Kent State Receives $1 Million Gift from KeyBank Foundation

From Kent State University: KeyBank Foundation has granted $1 million to Kent State University to support programs to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students consistent with the university’s continued mission to help all students reach their full potential in earning a degree.

Attention to academic quality and student success is a cornerstone of Kent State’s students-first commitment. This focus begins with the strategic recruitment of talented and diverse students, and continues with the commitment to support students as they learn to thrive in an academically challenging environment.
This laser focus on student success has already resulted in improvements in retention and graduation rates, as well as greater student engagement in high-impact experiences.

Dynamic Education and Engagement for Diverse Students (DEEDS) was launched by Kent State in September 2016 to provide increased levels of student support services, engagement that cuts across the entire university community, and support for the development of personalized success plans for students who are most likely to struggle to finish their degrees. This grant will support efforts for underrepresented students within the DEEDS initiative to engage, excel and graduate on time with their peers.

“We are grateful to KeyBank Foundation for its partnership with us to ensure that all students succeed and reach the ultimate goal of college degree,” said Kent State President Beverly Warren. “The funding provided by KeyBank Foundation will open doors for diverse students and will elevate Kent State as a national leader in student success initiatives.”

The DEEDS program affirms the university’s commitment to access and success for all students, and strives to close the graduation gap that exists for underrepresented students whose families are economically challenged.

“We recognize that the success of students entering the workforce depends not only on the quality of their education but the resources and support services available,” said Margot Copeland, chair and CEO of KeyBank Foundation and a Kent State trustee. “Through this grant, we are ensuring that students of all backgrounds receive the same opportunities, support and engagement as their peers – leveling the playing field upon graduation.”

With this meaningful grant, KeyBank Foundation is making a difference in the lives of Kent State students by helping the university to provide greater levels of support for its students, including the development of personalized success plans for underrepresented students.

“The DEEDS program is our commitment to ensure that underrepresented students are supported and fully engaged in the Kent State experience,” said Eboni Pringle, dean of the University College at Kent State. “To accomplish this goal, we’re focused on providing a purposeful learning experience for our students that creates life-changing opportunities.”

“I was involved in the McNair Scholars Program, which is part of DEEDS,” said Isaac Floyd, a graduating senior in nutrition science who will be continuing his studies at Kent State for his postgraduate program. “It provided valuable experience and a vantage point in the process of applying for graduate school. It made me a very competitive candidate and made the transition from graduation to graduate school much easier.”

Photo courtesy of Kent State University (KeyBank Foundation has granted $1 million to Kent State University to support programs to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of underrepresented students. Pictured (left to right) are Barb Smith of KeyBank; Margot Copeland of KeyBank Foundation and Kent State Board of Trustees; Kent State student Jordan Wilkins; Kent State President Beverly Warren; and Kent State Foundation Board Chair Gary Brahler.)