KENT, Ohio — At a time when businesses and organizations are zeroing in on diversity, equity and inclusion, some say Kent State University still has work to do.

But Kent State is one institution that is walking the walk.

What You Need To Know

  • Talea Drummer-Ferrell is the first Black female dean of students at KSU. Lamar Hylton is the first Black person to hold the title of vice president of student affairs in the school's history

  • Drummer-Ferrell spent 15 years in education and even worked in athletics 
  • Lamar Hylton used to be the dean of students and was only the second Black person to fill the role since Milton Wilson held it in 1978
  • Both agree their roles come with a lot of weight, responsibilities and expectations, some of which comes from the broader community

Talea Drummer-Ferrell is enjoying her first year as dean of students at Kent Student University.

Going the extra mile, she started a Day with the Dean, taking on student's questions and answering them. She said it's a way to connect with students while giving them the chance to see in her in action even as a mom, wife and boss.

Drummer-Ferrell was appointed as the dean of students last July.

She said she didn't know until after taking the job that she'd be the first Black woman to hold the position.

Reflecting on what it means to be the first, she said, “I represent more than myself. And more than our university, and that's a big burden to carry, but it's such an honor to do so.”

Drummer-Ferrell continued: “For me, it's a life-changing position. You're helping students in crisis on a regular basis. You're the primary student advocate, you share their voice when there are challenges.” 

She said she always wanted to be a dean of students, but admittedly let go of that dream as her career placed her in a number of positions that seemed far off from the goal.

She said she believed her life and career were supposed to go in a specific order and when it didn't, it appeared her dream was not attainable. Now that she is in the position, Drummer-Ferrell said her greatest responsibility is to help students to know that they have her as a resource. 

Drummer-Ferrell said Lamar Hylton is the one who gave her the chance to fulfill her dream.

Hylton was the dean of students before tapping Drummer-Ferrell for the position.

Happy being the dean of students, Hylton's world was shaken up when he was challenged by the president of the university over a year ago to consider becoming vice president for student affairs. But after a lot of prayers, talks with his wife and mentors, he took the position last May. 

Little did he know that he too would be a first.

That is the first Black person to be in the position at an institution that’s been in existence for over 100 years.

It's something he said is humbling, exhilarating and weighty all at the same time. That's because being the first of anything can produce new expectations, from the community at large and the Black community.

“They are often very excited and very motivated by the fact that there is a Black person sitting in this role. But underneath that I believe there's also the expectation like we expect you to deliver on our behalf," Hylton said.

Regardless, Hylton said he now spends much of his time envisioning and cultivating the Kent State student experience outside of the classroom.

He said his goal is to “play a small part propelling the university forward and propelling our students forward to success.” 

Although he never imagined being in this role, his message for students, especially students of color: “Anything is possible. And where there might seemingly be impossibility, that's probably when you should dig a little deeper to see what's possible.”

While neither Drummer-Ferrell nor Hylton knew they’d be history makers until after they stepped into their new roles, both agree it’s been an amazing experience so far.