Kent State University president Beverly Warren gave her first State of the University address Thursday.

"Kent State is already a shining example of the best in higher education," Warren told the audience at Kent State's Kiva Center.

She talked both about the university's accomplishments and the future.

"We continue to shatter student enrollment and retention records," Warren said. "Where we see other universities seeing declining enrollments, we have had record enrollments over the last seven years."

Warren said it's not just about enrollment records, it's about the high quality of incoming students.

"Most importantly, we also attracted really highly academically qualiifed freshmen in our university. And freshmen with talents that abound in all ways," Warren said.

She says it's about preparing for jobs and careers, but also believes the value of higher education extends far beyond job preparation

"Now, I'll be the first to say preparing students for great careers is a fitting goal for us," Warren commented. "But I also stand with those who say the value of higher education extends far beyond job preparation.

Warren says students should think about what they want to do in life, not just "checking off" degree requirements.

Warren says Kent State should get more national recognition for everything it does.

A copy of the speech is available on Kent State University's website.