News Archive

Meet Lettie Friona, a senior integrated social studies major with a concentration in history and minors in classics and mild to moderate special education from Steubenville, Ohio, whose leadership positions have helped shape her experience at Kent State.  

In December 2025, Francis Rubagumya, 37, walked across the stage at Kent State's commencement with a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language — and a plan to take every lesson he had learned back to the country he loves Rwanda.

Meet Lily Stenroos, a member of the Honors College pursuing an environmental studies degree with minors in sustainability, environmental justice and political science, from Mayfield Village, Ohi0, whose academic path was forged from deep relationships between the natural world and humans.

Former club manager turned Kent State instructor Mandy Ulicney explains how cultivating partnerships with Greater Cleveland industry leaders gives hospitality students the same passion and real-world experience that shaped her own career.

Meet Karissa Wahl, a member of the Honors College and a second-year public health major with junior standing from Mansfield, Ohio. She has a concentration in allied health and also minors in psychology, disability studies and community inclusion.   

As a professional pilot major, Kent State junior Ashanti Mallit's immediate goal is to earn her instrument rating. She's one review flight away from completing the practical portion of her instrument check ride, having already passed the oral examination.

Meet Antajuan Hightower, a member of the Honors College and a human resource management major, from Boardman, Ohio.  

Meet Monica Fencil, a junior exercise science major with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, from Butler, Pennsylvania. Fencil’s interest in the health field began early, shaped by being surrounded by family members who worked in healthcare.  

Meet the Sprague family and their unique tie to Kent State University. After retiring as an Ohio State Trooper, Rick Sprague accepted a position with the Kent State police services last year. His son, Officer Tristan Sprague, also joined the police department last year. In the fall, Rick Sprague’s two daughters enrolled at Kent State, making the family’s service to the campus community all the more meaningful.

Every Sunday that the Browns play away, Kent State alumnus Kyle Kovach, cooks a dish based on the city the Browns are facing, reflecting his motto: “In order to beat the team, you have to eat the team.” Meet the 2025 Cleveland Browns Fan of the Year.

POV shares insights from the Kent State University community on important topics. Liz Piatt, interim dean of University College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student and how faculty mentorship helped her discover a career path she didn't know existed — one that now allows her to support other first-generation students as they navigate their own transformative college experiences.

Graduate student Delonte Goodman finished his fall semester at Kent State by successfully defending his master's thesis and receiving his master's degree. When he returns to campus in the spring, he will work as a teaching assistant as he begins his doctoral program. 

Perhaps the best word to sum up Brianna Benson’s role at Kent State University is “caretaker.”

Meet Kadin McElwain, a senior communication studies major from Painesville, Ohio, who uses his positions at Autism Speaks and Autism Digest to educate individuals on neurodivergence.  

Tracy M. Dodson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CEN, associate professor at the College of Nursing, is committed to helping students succeed through compassion and innovative teaching techniques. These techniques, accompanied by a passion for education, have been recognized with the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

Tina Patel, associate professor of interior design, thinks students should have confidence, creativity and commitment in their design work. Her philosophy in the classroom has led her to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.

Jessica Leveto's philosophy of teaching is that it requires compassion, understanding and patience. When mastered, it can create a transformative experience for students. This approach to education helped Leveto earn the 2025 Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.  

Education is a process that goes beyond studying and memorizing, according to James Redfearn, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent State University. Redfearn's attitude, approach and creation of this supporting space led him to be awarded the Glenn Frank Distinguished Teaching Award.