Kent State Announces Title IX Celebration
1/27/2022 10:00:00 AM | General, The Golden Flashes Club
KENT, OHIO- The Kent State University Athletic Department will honor and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation with a year-long celebration, highlighting the success and impact of women's athletics at Kent State University.
The legislation, signed into law by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972, increased funding and access to women's athletics on a national and collegiate level. The Golden Flashes will be embarking on several initiatives to showcase the profound impact that Title IX has had on Golden Flashes' Athletics.
"Title IX has played a vital role in the growth of women's athletics," said Athletic Director Randale Richmond. "Prioritizing the growth of women's programs here at Kent State is crucial to ensure we continue to build a vibrant, diverse department. Opportunity is just one component, as our women's programs have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and on the playing surface."
A committee of athletic and university administrators, faculty, alumni and student representation helped to draft a comprehensive plan for the year of celebration. The three areas of focus include education, celebration and engagement. This will be accomplished with team specific activities, in-game acknowledgements, and social and digital media assets.
In the first phase of the celebration, Kent State would like to hear from you. Upcoming communication will be released on social media and e-mail on the impact of Title IX and the growth of women's athletics at Kent State. Click here to access our Title IX survey, we'd love to have you share your stories, memories, and photos as part of our year-long celebration.
In addition, Kent State will feature interviews with current and former student-athletes, coaches and staff. They will tell their stories and the impact that sport and Title IX has had on them and their lives and where they see the growth in women's athletics.
"Title IX has given so many women the opportunity to play sports at a high level. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a meaningful celebration," graduate student and softball player Madyson Cole said. "Being on our Title IX committee has given the female student-athletes a voice and me the chance to uplift and support my fellow female athletes. It is incredible to be able to celebrate this anniversary knowing all the struggles and hard work former female leaders had to go through to get here. I am honored to be a female student-athlete at Kent State and am excited to share this celebration with everyone."
Kent State is also planning a comprehensive social media campaign, sharing content on the ninth of each month throughout the year, recognizing standout student-athletes, events and teams that have helped shape Kent State Athletics. These standout student-athletes, landmark events and unforgettable teams will be recognized on all the Kent State social media platforms.
Kent State will join and support the Mid-American Conference in their year-long celebration. The Conference will countdown the top-50 female student-athletes in MAC history and will recognize trailblazers and pioneers that helped pave the way for women's athletics.
We would also like to thank our Title IX Celebration Committee for helping collaborate on the year-long celebration
Suzette McQueen, Executive Senior Associate AD, Senior Woman Administrator
Stephanie Rosinski, Associate AD for Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Amy Densevich '99,'16 MED, Associate AD for Academic Services
Katie Schilling '08, '10 MA, '20 EDS, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete & Alumni Engagement
Dr. Kathy Wilson, Faculty Athletic Representative, Professor and Chair of Department of Economics
Jen Kulics, '98 MA '06 Ph.D, Executive Director, Philanthropy
Tiffany Murray, '97, '02 , Director of Gender Equity & Title IX Coordinator
Cassie Pegg-Kirby '15 MED, Director of the Women's Center
Alicia Gaffney '04 MA, Director of Donor and Volunteer Engagement
Judy Devine '70 MA
Madyson Cole '22, softball student-athlete
Updates on the department's Title IX celebration, including featured athletic contests and alumni along with community activities will be posted throughout the year on KentStateSports.com as well as all of the Golden Flashes' social media platforms.
