across the country. So, when Medium reached out as part of their series “Five Things You Need To Be a Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times,” DeSantis had plenty to share.

Linda Spurlock, Ph.D., with her forensic sketch (inset) of Cleveland Harbor John Doe

There are more than 400 missing persons cases in Ohio currently, and more than 100 of them are John or Jane Doe cases. One of those cases, referred to as the Cleveland Harbor John Doe, now has a better chance of being solved, thanks to Kent State University Associate Professor of Anthropology Linda Spurlock, Ph.D. 

A scene from "Rent" at the E. Turner Stump Theatre

Kent State's production of "Rent" runs from Feb. 16-25 at the E. Turner Stump Theatre.

Member of the Golden Flashers band at the Play4Kay game.

The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center was filled with splashes of pink at the Play4Kay Golden Flashes women's basketball game. 

A design by Kent State fashion student Matthew Williams takes the runway at Haute for the House.

Members of Kent State's fashion community participated in a runway show to benefit Ronald McDonald House.