University News
Kent State Honors New Graduates at Summer 2026 Commencement
Kent State University will welcome more than 1,000 new graduates to its alumni family during summer commencement on Aug. 8. The ceremony, held at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, will confer 1,010 degrees across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and educational specialist levels.
Kent State Researcher Selected for US Department of Energy Genesis Mission Award to Mine Decades of River Data for Critical Minerals
David Costello, Ph.D., professor in Kent State’s Department of Biological Sciences, will use AI and 50 years of river data to help locate critical minerals like copper, cobalt and manganese for a U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission award.
Kent State Introduces Campus Visit Scholarship, Eliminates Application Fee for Ohio Undergraduate Students
Kent State is introducing a $1,000 scholarship for domestic, prospective first-year undergraduate students who visit in person and enroll at the Kent Campus and eliminating the undergraduate application fee for all domestic, Ohio residents – two new steps to make a college education more accessible and affordable.
Ohio EPA Issues Statewide Air Quality Alert
As you may have noticed, it is hazy outside today and air quality is a concern. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has issued an Air Quality Alert for the entire state of Ohio.
Kent State Closed July 3 in Observance of Independence Day
Kent State University will be closed July 3 to observe Independence Day. No classes are scheduled, and university offices are closed. The university will resume normal operations on July 6.
Coming Soon: Kent State University Rwanda
Kent State unveiled plans for the proposed Kent State University Rwanda and School of Fashion at a Kigali symposium, aiming to train designers and entrepreneurs to grow Africa's fashion industry.
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.
Kent State’s School of Fashion Marks 20 Years of Immersive Fashion Education in New York City
Kent State University’s School of Fashion is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its New York City Fashion program in Manhattan’s Garment District with a two-day event on June 11-12. The celebration includes a free Portfolio Showcase and Reception on June 11 and an exclusive philanthropic dinner on June 12, with proceeds benefiting the NYC Fashion Housing Fund.
Kent State Board of Trustees Celebrates Another Successful Graduating Class, Hears Details of University’s Positive Embrace of AI
The Kent State University Board of Trustees celebrated student success following spring 2026 commencement ceremonies during its regular quarterly meeting held May 20 at The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design on the Kent Campus.
Announcing the 2026 President’s Award of Distinction
The President’s Award of Distinction was created as a recognition program to reward staff members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, service, leadership and dedication to Kent State in advancing the university’s strategic priorities and core values.
