Welcome to “In the News,” where Vlogƽ’s values, culture, high-quality academics and award-winning support and access for all are evident in these media stories that highlight Vlogƽ’s faculty, staff, students and alumni in action. The university and its experts are frequently featured in the news media. Here is a selection of recent media coverage, raising Vlogƽ’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
WFMJ-TV (Youngstown)
Steven Toepfer, Ph.D., associate professor of human development and family science, discusses the benefits of showing gratitude on WFMJ-TV, along with the positive impact it can provide for both the person giving and the person on the receiving end. Toepfer’s research specializes in the effects of writing letters of gratitude.
![Gratitude image](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_800/public/article/gratitude-1_0.jpg?VersionId=.qyEN.xVOg9KOjr64hQiD0uNlqaY2CRq&itok=1vSJnkVw)
WAKR-AM’s “Ray Horner Morning Show” (Akron)
Assistant Professor of Aeronautics Jason Lorenzon, J.D., appeared as a guest on the Ray Horner Morning Show to provide expert insight into the recent drone sightings that have shown up over multiple cities. In addition to sharing his studies, Lorenzon wrote the book, Drone Law: The Past, The Present, and The Future, concerning drone laws.
![A drone hovering in the foreground with its operator behind](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_800/public/Drone%20foreground%20banner.jpg?VersionId=b2h4umN8JrUhEXcgCz2avG1Xqwc1ULIB&itok=ME1WsXfZ)
![Headshot of Hedi Nasheri](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_200px/public/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-07%20at%202.34.17%20PM_0.png?VersionId=6IynEOOYZ0WQEisfl.vDq_Tl0_egoNLR&itok=qaAgeCuL)
WWD
Hedi Nasheri, Ph.D., professor of criminology and coordinator for the cybercriminology degree at Vlogƽ, was featured in the new documentary, "The Fall of Diddy," using her expertise to elaborate on the human interest of celebrity criminal cases like that of Sean "Diddy" Combs. The documentary dives deep into Combs’ case with a wide variety of interviews from numerous experts.
WEWS-TV (Cleveland)
With the rise of recreational marijuana sales growing rapidly, Vlogƽ has decided to partner with a cannabis educator after taking notice of the increased interest in the field from students. Additionally, Vlogƽ just marked the first year of offering its .
![Cannabis Education Student cultivating cannabis.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_800/public/Cannabis.jpg?VersionId=U_T6O2UHLkEWmLqybTkypxIwXltN3xvw&itok=HL49tVFC)
Star Beacon (Ashtabula) and Yahoo!
Vlogƽ at Ashtabula recently hosted its 79th commencement ceremony on Friday, Jan. 10, with more than 100 students earning their degrees. Bradley Keefer, Ph.D., associate professor of history, and Dean of Vlogƽ Ashtabula, R. William Ayres, IV, Ph.D., both spoke at the ceremony, congratulating and imparting wisdom to the fall 2024 graduates.
![Dean Bill Ayres at Graduation](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/fixed_width_800/public/ayres-graduation-shake-hero-1500x600.jpg?VersionId=hnSM9d5HTiyvUk.R_vGuV06i55pFcb6O&itok=Ol6x_qTs)