Displaying items by tag: Beverly Warren

A few tense moments at a pro-2nd amendment rally on Kent State campus Saturday afternoon, as protesters clashed with demonstrators.

The rally, wasn't officially a rally as KSU officials denied the permit to Kent grad Kaitlin Bennett who planned speakers but didn't apply for that permit in time. She was still within her rights, according to State Law, to hold an "open-carry" march on campus, which she did. Bennett's group, though, was met with protesters and at one point things escalated.

Four people were arrested, all for disorderly conduct, but one person was also charged with assaulting a police officer.

"We anticipated that this day might present some challenges, as opposing groups from the outside came to our campus to express their freedoms and be heard," said KSU President Beverly Warren said in a press conference after the event, adding, "While there was some heated challenges and exchanges today, I am pleased to say that today's events concluded with minimal violence and injury and no damage to University property." 

See the full press conference, courtesy of Kent State University's Facebook page, here. 

Kent State University president Beverly Warren is dealing with a serious health issue, but is looking for a full recovery.

The university announced today that Warren has breast cancer.

She told the KSU community that she'll take a leave of absence and will have surgery.

But she also said the cancer is in "a very early stage", and says expectations are high for a full recovery.

(KSU president Beverly Warren, letter to KSU community) Members of the University Community,

I am grateful for the sense of community and mission that we have shaped over the last 22 months and appreciate the honest and open communication that has guided our actions. It is in that spirit that I am writing to share some personal health news. During a recent physical examination, I learned that I have breast cancer that will require surgery. My outstanding medical team at the Cleveland Clinic has assured me that the cancer is in a very early stage and that there is high expectation for a full recovery.

Thank you all for the outstanding work and caring attitude that has created the remarkable success of this academic year. I am deeply disappointed that the timing of my surgery means that I will have to miss some of the year-end celebrations that make this university such a special place. Know that I will be with you in spirit and am so proud of the diversity of accomplishments that contribute daily to a distinctive Kent State.

I will remain active and involved in the business of the university throughout my recovery and I expect to have a reduced public schedule into May. I have complete confidence that all of you and our university cabinet, led by senior vice presidents Todd Diacon and Mark Polatajko, will continue our work together to ensure a successful conclusion to this academic year.

I cannot stress enough that my diagnosis came as part of a routine physical exam. I hope that my experience will reinforce the value of routine preventive health care and the importance of a commitment to wellness that will help us realize our vision of Kent State University as one of the nation's healthiest campuses.

Best regards,

Beverly Warren

One phase of budget cuts at the University of Akron is over, at least as far as a statement from University President Dr. Scott Scarborough is concerned. He acknowledges the pain caused but has noted the situation was dire with a massive $60 million dollar defecit first identified. The furor over belt-tightening, however, is getting more fuel to the fire over costs renovating the President's residence.

By contract, the University President is required to live in the home at 465 Burning Tree Drive, purchased in 1999 at a cost of $850,000 in a neighborhood marked by large homes and wealthy neighbors. The University maintained the home needed repairs and renovations left behind after Dr. Luis Proenza's departure after 15 years in the home, and also cited allergies suffered by Scarborough's family that prevented them from fully moving in. The family had been staying at a local hotel at a reported cost of $25,000 while repairs and renovations were being made. The Scarborough's moved into the home in January, according to the report.

The family provided their own furniture for their living quarters on the second floor of the home; the first floor is used for entertaining and meetings and more public use.

The new report from Northeast Ohio Media Group shows the costs of repairing the home -- with a property valuation now listed at just over $733,000 dollars -- is actually $950,000, more than the home is worth. The report notes some of the work includes renovations and repairs from University of Akron construction employees who were part of layoffs proposed by the Administration and approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this week in decisions that sidelined 161 employees and abolished 213 positions from the University's budget.  

Among the items going into renovations: a modernized first floor bathroom at a cost of $40,000 and more than $141.000 for furnishings and decorations including window treatments.

In contrast, a report by student media at Kent State University in November 2014 compared the various perks other colleges and universities provided their Presidents. Kent State's Beverly Warren lives in a home built by her predecessor, Dr. Lester Lefton, and KSU pays an annual lease of $56,000 annually on a deal extending to 2033. Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel, who was a finalist for the Akron job but criticized by faculty for not having a doctorate, lives in Pollock House, an 1863 mansion gifted to the University in 1950. 

Source: Google Maps