Kent State University Ashtabula student recognized at graduation with university’s Out and Proud Student Leader award

Breanna “Bre” Cole met with English professor Abigail Bowers, Ph.D., last summer after being filled with the desire to reignite Kent State University at Ashtabula’s LGBTQ+ club, called KSUA Allies. The club is a group that supports and promotes members of the LGBTQ+ community at the university’s Ashtabula campus. Bowers agreed to serve as the club’s advisor and Cole took the lead in growing the club, hosting regular meetings, and holding special events. One of those events was the recently held “The Gayme Event,” an afternoon of activities open to all students this past spring. 

In May, Cole was recognized for her hard work in growing the KSUA Allies club at the Kent State Lavender Graduation ceremony when she was presented with the Out & Proud Student Leader Award. The award is traditionally presented to an LGBTQ+ identified student who has been an example of student leadership at the school. 

In an article posted on Kent State University Ashtabula’s website, Cole was quoted on the reception of the award, saying, “It’s been an amazing experience being part of this KSUA Allies group. We would not have been able to build such an incredible group without the love and support from Kent State Ashtabula faculty and staff. Receiving this award is incredible and not possible without such amazing people around me!”

Morgan Woodin, who is the coordinator for operations and events with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as an admission counselor on the Ashtabula campus, both nominated Cole, and presented her with the award. Other members of the Student Services and Enrollment Management staff were present, as well.

“Bre’s enthusiasm in growing the KSUA Allies has been apparent since she joined. I’m proud to see this recognition in front of President Diacon, administrators and over 500 guests went to a regional campus student. I’m even more proud that the student recognized was Bre,” said Woodin.

Another one of Cole’s nominators wrote that she was “always eager to grow the club and create a safe place for anyone who joined.” Even as the pandemic hampered in-person meetings, Cole kept in touch with the club’s members virtually, and served as a liaison for students to get the resources they needed. She was also described as being exceptionally kind, as well as a dedicated and fantastic student. Yet another nominator stated that Cole is “someone to whom students turn for guidance” and that she is consistently genuine and stalwart in her dedication to and support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Cole graduated in the Spring 2023 semester, receiving her Associate of Arts degree, and is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology this coming fall semester.

More information about Kent State University at Ashtabula can be found on the school’s website.