Kent State University Appoints New President

KENT, OH — Todd Diacon has been appointed the new president of Kent State University.

The university's Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Monday to confirm Diacon's appointment. Diacon will begin his term on July 1, succeeding Beverly Warren as Kent State's president.

After Warren decided to step down after five years as president, a 16-member search committee combed through candidates for her successor. Kent State University faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni, elected officials, and the Kent community were all invited to provide input on who the next president should be. The university said the input indicated that Kent State needed an experienced leader that could raise the university's profile nationally and enhance Kent State's academic reputation.

“After a rigorous national search, we have found that leader,” said Ralph Della Ratta, chair of the Kent State Board of Trustees. “Today, in a unanimous vote, the Kent State Board of Trustees has elected Todd Diacon, Ph.D., as Kent State’s 13th president.

Diacon has been working in higher education for three decades. He is currently Kent State's executive vice president and provost, the second-highest ranking position at the university, behind only president.

Diacon joined Kent State in 2012 and currently leads all academic functions at the university. Before landing in Ohio, Diacon was the deputy chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Diacon also worked at the University of Tennessee from 1989 to 2010, holding various positions including: director of the Latin American studies program, head of the history department, vice provost for academic operations and executive director for academic assessment and program support.

“Dr. Diacon knows Kent State well and has a deep understanding of the university’s strengths and potential,” Della Ratta said. “We all agree that he has the leadership ability to accelerate our momentum in reaching our highest aspirations. Dr. Diacon is committed to advancing Kent State’s position as a top-tier public research university and our intense focus on strengthening student success, research and academic excellence.”