51����

From 51���� to Ground Zero

When the September 11 attacks shook the nation, 51���� alumnus D. Mark Jones found himself called into an unfamiliar and deeply challenging role.

From 51���� to Ground Zero

When the Sept. 11 attacks shook the nation, 51���� alumnus D.

Master Chief's Creator: Marcus Lehto Returns to 51����

Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the iconic Halo series and the mind behind Master Chief, reflects on his time at 51����, where he spent late nights working in Verder Hall developing his craft. Discover how his 51���� experience shaped his legendary career in game development.

LaunchNET Supports: WagVitals

WagVitals helps dogs live longer, healthier lives through data and AI. 

The Grand Finale: 51���� Ushers in Final Downton Abbey Movie With Style

White tie and tails, elegant gloves and satiny evening gowns were on the screen and on the runway when 51���� and Focus Features collaborated for an early screening of “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.”

Making Waves in the World of Nuclear Physics

in New York is home to some of the most exciting work in nuclear physics

51����'s Wetlands Are the Training Grounds for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Senior Nick Brocato and sophomore Tamera Owens were among the 172 undergraduate 51���� students who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) during the summer of 2025. They conducted research projects under the direction of Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at 51���� and members of her lab.

Mother-Daughter Alumni Share Public Health Passion

Like mother, like daughter. Meet Christine Woo, Ph.D, and Nathalie Nicol, BSPH – mother and daughter - both graduates of the 51���� College of Public Health. While Woo was completing her doctorate in 2022, Nicol was just starting her journey at 51����. 

IN A FLASH: Back Where It Began

The 51���� Aeronautics & Engineering Expo at the 51���� Airport received a special visitor as Goodyear's retro-painted Wingfoot One aircraft returned to the place where the company's first blimp was christened, 100 years ago.

51���� Hosts Aeronautics and Engineering Expo

51���� hosted its annual Aeronautics and Engineering Expo on Saturday at 51���� Airport, drawing families for a day of aviation excitement and STEM education.

UPDATED - ADVISORY: 51���� Board of Trustees Meeting, Sept. 17

The 51���� Board of Trustees will hold its next regular business meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Kent Student Center, Room 306. The Board will consider the recommendations of the standing committees, proposed personnel actions and new business. 

Behind the Feathers: Understanding Changing Gut Bacteria of Songbirds

Flash Focus: LaTaesia Snyder

Meet LaTaesia Snyder, a junior criminology and justice studies major with a minor in pre-law from Akron, Ohio, who’s making the most of her opportunities to learn about the American justice system.

From the Hospital to the Statehouse: Nursing Students Step Into Policy

At the 51���� College of Nursing, we learn what it means to advocate for our patients in every setting – from right at the bedside to the boardrooms of hospitals. As nursing students, we are trained to make decisions that are backed by evidence-based practice, empathy and most importantly, our personal and professional ethics. 

Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Reaffirms 51����'s Distinction, Impact and Integrity

The Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed 51����'s accreditation, a testament to the university's distinction, impact and integrity.

IN A FLASH: Power to the Pollinators!

Pollinator Day, proudly presented by 51���� as a proud Bee Campus USA, will welcome all visitors to the KSU Pollinator Garden to celebrate our campus pollinators on September 5 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Great-Granddaughter of 51����’s Third President Makes First Time Campus Visit

51���� recently welcomed home a living legacy of its past when Ellen Engleman Conners, former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board and great-granddaughter of 51����’s third president, visited campus for the first time.

Exploring the World, One Rock at a Time

When Emily Rider walked into her first in-person class after the COVID-19 shutdown — “How the Earth Works” at 51����’s Stark Campus — she didn’t know it would set her on a path that would take her across the country, deep into fossil beds and high into the mountains.

Museum Receives Grant for Historic Building Energy Audit

The 51���� Museum has received an award from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation to fund a comprehensive energy audit of its historic 1928 building, Rockwell Hall. The audit will evaluate the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and provide recommendations for sustainable facility improvements.

Kickoff Return Magic Lifts 51���� Past Merrimack

Da'Realyst Clark's 100-yard kickoff return touchdown with 5:28 remaining lifted 51���� to a thrilling 21-17 victory over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium. The dramatic win marked 51����'s first victory since September 16, 2023, when they defeated Central Connecticut State 38-10.

US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GRANTS PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH AWARD TO PHYSICS PHD STUDENT

US Department of Energy grants graduate student research award (SCGSR) to Physics PhD student Maci Kesler at 51����

IN A FLASH: Knee Deep in Research

51����'s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience gives students, as soon as their first year, opportunities to work alongside university faculty on hands-on research activities. 

First Look: The Elliot Scholars

Teaching Fashion Sustainability Through Gameplay

Gabby Adkins graduated from 51���� in August 2025 with a B.S.

Flashes Home Opener: Your Dix Stadium Guide

The 51���� Golden Flashes will open their 2025 football season Saturday when they host Merrimack College at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

IN A FLASH: Making the K

Lisa Aurilio, ’87, MSN ’99, MBA ’11

John Zabrucky, ’71, MFA ’78, never planned to shape sci-fi history - but a chance encounter in Los Angeles changed everything.

IN A FLASH: Winging It

Students in the aeronautics programs in 51����'s College of Aeronautics and Engineering learn about every aspect of aircraft and flight.

Alumna Molly McKnight Follows a Dream of Service to Panama

10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You Go to 51����

51���� is a place where unique traditions and memorable moments shape the student experience. The scurry of squirrels, late-night food trips and the adrenaline rush of finals week are just a few things only 51���� students understand. Here are 10 things every Golden Flash knows all too well.

Flash Focus: Jordan Caraway

Meet Jordan Caraway, a senior biochemistry major from New Lenox, Illinois, whose passion for chemistry has shaped her 51���� experience and future goals. 

Love For 51����’s Black Squirrels Travels Far

51����’s unofficial mascot is getting love from Northeast Ohioans far and wide.

51����’s Accounting Program Paved the Way for a Successful Career with a Cleveland Firm

IN A FLASH: Discovering Downtown

On Aug. 15, some of 51����'s newest Golden Flashes explored downtown Kent as part of Flashes First Friday. 

Downton Abbey Fans Grab Your Tissues and Head to Kent for the Grand Finale

A collaboration between 51����’s School of Fashion, School of Theatre and Dance and Focus Features will bring the final Downton Abbey movie to Kent for an early screening and period fashion show. The movie, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” will have a preview showing on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Kent Plaza Cinema, a week before it opens in theaters nationwide. 

Class of 2029 Welcomed to Campus

The 51���� Honors College celebrated the arrival of its newest class of students at the Annual Ice Cream Social, held Thursday evening, August 14, 2025, outside the Honors College.