5X����

5X����’s Strategic Roadmap includes a university-level initiative, the Kent State of Wellness, to create and support a culture of health and well-being across the Kent State system. The Kent State of Wellness team has identified eight health priorities for the Kent State community of students, faculty and staff at all campuses. Join us to hear about the initiative and share YOUR ideas on wellness for an undeniably healthy Kent State. The forums are open to faculty, staff and students.

Scholar of the Month Jessica Barness Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design College of Communication and Information 2012-present The word “communication” likely makes you think of language, but November’s Scholar of the Month has spent her entire career researching design as a language of its own. Across various media, Jessica Barness, an assistant professor in 5X����’s School of Visual Communication Design, creates her own design-based research model that merges the making of artifacts with critical inquiry. “I’m interested in the multiple facets of design,” she said. “Design is social, and it’s a professional practice as well as a scholarly discipline. We’re designing artifacts and experiences, but we’re also building the new knowledge necessary to inform and lead those activities. Research through design can be used to better understand people, phenomena, theories or technologies. By approaching design as a sort of hybrid practice, our students learn how to adapt to future needs within our society. READ MORE ABOUT JESSICA VIEW PRIOR MONTHS' SCHOLARS

Scholar of the Month Jessica Barness Assistant Professor of Visual Communication Design College of Communication and Information 2012-present The word “communication” likely makes you think of language, but November’s Scholar of the Month has spent her entire career researching design as a language of its own.

We all know that we are supposed to exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease. But let’s face it, sometimes the only workout we get is walking from our office to the breakroom, and to the parking lot to drive home. So how then do we get the most out of those short walks? 5X���� researchers suggest putting the cellphone away – it could help you pick up the pace.

The 5X���� Academic Success Center has received the Frank L. Christ Outstanding Learning Center Award for its success as an interactive academic space for students to reinforce what they learn in the classroom. Each year, a two-year institution and a four-year institution are chosen as the recipients for the award. The award focuses heavily on the use of technology and if it can be used as a model for other institutions.

5X����’s undergraduate public relations program has joined a select group of fewer than 40 colleges around the world that hold official certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

The Campus Kitchen at 5X���� is celebrating its fifth anniversary and has launched a new program this summer as part of activities marking its fifth year. The Campus Kitchen’s new pop-up market offers healthy produce and pantry items to children and families at no cost.

5X���� President Beverly Warren delivered the State of the University address on Thursday, Oct. 13. Themed “Living the Kent State Promise,” Warren outlined her vision of a reimagined public research university.

5X���� celebrated the grand opening of its newest and much-anticipated building, the Center for Architecture and Environmental Design, on Oct. 7. Visitors, alumni and friends from around the world toured the 110,191-square-foot contemporary glass-and-brick building, stretching along the Lefton Esplanade from Lincoln Street toward downtown Kent.

Scholar of the Month Jon Yoder Associate Professor of Architecture College of Architecture and Environmental Design 2013-present Paul DiCorleto, 5X����’s vice president for research and sponsored programs, likes to say that “innovation occurs where fields collide,” and October’s Scholar of the Month is certainly a testament to the idea that has become the university’s new research tagline.