Community Impact

Kent State Today
Alison Caplan in Washington DC

In her first year as the director of the May 4 Visitor Center, Alison Caplan has enjoyed uniquely wonderful and "magical" experiences in how Kent State's history creates connections and inspiration.

McGilvrey Kidnap

In 1941, a writing exercise for high school journalists visiting Kent State was centered around a fictional kidnapping of the university's first president, John E. McGilvrey.  In a pre-internet version of a "home page takeover," the stories ran on the front page of the Kent Stater - without including information revealing that they were not real!

Assistant Professor Sara Koopman

The idea was simple: Physically connect people with the locations of the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings so they might better connect with each other.

CAPS observes Teal Tuesday 2024

Kent State staffers from Counseling and Psychological Services wore teal in support of their colleagues at the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services' Teal Tuesday campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 

Kent State Today
Flash biking in front of the MAC

Did you know that there are 13.2 miles of bike paths at Kent State? Kent State is bike-friendly and winning awards for it.

Kent State Today
Her Pink Library

While celebrating their 10th anniversary on campus with Her Week and a schedule of events, student organization Her Campus Kent State lit the University Library in pink from April 9-13. 

Kent State alum Jessica Clonch is a naturalist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at Pymatuning State Park.

Since childhood Kent State alum Jessica Clonch has wanted to combine her love of the outdoors with her career. Now, to her delight, she’s living the dream.

Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D. (right), is pictured at the Doula and Community Expo hosted by Birthing Beautiful Communities in April 2024. (Photo provided by Angela Neal-Barnett)

Kent State University’s Angela Neal-Barnett has been working diligently to build up the Spirit of Motherhood program with the goal of reducing trauma and stress symptoms experienced by its pregnant Black mother participants. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation recently awarded the program another $300,000 to continue its work over the next three years.

What Were You Wearing Exhibit for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The powerful “What Were You Wearing?” art installation in the Center for Visual Arts is more than just clothes.

Student activism on display at Kent State University.

Kent State University students exercised their freedom of speech rights on Tuesday, April 16, with opposing speakers appearing on campus the same day.