In an academic year full of distinction, Kent State Dean of Students, Talea Drummer-Ferrell, gets to add another. She has been named the Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs (HIED) Personnel Alumni Award recipient for 2020-2021.
She was selected for the award by the Kent State’s Higher Administration and Student Affairs program faculty.
The award recognizes program alumni who have achieved a noteworthy and accomplished career in higher education. Her nomination was also due to her extensive work in establishing the Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Support (CARES) Center and becoming the first Black woman to serve as Dean of Students at Kent State last July.
“Honestly, I was in awe when I received the e-mail notifying me,” said Drummer-Ferrell. “I had to read it over a few times, and when it really hit me, it brought me to tears. Honored would be an understatement, our Higher Education program has been one that I hold in high regard, [and] I have been committed as an alum anyway I can, and this is just a remarkable achievement.”
Throughout her higher education career, Drummer-Ferrell has continued to give back to the program by working with graduate assistants and interns. She has also participated in workshops and presentations.
“I have wanted to give back to the program that gave so much to me,” she said. “As the Dean of Students, I get to put into practice all that I have learned from the program, so, honestly, that may be the greatest contribution; I am a reflection of our program, and that means something!”
Tara Hudson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Foundations, Leadership, and Administration at Kent State. She is the one who notified Drummer-Ferrell that she would be receiving the honor.
“In selecting Dr. Drummer-Ferrell for the Alumni Award, the faculty of Kent State’s HIED program noted the historical importance of her achievement in becoming the first Black woman Dean of Students at ,” she said. “We also wanted to recognize her leadership in establishing the CARES Center, which will be a critical resource in helping all students succeed and thrive at Kent State. Her selection for the Alumni Award is a testament to her significant contributions to the Kent State community and the field of higher education and student affairs.”
Hudson also remarked how impressed the HIED faculty members were by Drummer-Ferrell’s leadership and advocacy for students.
“Dr. Drummer-Ferrell has demonstrated through her work to establish the CARES Center, which promises to be a national model for supporting college students in need of resources to support their financial security and mental health,” she said. “Through her leadership as Dean of Students, Dr. Drummer-Ferrell exhibits a commitment to educational equity and embodies the Kent State value of Flashes take care of Flashes.”
Through it all, Drummer-Ferrell remains thankful for the opportunity to make a difference at Kent State.
“I will forever be grateful to this program,” she said. “I am so thankful to receive this award.”
Previous award recipients include:
Eboni Pringle, 2019-2020
Jennifer Kulics, 2018-2019
Natasha Jankowski, 2017-2018
Bassam Deeb, 2015-2016
John Grosky, 2014-2015
Greg Jarvie, 2013-2014
Sandy Robinson, 2012-2013
Brandi Hephner LaBanc, 2011-2012
Kenneth Dobbins, 2010-2011
Richard Giese, 2008-2009
Denise Reading, 2006-2007
David Creamer, 2002-2003
To learn more about the Higher Education Administration, please visit /ehhs/fla/hied
To learn more about the CARES Center and services they offer, please visit /CARESCenter