When you arrive in Kent in June 2025, you will feel a connection between a city and university unlike any other experience. The City of Kent fully embraces Kent State University as our county’s largest employer, and the amazing connections and friends this relationship has to offer. You will find that these relationships and collaborations are genuine, as it is very common to see at least two of our committee members at a city or university event.
You will witness a physical closeness as the university literally touches our vibrant downtown. Just over 15 years ago, our city manager and university president made a mutual investment that would demonstrate their commitment to a partnership that will last generations. As featured in a previous article, this mutual investment turned abandoned businesses and dilapidated homes into beautiful new buildings, and the esplanade walkway that literally connects us. This year, programs and presentations will be held both on campus and downtown, and most of the venues are within walking distance of the Kent State Hotel & Conference Center. Our beautiful and eclectic downtown also offers many coffee shops, bars and restaurants just a short walk from the hotel.
A friend to so many in the ITGA community, Kent State’s Associate Dean of Students, Todd Kamenash, has created a blueprint for how the city and university can work together to achieve greatness through communication, collaboration & celebration. Todd hosts regular meetings that include city and university personnel, and students as well. These meetings cover pressing issues such as university and city announcements and updates, student housing, special events, and student canvassing efforts.
In 2019, Kent State hosted the Ohio Town & Gown Conference which brought the concepts of the international conference to a regional level, and strengthened connections within the state. In June 2025, Kent State will become just the second Ohio school (Ohio State) to host the International Town & Gown Conference. We sincerely hope you will be a part of it!