Kent State University Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Keenan, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President at Kent State University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives for the executive office. Keenan facilitates communication between the president and various university departments to ensure operational alignment with institutional goals. By streamlining internal processes, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President supports the university's mission of providing quality education across northeast Ohio. Karen Keenan monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain organizational efficiency. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to address complex academic and operational challenges. Through meticulous oversight of presidential priorities, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President strengthens the university's administrative foundation. Keenan ensures that all executive directives receive proper implementation, ultimately contributing to the long-term stability and growth of the institution within the competitive higher education landscape.

Lashonda Taylor, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President at Kent State University, directs external relations and stakeholder engagement strategies to bolster the university's public profile. Taylor manages complex scheduling and policy development tasks that support the president's vision for regional impact. By analyzing institutional data, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President identifies opportunities for community partnerships across the various Ohio campuses. Lashonda Taylor coordinates cross-functional teams to execute large-scale events and initiatives that highlight the university's research capabilities. This position demands a deep understanding of public university governance and the ability to navigate multifaceted administrative environments. Through proactive communication and strategic planning, the Associate Chief of Staff, Office of the President ensures that presidential objectives remain visible and actionable. Taylor maintains rigorous standards for institutional reporting, providing the necessary support to sustain the university's reputation as a premier research institution.

Luke Migely, the Club President at Kent State University, leads student-driven initiatives that enhance campus culture and professional development opportunities. Migely organizes events, manages membership engagement, and facilitates collaboration between student groups and university administration. By fostering an environment of active participation, the Club President ensures that student voices contribute to the vibrant academic community across the various campuses. Luke Migely coordinates with faculty advisors to align club activities with the university's educational goals and research focus. This leadership role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to mobilize peers toward common objectives. Through effective management of club resources and outreach efforts, the Club President expands the impact of student organizations on the broader university population. Migely drives initiatives that promote networking and skill-building, ensuring that students gain valuable experience that complements their formal education while contributing to the overall success of the institution.

Jayanah Sutton, the President, State Society of Human Resource Management (Kent) at Kent State University, directs professional development programs and industry networking for human resource students and practitioners. Sutton manages the society's strategic agenda, focusing on bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world human resource practices. By organizing workshops and seminars, the President, State Society of Human Resource Management (Kent) provides essential training that aligns with the university's commitment to career readiness. Jayanah Sutton facilitates connections between the university and regional business leaders to foster internship and employment opportunities. This role involves overseeing membership growth and ensuring that all society activities adhere to professional standards. Through proactive leadership, the President, State Society of Human Resource Management (Kent) enhances the university's reputation as a hub for professional excellence. Sutton drives initiatives that prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce, ensuring that the society remains a vital resource for the campus community.

Saba Kandi, the President at Kent State University, provides overarching strategic direction and vision for the institution's academic and research endeavors. Kandi leads the university's executive team to ensure alignment with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality education across all regional campuses. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, the President drives the university's growth and enhances its reputation as a leading public research institution. Saba Kandi engages with stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, to secure resources and support for university initiatives. This role involves managing complex institutional challenges and setting long-term goals that promote student success and faculty research. Through decisive leadership, the President ensures that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce and society. Kandi oversees the implementation of strategic plans that strengthen the institution's financial health and academic standing, ultimately guiding the university toward sustained success and regional impact.

Chad Budy, the President at Kent State University, focuses on the operational integration of student services and academic support systems to enhance the overall campus experience. Budy directs initiatives that improve student engagement and retention, ensuring that the university's resources effectively support diverse learning needs. By analyzing institutional performance metrics, the President identifies areas for improvement and implements strategies to optimize service delivery across all campuses. Chad Budy collaborates with department heads to align operational workflows with the university's broader strategic objectives. This leadership role requires a deep commitment to student-centered education and the ability to manage complex administrative structures. Through proactive management of campus resources, the President drives efficiency and fosters an environment conducive to academic achievement. Budy ensures that the university remains a leader in providing comprehensive support services, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and professional development of the student body within the northeast Ohio region.

I. Nettey, the President & Division Atmae Safety Professor at Kent State University, leads specialized academic divisions while maintaining a focus on safety research and curriculum development. Nettey oversees faculty research projects and ensures that safety standards are integrated into the university's technical and engineering programs. By bridging the gap between academic instruction and industry safety requirements, the President & Division Atmae Safety Professor enhances the practical value of the university's degree offerings. I. Nettey coordinates with other academic leaders to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in safety technology. This role involves managing departmental budgets and fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry among students and faculty. Through dedicated research and teaching, the President & Division Atmae Safety Professor contributes to the university's reputation for excellence in technical education. Nettey drives initiatives that prepare students for high-stakes careers, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of safety research and academic advancement.

Michael Whitely, the President at Kent State University, directs the university's financial planning and resource allocation strategies to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Whitely oversees the management of institutional assets and coordinates with the board to implement policies that support academic growth and infrastructure development. By prioritizing investments in research and technology, the President strengthens the university's competitive position in the higher education market. Michael Whitely engages with donors and corporate partners to expand funding opportunities and support university-wide initiatives. This role requires a focus on fiscal responsibility and the ability to navigate complex economic environments. Through strategic oversight of the university's financial health, the President ensures that resources are effectively utilized to achieve institutional goals. Whitely drives initiatives that promote operational efficiency and long-term stability, ultimately supporting the university's mission of providing high-quality education and research opportunities to students across the northeast Ohio region.

Chelsea Perry, the Associate Athletic Director, Chief of Staff at Kent State University, oversees the daily operations and strategic planning for the athletic department. Perry manages personnel, budget oversight, and compliance protocols to ensure the department functions effectively within the broader university framework. By aligning athletic programs with the academic mission of the institution, the Associate Athletic Director, Chief of Staff promotes student-athlete success and institutional pride. Chelsea Perry coordinates with university leadership to optimize facility usage and resource distribution across the northeast Ohio region. This role involves managing complex logistics for athletic events and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Through disciplined management of departmental assets, the Associate Athletic Director, Chief of Staff drives operational excellence and supports the competitive standing of university sports teams. Perry maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that athletic initiatives contribute positively to the overall student experience and university brand.

Bradley Bielski, the Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at Kent State University, manages academic programming and administrative operations for regional campus locations. Bielski oversees faculty recruitment, curriculum development, and budget management to ensure high-quality educational delivery across northeast Ohio. By aligning regional campus goals with the university's central research mission, the Dean and Chief Administrative Officer drives local economic development and student retention. Bradley Bielski coordinates with university leadership to implement strategic initiatives that expand access to higher education. This role requires balancing academic rigor with operational efficiency to meet the diverse needs of the student population. Through effective oversight of campus resources, the Dean and Chief Administrative Officer ensures that regional facilities remain competitive and responsive to market demands. Bielski maintains a focus on institutional growth, fostering partnerships that strengthen the university's presence and impact throughout the region while supporting the overall success of the academic enterprise.