5XÉçÇø

College of Arts & Sciences

Myron Lard

Myron Lard grew up just 40 miles from the East Palestine derailment site. He returned to help the community understand the impact.

2024 ARI-AHEC Scholar Graduates

Kent State student Elizabeth Marhefka recognized as ARI-AHEC’s 2024 Scholar of the Year. The senior biology and premed student was honored for her passion for medicine and commitment to community engagement.

Angela Neal-Barnett, Ph.D. (right), is pictured at the Doula and Community Expo hosted by Birthing Beautiful Communities in April 2024. (Photo provided by Angela Neal-Barnett)

5XÉçÇø’s Angela Neal-Barnett has been working diligently to build up the Spirit of Motherhood program with the goal of reducing trauma and stress symptoms experienced by its pregnant Black mother participants. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation recently awarded the program another $300,000 to continue its work over the next three years.

Incoming PBS Western Reserve CEO and Kent alumna Natalie Pillsbury

Natalie Pillsbury, who earned both a bachelor’s degree in 2007 and a Master of Public Administration in 2023 from 5XÉçÇø, will begin her new role on March 20.

Chris Wick (left) and David Hassler (right) stand in front of the Wick Poetry Center’s Poets for Science exhibition at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs’ 2023 Conference and Bookfair.

The Wick family has a long history of philanthropy at 5XÉçÇø that began in 1984 when brothers Bob and Walt Wick first established scholarships to support undergraduate poets at the university. This most recent gift of $1 million brings the family’s total lifetime commitment to the university to more than $3.5 million.

Close up of Sydney Weber taking a photo.

Kent State senior Sydney Weber sees extraordinary images through her lens and an exciting career in her future. 

Delia Brennan participating in a demonstration

Graduating senior Delia Brennan applies she learns in the classroom to help survivors of trauma and promote activism in her community.

What's the Big Idea?

Hop on board as Kent State President Todd Diacon engages with Elizabeth Smith-Pryor, associate professor of history with Kent State’s College of Arts and Sciences, as she conducts research on the impact of the Urban League.