Students First

Twin brothers Will and Ray Maynard from Green, Ohio, will end their freshman year as seniors.

Twins Finish Their Freshman Year at Kent State as Seniors

Just one more year at Kent State University and 19-year-old twin brothers Ray and Will Maynard of Green, Ohio, expect to be graduating and, hopefully, off to medical school.

Tags: Student Life , Research & Science , Students First , College of Arts and Sciences , Department of Biological Sciences

Kent State Today

2026 Spring Commencement

Kent State Celebrates Nearly 5,000 New Graduates at Spring 2026 Commencement

Kent State University welcomed nearly 5,000 new graduates into its alumni family last week, completing its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies across three days of celebrations on the Kent Campus.

Tags: University News , Students First

Kent State Today

A student spins a prize wheel at a table during Thank-A-Giver Day for Flashes Give Back Week

Kent State Students Share Gratitude During Annual Thank-A-Giver Day

Kent State University students had the opportunity to reflect on the impact of philanthropy during Flashes Give Back Week in April, including Thank-A-Giver (TAG) Day, an annual event designed to highlight the role of donor support across campus.

Tags: Student Life , Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement , Students First

Kent State Today

Jared Brown Adviser Award

Student Nominations Propel Jared Brown to Distinguished Advising Honor

Jared Brown doesn’t just build schedules; he builds confidence. His ability to turn academic stress into actionable solutions has made him more than just an advisor; it has made him the latest recipient of Kent State University's Distinguished Advising Award.  

Tags: University News , Student Life , Students First

Kent State Today

A new Kent State University graduate celebrates after receiving his diploma during the spring 2025 commencement ceremony. (Photo credit: Bob Christy, Kent State University)

Kent State Celebrates Nearly 5,000 New Graduates at Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Kent State University will honor nearly 5,000 graduates from its eight-campus system during its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 7-9 and May 15. The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the commencement website.

Tags: University News , Students First , Commencement

Kent State Today

Kent State senior Julia Michalak

A Few Parting Words From Julia Michalak

We catch up with senior physical education and sport performance major Julia Michalak between student-teaching classes during her final semester at Kent State. In a brief Q&A-style interview reflecting on her trials and triumphs from the past four years, Michalak offers some wise words for her younger self and for future Golden Flashes. 

Tags: College of Education, Health and Human Services , Students First , Profiles

Kent State Today

Volunteers pose during Arbor_Day_Planting_2026

A Growing Legacy for Kent State’s 18th Year as a Tree Campus

Kent State marked Arbor Day with tree plantings at multiple locations across campus, bringing together students, staff and local children for a day focused on sustainability.

Tags: Organizational Sustainability , Students First , University News

Kent State Today

Ivory Kendrick is proud of his accomplishments at USG president.

From Hardship to the Gavel: Ivory Kendrick’s Journey as Kent State’s USG President

A public health senior who once faced homelessness after losing his father is now leaving a lasting mark on student government — and preparing to continue his impact in graduate school.

Tags: University News , Student Life , Students First , Community Impact

Kent State Today

Matthew Likens speaks at the 26 Solomon Entrepreneurship Speaker Series

Kent State Alumnus Matthew Likens Shares Realities of Startup Leadership with Students

When Matthew E. Likens, ‘75, returned to Kent State University April 15 for the Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurship Series, he brought students a candid look at the realities of leading a startup. Students got to see the highs, the failures and the lessons learned across decades in global business.

Tags: Students First , Global Impact , Community & Society

Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship

CARES 5 Year Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating Five Years of Care and Advocacy at the Kent State CARES Center

The CARES Center celebrated its 5-year anniversary on Tuesday, April 14 with an open house that highlighted the accomplishments of the center over the last five years while providing opportunities for tours of the center, complete with birthday cake, refreshments and CARES Center swag.  

Tags: Students First , University News , Community & Society , Division of Student Life

Kent State Today