President Beverly J. Warren has built a legacy of excellence, respect, kindness and purpose in all that she has done during her time as Kent State’s 12th president.
That legacy includes recently welcoming the university’s largest and most accomplished freshman class and a record number of baccalaureate degrees conferred in a single academic year. During President Warren’s tenure, Kent State’s profile has risen to one of national distinction among public research universities.
In her upcoming State of the University address, President Warren will chart one final course for university success, as she spotlights the achievements of the past year and shines a light on Kent State’s path for the future.
President Warren’s final State of the University address will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Kent Student Center Kiva. Faculty, staff, students and members of the public are invited to attend and hear President Warren’s message of Kent State’s bright future.
This year’s address has taken on greater meaning for the university community since President Warren announced on Oct. 23 that she will step down from her post on July 1, 2019. Since her announcement, many in the Kent State family have actively used social media to express their heartfelt thanks to President Warren for her years of thoughtful leadership and to offer her well wishes for the future.
Laina Yost, a senior journalism major from Troy, Ohio, was selected to introduce President Warren for the address. In a Twitter post, Ms. Yost expressed her excitement over her selection for the introduction, saying, “I’m honored and thrilled to introduce at next Wednesday’s State of the University! This is Bev’s last SOTU as Kent State’s president and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Students, faculty and staff at Kent State’s Regional Campuses, College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence and the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg also will be able to watch the speech live via dedicated viewing locations.
A reception with President Warren will follow the speech at the Kent Student Center, Room 204.