Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent State University LGBTQ+ Student Center records

Inclusive Date(s):

2010-2023

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Kristin Silvestro, November 2023

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Kristin Silvestro using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2023

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS 2nd Edition

Origination:

Kent State University. LGBTQ+ Student Center

Extent:

1.00 cubic feet (2 boxes = 2 half size record storage boxes and 1 oversize flat folder)

Physical Location:

10th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0227

Abstract:

This collection consists of materials from Kent State University's LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Queer and Questioning) Student Center. It primarily contains records and artifacts pertaining to the center's programming, events, and other campus activities.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of the LGBTQ+ Student Center

The grand opening of the Kent State University LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Queer and Questioning) Student Center took place Thursday, March 11, 2010. The idea for the LGBTQ+ Student Center originated in the late 2000s out of conversations between Greg Jarvie, then interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Molly Merryman, then Associate Professor for Justice Studies, during the search for the Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It was proposed as a collaborative project between Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the College of Arts and Science. The center, located in the Kent Student Center, was originally co-coordinated by Molly Merryman, and Daniel Nadon, School of Theatre and Dance, with volunteer staff from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies faculty. Its purpose was to serve as a liaison between LGBTQ+ students and the administration and faculty and to provide programming and events related to the LGBTQ+ community. The center also worked with students to determine the changing needs of the LGBTQ+ students on campus. In 2012, the center established a full-time coordinator's position, with Roxie Patton holding the position from 2012-2014. Also in 2012, the first Kent State University Lavender Graduation Ceremony, an officially supported commencement ceremony honoring the achievements of graduating LGBTQ+ students, took place. In 2014, the center established a full-time director's position, selecting Ken Ditlevson as the first director of the center.

Scope and Content

The LGBTQ+ Student Center records cover the history of the center from its opening in 2010 through 2023. It is divided into two series that are both organized alphabetically by material type. Series 1 Records contains articles, brochures, conference materials, correspondence, flyers, memorial service documents, newsletters, photographs, posters, programs, speeches, and trainings. The bulk of this series consists of the flyers for the center's various events and programs. Series 2 Artifacts contains bracelets, t-shirts, and stickers related to the center's activities and programming. Included in the artifacts series is a folder with the contents of a 2016 That Gay 5k race participant bag.

Statement of Arrangement

The Kent State University LGBTQ+ Student Center records is divided into two series both organized alphabetically by material type:

• Series 1: Records
• Series 2: Artifacts

Preferred Citation

Kent State University. LGBTQ+ Student Center records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Initial files from the LGBTQ+ Center were transferred to Special Collections and Archives in 2016 with additional materials deposited in 2018, 2019, 2023.

Accruals

Additional materials are added to the collection on an annual basis.

Controlled Access Headings

The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent State University. LGBTQ+ Student Center -- Archives
• College student development programs -- Ohio -- Kent
• Counseling in higher education -- Ohio -- Kent
• LGBTQ+ college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• LGBTQ+ people -- Education (Higher) -- Ohio -- Kent
• Sexual minority college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• Gay college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• Lesbian college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• Bisexual college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• Transgender college students -- Ohio -- Kent
• Kent State University -- History -- 21st century

Persons:

• Jarvie, Gregory
• Merryman, Molly
• Ditlevson, Ken

Functions:

• Student affairs services -- Administration

Material Types:

• Fliers (Ephemera)
• Speeches
• Programs (Publications)
• Artifacts (object genre)

Detailed Description of the Collection