The Kent State University ballroom was filled with approximately 600 high school seniors and their families on Feb. 21 for Future Flash Day, marking an increase in attendance from last year. This is the second Future Flash Day event held this semester.
The event featured keynote speakers Collin Palmer and Josh Perkins, Kent State trivia, meetings with professors in various fields of study and campus tours. The primary objective is to encourage students to commit to Kent State, as more than 52% of registrants are still undecided.
LeAnn Starlin Nilsson, director of university orientation and visit experience, aims to provide positive and informative visit experiences for prospective students. A new addition to this year’s Future Flash Day was a segment where student speakers shared their experiences.
“We tried it last year, and it was received very well,” Nilsson said. “We got a lot of really great feedback from students and families, so we decided to do it again. We put a call out to student leaders on campus.”
Campus tour guides Moira George and Emily Bishop shared personal stories about their challenges and successes at Kent State, emphasizing the importance of campus involvement.
“We can provide information about applications and timelines, but students need to hear from those living and experiencing campus life,” Nilsson said.
Emily McCall, a senior in high school, heard about Kent State from an article her mom sent her on Instagram.
“Once I applied there was a lot of advertising,” McCall said.
Once a student applies, Kent State advertises to potential students via email and mail to help get them to commit.
McCall is excited to see the campus for the first time, but she is still undecided between the top schools she’s looking at: Kent State University, Quinnipiac University, University of Vermont and Appalachian State University.
“We do a lot of outreach to admitted students, including those who haven’t visited yet, because we know that a visit provides more understanding than online or email communications,” Nilsson said.
“I’m looking for nursing programs and I’m also looking for Greek Life,” McCall said. “I really want to be in a sorority, that’s very big for me ”
Over 2,800 students are enrolled in the college of nursing.
McCall said with both her parents and siblings being in Greek life, it’s a big part of her decision for where to attend. Kent State offers over 30 Greek Life organizations with eight sororities on campus.
Many students attending Future Flash Day noted their programs and correlating facilities as a deciding factor. Including the newly built business building, Crawford Hall.
“Definitely the nursing program is one of the best I have seen, if not the best so far,” McCall said.
Mckenzie Wray, a senior at Norwayne High School, attended Future Flash Day fully committed to the university and super excited to learn more about fashion merchandising and study abroad experiences. Kent State University has over 200 study abroad programs.
“I’ve been to the building twice I think, and it’s really pretty, so I’m excited to go again,” Wray said.
Rachel Steffan, a senior at Ottoville High School, attended Future Flash Day already committed to the university.
“I have some teachers that went here in the past and they really recommended it,” Steffan said.
Steffan will be in the architecture program in the fall.
“I’m excited to learn more about the program and be able to figure out where I’m going to be,” Steffan said. “I really like the layout of their studios. It was more open and and inviting,”
Future Flash Days will continue almost every Friday up until April to help students decide on their college decision and if Kent State is the right fit for them.
Abigail Kress is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]