Enduring Community
The strength of this university community transcends any program, initiative or administration and is rooted in the values and ideals that define Kent State.
In my final State of the University Address, I talked about how I am filled with great optimism for Kent State’s future, because this community—and its powerful and uplifting sense of heart and home—will endure far beyond any presidency. We see Kent State’s strength in its thriving Deaf community, including recent graduates Elexis Blake, BA ’18, and Nebeyat Mamay, BA ’18, who created the Deaf Power Organization in 2016 to bring together deaf and hard-of-hearing students and friends to engage, advocate and raise awareness. Their passion and commitment, and that of other students, faculty and staff featured in this issue, serve as an inspiring example of how the power for positive change comes from within.
We see Kent State’s inner drive in the projects of the problem solvers leading our design innovation revolution. They bring together diverse talents and perspectives to solve real-world issues, such as the team behind Case.MD, who create smartphone cases that dispense medication. Their efforts show the vast potential waiting to be fulfilled through collaborations within our wide-ranging community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Without these passionate, forward-thinking individuals, the Design Innovation Hub is just a building. Our creative community provides the internal spark that ignites innovation and learning across our eight-campus system. This deep, personal engagement of our entire university community elevates the trajectory of Kent State ever higher. Programs such as Summer Advantage and the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience motivate students to finish their college degrees and channel their creativity to make a difference in the world.
From our student success initiative to the Gateway Master Plan and planning for the 50th Commemoration of May 4, Kent State demonstrates how our transformational rise is always the result of the grassroots engagement of our people. The strength of this university community transcends any program, initiative or administration and is rooted in the values and ideals that define Kent State.
I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving this outstanding university as its 12th president. The experiences we shared, the friendships forged and all the learning that took place along the way have made for five amazing years. I am forever thankful to have called Kent State my home. Though I will be stepping down in July, Kent State always will remain close in my heart. This is a university like no other—a distinctive community fueled by passion and purpose—and I am confident its greatest days are still ahead.
Beverly J. Warren
President
Email: president@kent.edu, Twitter:
Visit the office of the president's website at www.kent.edu/president.
Beverly Warren @PresBWarren • 8 Sep 2018
Reppin’ in the rain. That has a nice ring to it. Go Flashes!!
Jiovanni Lieggi @lieggiji 8 Sep 2018
It might be pouring rain, but Bev and I are still out here reppin’ the Flashes. @PresBWarren @KentState