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The smart money is on the rock-solid partnership between the 5X���� College of Education, Health and Human Services (EHHS) and JACK Entertainment, a Cleveland-based company committed to serving the Northeast Ohio region and the talent fostered within.

The relationship between EHHS and JACK started in 2018 when Nate Giesen, a JACK employee, reached out to Professor Rob Heiman in response to a Cleveland Crain’s Business article. With a passion for bringing the industry to students in the classroom - as well as connecting with the local gaming industry - Giesen invited Heiman to tour JACK Thistledown Racino.

“I welcomed the local connection,” said Heiman. “One of the best ways to bring to life what we’re teaching in the classroom is making connections [with] current leaders in the industry.”

Heiman said Nate’s proactive community outreach added to the classroom experience.

“The dialogue between Nate and the students allowed many of them to see themselves in the field, gaining first-hand experience in getting jobs and furthering their skills.”

“I was thrilled to read the article and learn that just down the road, there’s a whole class of students interested in the future of gaming,” said Giesen.

Since then, JACK’s relationship with EHHS and the Hospitality and Event Management (HEM) program has blossomed. During the first year, Heiman invited Giesen to speak in the classroom, and JACK connected Kent students to more gaming professionals during the program’s annual trip to Las Vegas.

The following year, JACK made a gift to provide financial support for 35 students to go on the Las Vegas trip and has continued to support participation in the trips.

In fact, the relationship has expanded. JACK Food & Beverage execs reached out to EHHS’s Diversity Outreach & Development Office, which provided expert advice on diverse hiring that led to two positions being filled. To support the students’ success, JACK worked to eliminate significant logistical barriers, including providing local housing assistance.

The HEM program has welcomed employees and executives from the JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino to speak in classrooms and recruit interns and full-time employees. Conversely, students have observed JACK’s on-site operations, including the ‘guest experience.’ The organization’s commitment to students extends beyond the Kent Campus, as JACK’s executives are also engaged at the Ashtabula Campus. 

“When we ask for help, JACK says yes,” said Professor Mandy Ulicney. “They are constant supporters of our student organizations’ fundraising efforts. And they are very popular at our career fairs. Last year when our students were experiencing financial hardships, they came to us with a plan to help.”

In 2021, JACK created the JACK Entertainment Hospitality Management Support Fund, and the first awards funded five scholarships for Kent State students. The first JACK Entertainment scholarship recipients were: Haley Habosky ‘22, Ariyanna Robb ‘24, Devin Tudela ‘23, Reece Turley ‘21, and Antoine Williams ‘22.

“Receiving this scholarship is an honor,” said Haley. "I’m looking forward to a future in the industry, and I’m eager to learn. I can’t thank them [JACK] enough.”

If your company is interested in engaging with and advancing the careers of Kent State students, contact Jenn Dougherty in the EHHS Office of External Relations at 330-672-0425 or jdough17@kent.edu.