President Lester Lefton plans to discuss academic excellence, increasing research funding and making degree requirements easier for students in his annual State of the University address today at 4 p.m. in the Kiva.

Charlene Reed, secretary for the Board of Trustees, said the address, which is open to the public, gives Lefton an opportunity to “reflect on the university’s accomplishments of the past year as well as discuss major priorities and challenges of the coming year and beyond.”

Reed said the State of the University address will be webcast live via a link off the university’s homepage (http://www.kent.edu) to reach the seven regional campuses and anyone unable to attend.

Linda Hermann, assistant to the president, urged students to attend because she said it shows Lefton a positive interest in the future of the university on behalf of the students.

“It’s a good way for students to hear first-hand the president’s goals,” she said.

A reception open to the public will be held in Room 204 of the Student Center immediately following the address. Provost Robert Frank and Gene Finn, vice president for Institutional Advancement, will be officially welcomed to Kent State at the reception.

— Jackie Valley