Stephanie Smith, an associate professor in Kent State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, was recently chosen as the chair of the 50th May 4 Commemoration Advisory Committee.

In this role, Smith will be a leader in creating, planning and executing all commemoration events, as well as overseeing plans and work with the May 4th Task Force, May 4 families and survivors and Kent State students, staff and faculty.

Smith has had significant involvement in May 4 initiatives for many years.

In an email announcing her position, Amy Reynolds, dean of the College of Communication and Information, described Smith as someone who “cares deeply about what May 4 means to Kent State, to history, to the First Amendment, to activism, to civil discourse, to our students and to the future.”

Smith will work with the President’s Office and other groups to execute national and global May 4 projects for the commemoration.

Molly Heideman is a general assignment reporter. Contact her at [email protected].