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A lack of skilled labor is one of the top hiring challenges that businesses in Stark and Wayne counties face, according to the results of a wage and benefits survey conducted by the Corporate University at Kent State University at Stark. More than 120 area companies completed the online survey, which was conducted in 2018.

Kent State University has always been a place where breaking down barriers and changing the norm are encouraged and alumna Julia Montgomery Walsh serves as proof. Her work in business and finance was featured recently on Bloomberg’s list of women who broke barriers in business over the last 150 years.

Kent State University’s Community Engaged Learning Initiative selected the Walls Community Garden for its Outstanding New Service Initiative award. The garden was selected for the award for understanding the needs of the community and making a positive impact on Kent State University, Walls Elementary School, where the garden is located, and the city of Kent.

Early childhood education majors at Kent State University helped create a Cultural Fair for third-graders of Kent City Schools. The event, held in the Kent Roosevelt gymnasium, included stations and activities for students to learn about different countries and cultures such as learning a traditional Persian dance.

Jacob Thompson, a Kent State University sophomore aeronautics and engineering major, was braving the harsh February winds during his regular commute back to the Kent Campus from his Coast Guard drill training in Port Clinton, Ohio, when tragedy struck a semi and Mr. Thompson sprang into action.

For more than 55 years, leaders from Kent State University and the city of Kent have met over breakfast to foster successful collaboration between the university and the city.

An interdisciplinary team of Kent State University professors has come together to explore the different ways virtual reality (VR) technology can help those with developmental and cognitive impairments. “We found that we are able to blend our expertise together to create a project that will improve the health opportunities for people with cognitive impairments,” said Mary Ann Devine, Ph.D., director for the Disability Studies and Community Inclusion minor/graduate certificate.

Each semester, PNC recognizes two outstanding Kent State University students as PNC Achievers. These students exemplify excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in student leadership and development.

A key leader in the community and a key player in economic development, Kent State University at Tuscarawas received the Large Business of the Year award from the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce. “We have been involved heavily this year in the community and I think a lot of good stories have come out about the campus either in traditional or social media,” said Brad Bielski, Ph.D., dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas.

Crain’s Cleveland Business recently highlighted Kent State University’s new Design Innovation Initiative - and J.R. Campbell, Ph.D., the first executive director of the initiative - which is focused on connecting students from different disciplines to develop new ways of problem solving.