Kent State University President Todd Diacon recently addressed multiple challenges facing the university with the Akron Beacon Journal, including the $1.5-$2 million cost of implementing Senate Bill 1, budget constraints from capped tuition increases and enrollment declines.
The university is responding with its Transformation 28 plan, which cuts costs by restructuring colleges and eliminating about 30 administrative positions while protecting faculty jobs. Despite these pressures, Diacon remains committed to the university’s core values, stating, “We’re not just for the fortunate few. We’re for the meritorious many.”
While working to implement SB 1’s requirements for post-tenure review and civics education, Kent State is assessing which programs might be affected by the law’s mandate to eliminate undergraduate programs with fewer than five graduates over three years.
Diacon believes academic courses like women’s and African studies won’t be impacted, as the bill primarily affects operations outside the classroom. He emphasized the university’s continued commitment to academic freedom and supporting students, though how that support is delivered will change under the new law.
Kent State United Faculty Association President Deborah Smith praised Diacon’s leadership during these unprecedented challenges, noting his focus on reducing administrative rather than faculty positions. At 66, Diacon has no immediate retirement plans, saying, “It still is the best job in America.”