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Kent State Reaffirms Its Leadership as Top Northern Ohio Public University in 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings

In the newly released rankings, Kent State is once again the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio, and with its impressive national ranking of No. 129, the university continues to be recognized among the Top Public Schools in the nation.

Stark Faculty Member Recognized for AI, Computer Science Research

Deepshikha Bhati has reached several milestones in her short career as an educator and researcher, all of which highlights her dedication and passion for sharing her expertise with others. She is a computer science lecturer on the Kent State Stark campus, with a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Making Self-Driving Cars Easier to Trust

When School of Visual Communication Design professor Hadi Rahmati met Computer Science assistant professor Raiful Hasan at �鶹����'s new faculty orientation in 2023, their conversation about their respective research interests led to an important project. They're working together to solve a big problem: how can self-driving cars communicate better with pedestrians?

IN A FLASH: Who Wore It Better?

The black squirrel statue near the Beyer-Murin Gardens on the Kent Campus serves as a landmark, a meeting place and a "lost and found."

‘If You Have a Vision of What You Want for Your Design, Create That and It Will Begin to Manifest Itself’

Academy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell met with students in Kent State's School of Fashion, viewed their designs and shared valuable insights during his time on campus for the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series. 

IN A FLASH: The Fixers Are IN!

Volunteers with skills in repairing clothing, household items, electronics, furniture, small appliances and more will be available to help people who bring in broken or non-working items at the Fix-It Kent Community Repair Workshop on Sept. 18.

The Power of Connection and Kindness

Celebrating World Gratitude Day on Sept. 21

Flash Focus: Muskaan Khanduri

Meet Muskaan Khanduri, a fashion design major from Uttarakhand, India, whose interests explore the art and science of fashion.  

Freeman Fellows Program Offers Aid for Student Internships in Asia

Undergraduate students from any major who are interested in pursuing an international internship in East and Southeast Asian countries may be eligible for up to $6,500 to help make the experience affordable.

�鶹����’s Office of Global Education is offering the awards through the KSU Freeman Fellows Internship in Asia Program, which this year has received a grant of $85,000 to offer support for up to 12 students.

Giving Students a Taste of Education Abroad

The Office of Global Education recently treated �鶹���� students to a whimsical week of global considerations featuring a packed schedule of activities for students curious about studying abroad. 

Kent State Board of Trustees Welcomes Class of 2029, Congratulates University for Strong Enrollment

The �鶹���� Board of Trustees welcomed the Class of 2029 during its regular quarterly meeting held Sept. 17 in the Kent Student Center. The Board congratulated the university administration for this year’s strong enrollment.  

Inside the Egg: Exploring Microbial Inheritance in Lizards

Kent State's Class of 2029 Arrives Ready to Learn

�鶹���� continues to defy that challenge, welcoming its fourth incoming class of more than 4,000 students in just five years. 

Wick Poetry Center Kicks Off Semester with Book Launch, Reading and Exhibit

The Wick Poetry Center will begin the 2025 Fall Semester with a book launch, poetry readings and new exhibit from its Poets for Science collaboration.

Kent State Welcomes First-Year Punter from Down Under

Originally from Riverland, Australia, �鶹���� punter Jake Stoeckel, a first-year exercise science major, made his American football debut at the start of this season. 

Building Confidence, Credibility, and Careers: How Jason Zygadlo Turned Resilience into a Business

A cancer diagnosis in 2019 became the turning point. It was then Jason realized he wasn’t just meant to succeed within a system — he was meant to create something transformative. Today, Jason is the founder of , a business focused on helping individuals and businesses build confidence, credibility, and unforgettable personal stories.

�鶹���� Welcomes Back Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award-Winning Costume Designer Paul Tazewell

�鶹����’s College of the Arts, in collaboration with the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, proudly welcomes back Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award–winning costume designer Paul Tazewell for the 2025–2026 Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series. 

Kent State Entrepreneurship Graduate Creates the Vibe at her New Dance Studio

A dancer from the age of four, Spigelmire knew she wanted to incorporate her love of dance with her desire to be an entrepreneur.  And now, Spigelmire is living the dream of owning her own dance studio, The Vibe Dance Company. Spigelmire of Stow not only opened her studio, but she also hired four Kent State students, some of whom she attended dance programs with as a child, to teach at the dance studio.

Scoring the Music Behind the Moving Pictures

The annual short film collaboration among Kent State, Cuyahoga Community College and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra gives young musicians the rare chance to record original music for films alongside faculty and professional mentors.  

�鶹���� Welcomes Back Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award-Winning Costume Designer Paul Tazewell

�鶹����’s College of the Arts, in collaboration with the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, proudly welcomes back Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award–winning costume designer Paul Tazewell for the 2025–2026 Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series. 

Underground Insights: Tracking Soil’s Role in Carbon Storage

IN A FLASH: A Tribute Over Campus

On his way to an assignment on  Sept. 11, a university photographer saw a tribute flight in formation over Kent State.

�鶹���� and University of Cincinnati Receive Nearly $3 Million NSF Grant to Strengthen Regional Research Capacity

�鶹���� and the University of Cincinnati have been awarded a nearly $3 million grant to transform how research institutions across the region collaborate, share expertise and develop the next generation of research leaders.

Making Waves in the World of Nuclear Physics

Brookhaven National Lab in New York is home to some of the most exciting work in nuclear physics today. Two rising stars from �鶹����, doctoral student Maci Kesler and research scientist Sooraj Radhakrishnan, are on the cutting edge of high-profile scientific research collaborations through Brookhaven that advance our understanding of the universe’s early moments.

IN A FLASH: An Official Celebration of Our Unofficial Mascot

Kent State's Annual Black Squirrel Festival is happening from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, on Risman Plaza. 

Flash Focus: Brooklyn Jones

Meet Brooklyn Jones, a resilient freshman English major from Fort Mill, South Carolina, who carries a passion for creative writing and helping students build confidence in their own literary skills.  

Wick Poetry Center Waxes Poetic for New Kent Mural

�鶹����’s Wick Poetry Center recently helped create a new mural for the Haymaker Farmers’ Market.

From Kent State to Ground Zero

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

From Kent State to Ground Zero

When the Sept. 11 attacks shook the nation, Kent State alumnus D. Mark Jones (M.S.

Master Chief's Creator: Marcus Lehto Returns to Kent State

Marcus Lehto, co-creator of the iconic Halo series and the mind behind Master Chief, reflects on his time at �鶹����, where he spent late nights working in Verder Hall developing his craft. Discover how his Kent State 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: Kent State 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 �鶹���� 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

Kent State's Wetlands Are the Training Grounds for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Senior Nick Brocato and sophomore Tamera Owens were among the 172 undergraduate Kent State 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 Kent State 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 �鶹���� College of Public Health. While Woo was completing her doctorate in 2022, Nicol was just starting her journey at Kent State. 

IN A FLASH: Back Where It Began

The �鶹���� Aeronautics & Engineering Expo at the �鶹���� 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.