A little October drizzle couldn't dampen the excitement of Kent State University's biggest recruitment event of the year.
More than 2,000 prospective students and their families attended Preview KSU on Oct. 16. They toured the Kent Campus, learned about the university's award-winning academic programs, saw a glimpse of its top-notch dining and residence halls and visited restaurants and shops in downtown Kent, which was recently named Ohio’s best college town by MoneyLion.
“There’s a lot to see here,” Kelsey Koch, a high school senior, told Kent State Today. “There’s a lot of interesting things, like all the art and stuff is pretty unique.”
Perhaps the most exciting part for many prospective students was the chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship. All graduating seniors who attended Preview KSU are eligible for the scholarship, which will be split up over four years if they decide to enroll.
Seniors who couldn’t attend can earn the scholarship by completing other qualifying campus visits through Nov. 30.
Something for Everyone
The day kicked off with an exciting pep-rally-style welcome in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, including performances from the Marching Golden Flashes, cheerleaders, dance team and mascot Flash.
Several university officials gave remarks, including President Todd Diacon and Nathan Smith, president of Undergraduate Student Government.
“I want to be the first person to welcome you to the family,” Diacon said. “In four years, we are going to celebrate your graduation from Kent State University.”
Smith, a business major, served as the DJ for the event. He welcomed students with songs like “Golden” by Harry Styles and “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
Smith touted Kent State’s “golden experience” – a phrase that means something different for everyone, he said.
“However, the common theme you will hear with students and staff talking about their ‘golden experience’ is the wonderful people they’ve met, and the community they feel part of,” Smith said.
Following the pep rally, attendees then headed out to experience fun, creative demonstrations from various academic programs. There was something for everyone to enjoy – from a money machine in Crawford Hall to yard games inside the Center for Undergraduate Excellence lobby to a fiery chemistry demonstration in Williams Hall.
Braylon Brown, a senior from Macedonia, is interested in studying communication. He enjoyed Kent State’s atmosphere, he said.
“The pep rally we had this morning, I thought that was pretty cool,” Brown said. “I really love the vibe. The vibe is nice and pretty cool.”
Another attendee, Rebekah Smythers, is already planning to attend Kent State. She was excited to check out the zoology program.
“My dream is to become a zoologist,” she said. “I was very excited when I found out Kent State offered zoology, and that has really influenced me to come here.”
Students also toured model residence hall rooms and attended financial aid workshops.
They learned how Kent State helps make college more affordable through a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs, including the Flashes Go Further Scholarship, a free tuition program for qualifying students.
Inside the Kent Student Center, the university’s thriving campus life was on full display, with information about education abroad, recreation and wellness, dining, housing and campus groups.
Ken Kirkland checked out the Exploratory Program at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence with his son Khian, a graduating senior.
Kirkland, who used to visit his wife when she was a Kent State student, said he’s impressed with how campus has improved over the past 20 years.
“Much more modern,” he said. “The technology, a lot of things have changed, so it’s pretty cool. Everybody looks like they’re enjoying themselves.”
Kent State is known for its longstanding commitment to student support, recently recognized nationally with Gold Excellence Awards and top grand prizes from NASPA, the nation’s leading student affairs organization.
Experiencing the Town-Gown Connection
After spending the morning on campus, prospective students and their families were invited downtown to experience Ohio’s best college town for themselves. Each student received six coupons for 10% off at select businesses.
Nearly 30 businesses participated in the discount program for Preview KSU. Visitors could choose from a variety of options to explore – including restaurants, retailers, cafes and other local businesses.
Dana Lawless-Andric, Ph.D., senior associate vice president for university outreach and engagement, said it's important for prospective students and families to see all that downtown Kent has to offer.
“We are very excited about the new format for Preview Day to include our Kent restaurants and businesses," Lawless-Andric said. "It was great to see future Flash families explore and experience how amazing our Kent community truly is and the extension of the home we hope they all make here next fall!"
Among the businesses taking part were: Alley Mac, Barrio Tacos, Bell Tower Brewing Co., Bent Tree Coffee Roasters, Board and Bevy, Branded in Kent, Creators Corner, Daisy Pops, Erie Street Kitchen, Evelyn Dickerson Hair Design, Flourish Plant Market, Good Golly, Guys Pizza, Hippie Fox Rocks, Hometown Bank, Kent Eye Care, Kent Sportswear, Leaf Home & Blooms, Nineteen10 Restaurant, North Water Brewing Company, Pacific East, Shah’s Halal Food, Tan Spa, Tee’d Off Golf, Tree City Coffee, Treehouse Inn Kent State and Wild Goats Café.
Families Came From 13 States to Attend Preview KSU
The majority of families at Preview KSU came from across Ohio, while 12% came from 12 states.
Students from Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas registered for the event.
Nearly all students – 90% - were high school seniors, making most of the attendees eligible for the $1,000 scholarship.
About 60% of those registered have already applied for admission.
