51����

‘Stand for Your Rights’ Headlines Annual Read-In

Think about a time you finished reading a book that provided a new meaning and connection to you. Now imagine that book that changed and shaped a part of you being banned, unavailable to new readers. The 51���� community joined for the fourth annual open mic night Read-In to discuss banning and challenging books.

Industry Spotlight - United Aviate

came aboard in the summer of 2024 as an Official Corporate Partner for 51����’s

Office of Intercultural Student Life: A Bridge to American Culture

The Office of Intercultural Student Life, formerly known as International Student Affairs, has a new central location in the Kent Student Center, which has made it more accessible to international students. Along with the new location comes the mission to provide drop-in services for international students.

51���� CUDC’s Dawn Mayes Selected for Crain’s Cleveland Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders

IN A FLASH: Scenes from Homecoming 2024

Homecoming Weekend at 51���� came with a full schedule of events including a parade, alumni activities, a tailgate and a football game at Dix Stadium.

51���� Celebrates Crawford Hall Grand Opening

51���� celebrated the grand opening of Crawford Hall on Sept. 27, attended by more than 700 guests, including university leadership, faculty, students, donors, alumni and dignitaries.

ADVISORY: 51���� Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Oct. 2

The 51���� Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Oct. 2 on the Kent Campus. This special meeting is being called solely for the purpose of enabling trustees to retire into executive session to consider specific topics as provided under Ohio’s “Sunshine Law.”

Homecoming: A Legacy of Leadership

From the grand opening of Crawford Hall to the big parade, Homecoming 2024 had a little something for everyone!

This year’s Homecoming theme is A Legacy of Leadership. The university recognizes two prestigious student organizations as its Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals: the Undergraduate Student Government, celebrating its 100th anniversary, and Kent Student Ambassadors, celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Welcome, Honors College Families

As part of the university's annual Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend, 51����'s Honors College presented a day of fun activities for their students and their families.

IN A FLASH: The Road to Homecoming

All around campus - and on the streets of Kent -  there are signs that it's almost time for 51���� to erupt in a Blue and Gold celebration for Homecoming Weekend. 

A Year With a Flash: 51���� Journeys to Be Chronicled This Academic Year

51���� Today will be following a group of six Golden Flashes for the 2024-25 academic year, chronicling their efforts and successes during the fall and spring semesters. The group of students are at various places in their 51���� academic careers and will share their experiences throughout the year as they take part in our distinctive programs, research and global experiences.

Flash Focus: Morgan Bedilion

Honors College Excited to Grow and Welcome the Class of 2028

Numbers in the Honors College are growing again this year, with 693 first-year students in this fall’s class of 2028, exceeding last year’s count of 593 first-year students.

IN A FLASH: See Your Photo Here!

"IN A FLASH" offers unique views of 51���� through the lenses of storytellers across campus. IN A FLASH invites anyone to share their 51����-related photos at InAFlash@kent.edu.

Student Spotlight: Molly Wagner

Meet Molly Wagner!

“I chose 51���� for the culture and the history of activism," said Molly. "Both of those things are very important to me and are integral parts of art history, which at the end of the day, is just a reflection of reality.”

51���� Celebrates ‘A Legacy of Leadership’ at This Year’s Homecoming

51���� is set to burst with Golden Flash pride as the annual Homecoming celebration returns Sept. 28. 

Flash Focus: Lilly Kensicki

Uncovering the Depths of Decapoda: Meet 51����’s Expert in Crustacean Evolution

Meet Carrie Schweitzer, Ph.D., a professor in the Depart

Wanted: Student Feedback on New Room Options

Students are invited to examine and evaluate a sample assembly of furniture in 51����’s Tri-Towers rotunda so that their input can guide University Housing in selecting new furnishings for residence halls.

Indian Delegation Visiting Kent Campus to Experience University First-Hand

A group of college recruiters who have contributed to 51����’s high enrollment of international students from India are on campus this week to experience the university first-hand.

Elevating Business: Crawford Hall’s New Transformative Spaces

A 360-degree theatre-in-the-round classroom whose curved walls glow with projected images from the classroom computer paired with crystal-clear sounds. This is what it’s like to be immersed in the James R. Unger Global Forum, one of the many amazing new spaces in the brand-new Crawford Hall.

The King, The Queen and the Pop-Up Pantry

Members of 51����’s 2024 Homecoming Court will be among the students working with Flashes Fighting Hunger and the Kent Health Department at a Pop-Up Pantry created to help community members in need. 

51���� Leads Northern Ohio Universities Once More on Top Public Schools List in US News 2025 Best Colleges Rankings

U.S. News & World Report has once again confirmed 51����’s academic strengths with the university’s inclusion on several lists in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings. In the newly released rankings, 51���� continues to be recognized among the Top Public Schools in the nation.

From Student to Researcher: Bridging Knowledge with the Two-Eyed Seeing Method

Rae Baba, a senior Environmental Studies major and Environment, Peace and Justice minor, is at the forefront of an innovative research pr

Exploring Nutrient Dynamics in Wetlands: A Summer Research Journey

Junior Environmental and Conservation Biology undergraduate student Nora Haddon is making important contributions to understanding the de

IN A FLASH: On With the Show!

It's "showtime" in the 51���� School of Theater and Dance as the halls and studios are alive with activity as students get into the routine of Fall Semester. 

Wick Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Large Gathering of Poets

Maggie Anderson, the founding director of 51����’s Wick Poetry Center, was the first to offer words of verse to begin the three-day celebration of the center’s 40th anniversary.

51���� Student Explores Sustainable Practices in Ohio’s Growing Cannabis Industry

Pamela Brigger, a senior majoring in

Historian's New Book Gives 360-Degree View of May 4 Tragedy

Brian VanDeMark, a historian with the United States Naval Academy, has written a new book “51����: An American Tragedy.” He will participate in a panel discussion at 51���� on Sept. 27.

President Diacon to Tout Success of ‘51���� Works’ Initiative at Annual Bowman Breakfast

51���� President Todd Diacon will discuss a topic near and dear to his heart – 51���� Works – at this year's Bowman Breakfast. The initiative launched in 2023 and highlights recent graduates and programs preparing students for success wherever they go across Ohio.

Flash Focus: Cheer Co-Captains

Once a Golden Flash ...

The Class of 2028 is both strong in size and in academic success, boasting an outstanding 3.61 GPA. It's the largest incoming class to the Kent Campus since 2019 and the eighth-largest incoming class in the university's 114-year history. 

51���� Board of Trustees Welcomes Class of 2028, Congratulates University for Strong Enrollment

The 51���� Board of Trustees welcomed the Class of 2028 during its regular quarterly meeting held Sept. 18 in Crawford Hall and congratulated the university administration for this year’s strong enrollment.

LaunchNET Supports: Destination Dream

"LaunchNET was always there to assist with my business goals while navigating the ups and downs of being a college student." - Jada Hobson, Founder of Destination Dream

Pledges, Pastries and the President

The Flashes Vote Festival on Risman Plaza celebrated National Voter Registration Day, National Beignet Day and what Todd Diacon, president of 51���� called "our civic duty." 

IN A FLASH: ‘Have You Met 51����'s President?’

51���� President Todd Diacon was an important part of this year's Flashes Vote Festival as he engaged students, distributed free 51���� Votes t-shirts and helped them get information about voting in the coming elections.