麻豆传媒 has finalized its proposed realignment of degree-granting colleges within the Division of Academic Affairs and its administration, following extensive consultation with Kent Campus faculty and the Faculty Senate. This strategic initiative, Transformation 2028 (T28), which has been in development since April 2024, aims to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, streamline administrative structures and foster innovation across the university.
The final recommended model, which will be presented to the Kent State Board of Trustees at its March 19 meeting, reduces 10 degree-granting colleges to nine and then reconfigures those colleges into three collective consortiums that share administrative resources. Moving forward, many schools and departments within those colleges will also begin to share administrative leadership and other services in support of the university鈥檚 strategic goals of seeking efficiencies, reducing costs and creating a financially sustainable model for the Division of Academic Affairs.
鈥淚 want to thank the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, the Kent State United Faculty Association, and all faculty and staff who engaged in this process by providing guidance, consultation and insights,鈥 said Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., Kent State鈥檚 executive vice president and provost. 鈥淵our dedication and commitment have been invaluable during this transformative time.
鈥淢ost importantly, the work we have shared ensures that our students continue to follow their degree paths without interruption, and in many cases, promotes an alignment that may result in even more opportunities for success,鈥 she continued.
Setting Up Future Successes
With these new alignments, Kent State has reshaped the university to thrive amid this century鈥檚 changing demographics, new kinds of learning opportunities and technology-inspired learners since the last major transformation in the 1960s and 鈥70s.
鈥淭he T28 process involved extensive consultations and surveys, resulting in several key themes that have shaped the final plan,鈥 Tankersley said. 鈥淥ur goal was to settle on a model that provides programming opportunities and results in meaningful financial reductions to support long-term academic success. I am confident we are doing that.鈥
Tankersley observed that T28 is a major addition to a series of streamlining initiatives that began in 2017. This organizational change results in a 40% reduction in the academic leadership structure within the Division of Academic Affairs, yielding an annual savings of $1.5 million. When combined with other previously implemented cost-saving measures, the total savings achieved to date amount to $4 million in annual savings, representing 50% of the $8 million goal for the division.
Next Steps
Administrative units within degree-seeking colleges will now formulate plans to move forward with shared resources and leadership while identifying key areas affected by these transitions.
Additional guidance to non-degree-seeking colleges and Kent State鈥檚 administrative divisions will be coming soon to support the university鈥檚 new academic configuration.