Student Success Story

After all she has overcome, Diamond Lauderdale credits Kent State with helping her reach her dreams.

For Diamond Lauderdale, Kent State University is not only her chosen college, it is her new home.

While growing up in Akron, Ohio, Ms. Lauderdale’s home life was challenging. She lived with her disabled father and worked two jobs to help make ends meet. Ms. Lauderdale’s father has been unable to walk for many years, and as she got older, her father’s condition worsened. Through it all, Ms. Lauderdale held onto a dream. She wanted to get a college education.

Student Elijah Kirkland-Boyce stands on the Kent State Ice Rink

During his first year at Kent State University, Elijah Kirkland-Boyce realized that the road to the Dean’s List was a bumpy one, filled with twists and turns he never could have anticipated. Instead of giving up, Mr. Kirkland-Boyce reached out. He started taking advantage of the resources offered through Student Support Services.

Kellie Miley standing among greenery and plants

Kellie Miley is the first to admit, when she graduated from Rootstown High School in 2008, she was not ready for college. In high school, she barely cracked a book yet managed a 3.2 grade point average (GPA).

Getting by with little effort changed when she started as a freshman at Kent State University. By the end of the year, Ms. Miley found herself academically dismissed for poor grades.

Kent State University hospitality management senior Ashley Foster (right) spent a week working with Food Network celebrity chef Cat Cora (left). (Photo provided by Ashley Foster)

Kent State University senior Ashley Foster has known since third grade that she wanted a career as a chef.

The 20-year-old hospitality management major got a little closer to her dream over the summer when she spent a week training with celebrity chef Cat Cora at the chef’s headquarters in Santa Barbara, California.

Woman standing in front of the Taj Mahal

Mariah Gray left her comfort zone, lived in the present and ventured where she never dreamed of going. Learn how this biology/pre-medicine major discovered new perspective 8000 miles from home.

Carrie Esser used water-based body paint to turn herself into a “queen bee.” Her artistry landed her in the second round of the NYX Cosmetics 2018 Face Awards USA.

This entrepreneur major utilizes paint brushes, vibrant colors and an unrestrained imagination to transform the human body into astounding works of art.

Antwan Dixon tells WINK News that he plans to make a full recovery following a blood transfusion to fight a rare disease.

Antwan Dixon is overcoming the odds after receiving a life-saving blood transfusion from his father.