Reagan Davenport’s college journey took an unexpected detour earlier this year when he transferred to from Notre Dame College, which closed its doors abruptly due to financial difficulties.
He was only two courses away from graduating from Notre Dame College. Fortunately, Kent State made the transfer flawless, placing Davenport on the road to graduation on Dec. 14.
Being forced to leave Notre Dame College during his senior year was not what he had expected, but Kent State seamlessly enrolled him in the general business program in the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Davenport completed his bachelor’s degree in an online program.
“It was the one school [that] would make me do the least [number] of credits to get my degree,” Davenport said. “When NDC shut down I was only six credits away from graduating. I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Kent State. Everyone has been fantastic working with me and my situation.”
Davenport had been a student coach at Notre Dame College before the college closed. He completed his degree online at Kent State while volunteering at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He will need his bachelor’s degree to go from a volunteer to being a full-fledged employee with a paycheck.
“My title is offensive analyst, but I am an unpaid volunteer,” Davenport said. “Since June, I have been volunteering my time with the intention of getting a paid job once I obtain my degree.”
When Notre Dame College announced in March 2024 that it would be closing its doors for financial reasons, students like Davenport found the doors at Kent State to be wide open, and a welcoming and accessible transfer process followed.
Davenport is one of many former Notre Dame College students who found a new home at Kent State and its Regional Campuses. Kent State and Notre Dame College joined forces through a teach-out program to streamline the transfer process and create a seamless pathway to higher education. This partnership opened doors for Notre Dame College students seeking to further their academic pursuits and achieve their career goals.
Most of the recent transfers from Notre Dame College are enrolled at the Kent Campus, but there are some who have chosen to attend one of Kent State’s Regional Campuses, including the Geauga, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Stark and Ashtabula campuses.
Of all the Notre Dame College students who attended Kent State this summer and/or this fall semester, the most popular majors are early childhood education, business (general), finance, accounting, criminology, cybersecurity, nursing and psychology.
With its commitment to providing award-winning support and access for all, Kent State pledged to offer many benefits to Notre Dame College students who have accrued 60 or more credit hours. For those with fewer than 60 credits, the invitation is extended to apply to Kent State as transfer students, with a commitment to facilitating a smooth transition.
Kent State streamlined the admission process for Notre Dame College students in good academic standing, waiving all application fees and guaranteeing admission to those meeting specified GPA requirements. This eliminates barriers to entry, providing deserving students with access to a world-class education.
The no-barriers approach is what attracted Davenport to Kent State. Davenport, a Texas native, said Kent State offered the greatest flexibility and convenience.
Along with academics, Kent State recognizes the importance of financial support. The university has pledged to extend transfer scholarships and need-based aid to Notre Dame College students, striving to match or exceed the net tuition costs they currently incur. This commitment underscores Kent State’s dedication to making higher education affordable and accessible to all.