West Returns to Kent State as New McLendon Fellow
7/12/2023 1:00:00 PM | General
KENT, Ohio – Former Kent State University student-athlete Zayin West will return to campus and join the Athletic Department as the next "future leader" through the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI).
In his role with the Golden Flashes, West will work in external operations with a focus on revenue generation and alumni engagement, collaborating with the communications, marketing, ticketing, and advancement departments.
"Kent State has been a home for me the past 6 years, and I cannot wait to continue that journey and continue to grow within the athletic department," said West. "Thank you to everyone for your guidance with trying to figure out what's next for me and I am thankful that I was pointed in the direction of the McLendon fellowship."
West graduated from Kent State in May 2021 with a degree in Sports Administration and a minor in marketing. A six-year member of the football team, West appeared in 44 games on the defensive line, totaling 170 tackles and 11 sacks. He was honored as a Gold Standard student-athlete in 2020, an award given to someone who handles business well on and off the field as well as someone who is tough, accountable, and strives to improve on a daily basis.
"We're very excited to have Zayin as our McLendon Fellow," said Deputy Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Suzette McQueen. "His professional approach and follow up stood out during the interview process as well as his knowledge of Kent State. As a former student-athlete, he also brings a great perspective that will serve us well in his role of working to engage young alumni and Varsity K members."
In July 2020, the McLendon Leadership Initiative started as a coach-driven program to create access to and opportunity for meaningful employment experience for minority candidates and enhancing their career options. Originally funded by collegiate coaches (MLI Ambassadors), the MLI is a one-year program open to candidates with a bachelor's degree. In the program, Future Leaders are engaged in learning outcomes that extend beyond the athletics department position they hold.
Kent State men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff was the driving force behind Kent State being a part of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative. West will be the third MLI at Kent State University, succeeding Calvin Toney-Cox, who is currently at the University of Oregon and Kent State alumni Kristyn Hibbert, now employed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
