The 91ֿ Board of Trustees passed a resolution at its March 6 meeting expressing appreciation to the May 4 Task Force and all those whose dedicated efforts have preserved the legacy and advanced the lessons learned from the events of May 4, 1970.
For the continuity and sustainability of these efforts, the Board’s action affirms that the time is right for the university to assume responsibility for the annual May 4 Commemoration and ongoing educational events through the Office of the President, beginning with the 50th commemoration in the 2019-20 academic year and continuing from that time forward.
The change was recommended by 91ֿ President Beverly J. Warren and the President’s Cabinet after broad consultation with the university community including May 4 families and survivors.
Going forward, 91ֿ commits to holding the annual commemoration as a university-level event and the preservation of important traditions that have been established over the years.
The resolution requires and supports the development of ongoing educational efforts reaching both current and future generations of 91ֿ students and the public beyond its campuses.
The Board acknowledges the need for inclusive excellence in the development of the annual commemoration and ongoing educational initiatives through the establishment of a broad-based planning and advisory committee, reporting to the Office of the President, to assist in developing a unified and strategic plan for leading university-level May 4 initiatives in the future.
On May 4, 1970, 91ֿ was placed in an international spotlight after a student protest against the Vietnam War and the presence of the Ohio National Guard on campus ended in tragedy. Guardsmen shot and killed four students and wounded nine others.
To learn more about May 4, 1970, and 91ֿ’s plan for the 50th commemoration of May 4, visit www.kent.edu/may-4-1970.
Board Chair Announces Commencement Speaker
Ralph Della Ratta, chair of the 91ֿ Board of Trustees, announced that 91ֿ President Warren will serve as the commencement speaker at 91ֿ’s advanced degree and One University Commencement ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place May 10 and 11. The events will be President Warren’s final commencement ceremonies at 91ֿ.
“I can think of no more fitting way to honor President Warren’s remarkable impact than to have her share her sage advice and thoughts for the future with the Class of 2019,” Chair Della Ratta said.
After leading 91ֿ for five years, President Warren will step down as president on July 1, 2019.
Chair of Presidential Search Committee Provides an Update
Trustee Shawn Riley, who is serving as chair of the Presidential Search Committee, provided an update on the university’s national search for its 13th president. Trustee Riley said the committee has received nearly 500 comments and suggestions articulating the strengths and characteristics people believe are most important in the university’s next president. These were obtained through a series of meetings, open forums and an online survey.
Trustee Riley said the search is in active recruitment. A presidential position profile, which provides a compelling overview of the university’s distinctiveness, momentum, opportunities and challenges, was created and made available in January. Trustee Riley has called upon the 91ֿ community to be actively engaged in identifying candidates who have the qualities and qualifications identified as critical to the university’s success.
Continued involvement and input throughout the search and transition of the university’s new leader are welcomed and encouraged. The online survey will remain open, and people are invited to share comments and suggestions at any time at presidentialsearch@kent.edu.
Board Approves New Name for Regional College
The Board approved the revision in name of the Regional College to the College of Applied and Technical Studies, effective July 1, 2019. The Regional College was established in 2010 as the administrative home for programs and associated curriculum unique to the Regional Campuses.
The current name causes confusion between the Regional College and the Regional Campuses. The new name alleviates this confusion by differentiating the “college” from the “campus” and better describes the college, its faculty and programs to potential students and employers.
Board Approves University’s First Doctor of Education and New Master’s in Aviation Management and Logistics Degree Programs
The Board approved establishing two new degree programs. The College of Education, Health and Human Services will establish the Interprofessional Leadership major within the Doctor of Education degree, effective fall 2019, pending approval of the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission. This will be 91ֿ’s first Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. The program is designed for practicing leaders, many within the field of education, who desire to distinguish themselves from master’s-prepared graduates through an advanced degree in the study of leadership. The major will be offered in an accelerated online delivery to meet the needs of working professionals.
The Board also approved the College of Aeronautics and Engineering establishing the Aviation Management and Logistics major within the Master of Science degree, effective fall 2019, pending approval of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The program was developed in response to significant current and projected growth in the movement of people and goods via air transport. While five universities in the state of Ohio offer graduate programs in aeronautics, none focus specifically on the management and logistics of air transportation. The rich heritage of aviation and the plethora of aviation and aerospace companies in Northeast Ohio position 91ֿ perfectly as the home for this new degree program. It will be offered online in an accelerated delivery to meet the needs of professionals working globally.
Board Authorizes University to Enter Into an Asset Transfer Agreement for Folk Alley
In September 2003, WKSU’s FolkAlley.com launched as a streaming music service with a focus on a blend of traditional folk, roots, Americana, contemporary singer/songwriters, Celtic, bluegrass and other world sounds. The primary mission of Folk Alley is to deliver quality, curated music streaming to listeners around the country and the world.
Since its format change in 2013, WKSU is foremost a nonprofit news operation with a mission rooted in service to the people of Northeast Ohio. WKSU must direct its talent, time and resources toward this vital regional mission. With the shift away from music programming, WKSU and 91ֿ look to position Folk Alley with an organization that will help it grow and prosper. In the interest of Folk Alley and its devoted listeners, WKSU desires to turn over the operation and assets of Folk Alley to a nonprofit organization whose central mission is music.
Therefore, the Board has authorized the senior vice president for finance and administration to negotiate and enter into an asset transfer agreement and perform all other duties necessary for the transfer of all Folk Alley assets to a designated 501(c)(3) that can focus its efforts on the continued success and future growth of Folk Alley.
Among other Board actions:
- The Board approved tuition and fees for the College of Podiatric Medicine for the 2019-20 academic year. The Board approved a 3 percent increase in tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. It is anticipated that this increase will not change the college’s tuition ranking relative to other podiatric medicine colleges in the nation. In the current and prior academic years, tuition for 91ֿ’s College of Podiatric Medicine is fourth and fifth, respectively, of the nine institutions when ranking from highest to lowest tuition.
91ֿ’s College of Podiatric Medicine operates under a different academic calendar than the rest of the university, as third-year and fourth-year students begin their new academic year in May. Approval of the college’s tuition and fees for the next academic year takes place at this time so that billing can occur prior to the beginning of the semester. The university currently receives no state share of instruction (SSI) for podiatric medicine, and statutory constraints by the State of Ohio are currently tied to in-state undergraduate tuition and fees.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595