Kent State Tuscarawas recently honored the family of the late Judge Roger Lile with the Toast to Education Award in recognition of their dedication to education and community betterment. The award was presented during the university’s Toast to Education Gala, a celebration of educational achievement and community support held at the Performing Arts Center.
Lile, who passed away last year, served 41 years on the Kent State Tuscarawas Board of Trustees, from 1979-2020. A retired Tuscarawas County Common Pleas judge, Lile held multiple leadership roles on the board including fiscal officer, vice chairman and chairman. Additionally, he served on the campus’ Tuscarawas County University Foundation from 1998-2020, contributing as both vice president and president.
Lile once credited his long tenure to the leadership of fellow trustees and campus deans, specifically praising current Dean Dr. Bradley Bielski for his role in the campus' development.
“The other reason I remained on the board is my belief that education is the great equalizer in our republic,” Lile said.
The Tuscarawas County University Branch District serves as the local governing body for Kent State Tuscarawas. Established by the community, it contracts with Kent State University to provide higher education services to Tuscarawas and surrounding counties. Under Lile’s guidance the district expanded to more than 180 acres and now includes four buildings dedicated to academic and community enrichment.
Bielski emphasized Lile’s influence. “Through his years of service on the board of trustees, Judge Lile made a significant impact to Kent State Tuscarawas and to the entire community with his leadership and direction.”
During Lile’s tenure the campus evolved, growing from its original Founders Hall to include the Science and Advanced Technology Center, the Tolloty Technology Incubator and the Performing Arts Center.
“Kent State Tuscarawas began as a field of corn but has truly become a field of dreams, and I have been privileged to be a part of it all,” Lile said.
Lile earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1970 after completing a bachelor’s degree in history. He served in the U.S. Army as a special agent in the 109th Army Intelligence Group before beginning his judicial career in 1981.
“The Tuscarawas campus is so grateful to the Roger Lile family,” Bielski said. “They are true believers in education and strive to make it even better. Roger’s legacy will be cherished for many years to come.”
The Toast to Education Gala supports scholarships and youth programs that enhance student opportunities and community vitality. Next year’s gala is scheduled for March 28. Email Chad Conrad at cconra1@kent.edu or call 330-308-7445.
