Nationally Distinctive

Kent State University student Jaden Hacking plans to enroll at Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine after earning his bachelor's degree in exercise science from the university. (Photo credit: Rami Daud)

How a Career-Ending Track Injury Introduced a Kent State Exercise Science Student to Podiatric Medicine

A foot injury ended Jaden Hacking’s track career – and introduced him to podiatric medicine. Now an exercise science major at Kent State, he’s on the pathway to studying at the university’s College of Podiatric Medicine, drawn by both the impact on patients and the profession’s work-life balance.

Tags: Health , Nationally Distinctive , College of Podiatric Medicine , Exercise Science , College of Public Health and Health Sciences

Kent State Today

Saloni Christian is pursuing her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine. (Photo credit: Bob Christy)

A Student’s Journey From India to Kent State to Podiatric Medicine

Saloni Christian planned on traditional medical school until a suturing workshop introduced her to podiatry as a junior at Kent State. Now a student at Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine, she’s set to graduate in 2027 with an eye toward ankle surgery and wound care.

Tags: Health , Nationally Distinctive , College of Podiatric Medicine , Department of Biological Sciences , College of Sciences and Humanities , College of Honors and Global Education

Kent State Today

Ayat Husain, podiatric medicine student, in clinic room - photo credit Bob Christy

Finding Her Footing: A Biology Major’s Path to Podiatric Medicine

Ayat Husain grew up with flat feet – and grew curious about the doctors who treat them. Now a student at Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine, she’s on track to graduate in 2027 and hopes to help patients get back on their feet, literally and figuratively.

Tags: Health , Nationally Distinctive , College of Podiatric Medicine , Department of Biological Sciences , College of Sciences and Humanities

Kent State Today

Kent State student Parker Lamy on stage at Blossom with Idina Menzel

Sophomore Musical Theatre Major Shares Moment on Blossom Stage With Idina Menzel

When Kent State University sophomore Parker Lamy went to see Idina Menzel perform with The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center on July 26, she wasn’t expecting to sing a duet onstage with the Broadway star. Fortunately, she was dressed for the occasion.

Tags: School of Theatre and Dance , Porthouse Theatre , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today

Order of the Engineer

Kent State Engineers Begin a Lasting Tradition

The future of engineering at Kent State reached an important milestone this spring as the College of Aeronautics and Engineering welcomed its first class of inductees into the Order of the Engineer. 

Tags: Research & Science , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today

Air Race Classic Students

Kent State Flight Teams Showed Their Best Judgment When the Skies Wouldn't Cooperate

Two Kent State University flight teams pushed through six of the nine legs of the 2026 Air Race Classic before a stretch of stubborn, unpredictable weather brought their race to an early end. 

Tags: Profiles , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today

DI Student Fellows

Five Challenges, Countless Possibilities

For 19 Kent State students, the 2025–2026 academic year was more than a series of classes, assignments, and exams. It was an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and turn ideas into action through the John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Student Fellows Program.

Tags: Research & Science , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today

Kent State University first-year students cheer during Convocation in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. (Photo credit: Rami Daud, Kent State University)

Kent State Named Among Best Global Universities by US News & World Report

Kent State University has been named one of the Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027, the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the list. The recognition reflects Kent State’s global research impact, international student enrollment, education-abroad programs and partnerships spanning more than 60 countries.

Tags: University News , Global Reach , Nationally Distinctive , College of Honors and Global Education , Rwanda

Kent State Today

Design Build Fly Team

Six Students and One Aircraft

A team of six engineering students set out to design, build and fly a large-scale cargo remote-controlled aircraft for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Design/Build/Fly competition. 

Tags: Research & Science , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today

NYC Fashion 20th Anniversary

Kent State's NYC Fashion Program Marks 20 Years

Twenty years ago, 26 Kent State University fashion students packed up and headed to New York City for a semester unlike anything available on a traditional college campus. They attended classes in the heart of Manhattan's Garment District, visited the offices of top designers and connected with industry professionals who would shape their careers. This week, Kent State's School of Fashion celebrated what that bold experiment became.

Tags: Arts & Culture , Nationally Distinctive

Kent State Today