Kent State Tuscarawas launches ‘For the Future’ campaign to expand scholarships and student success

For Kent State University at Tuscarawas students, the future is here — and the community has the power to shape it. The Tuscarawas County University Foundation has announced the launch of the 2025 For the Future Impact Campaign, a bold initiative to expand scholarships, strengthen student success and ensure access to world-class education close to home.

Leading this year’s campaign are three dedicated community and campus advocates: Doug Ross Sr., Doug Ross Jr. and Rick Ross.

Doug Ross Sr., a lifelong Tuscarawas County resident and owner of Romig Agency Inc. in Uhrichsville, has been deeply connected to Kent State Tuscarawas for more than two decades. He and his wife, Jody, are the parents of four Golden Eagles — three graduates and one current student. Ross has served on the Tuscarawas County University Foundation Board since 2003, including as past president. His passion is simple but profound: to ensure local students have the opportunities they need to succeed.

His son, Doug Jr., knows firsthand the impact of a Kent State Tuscarawas education. A 2017 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a member of the men’s golf team that won the 2016 Ohio State Championship, he now works as an insurance consultant for Romig Agency Inc. He is committed to giving back to the campus that helped shape his future.

Also a proud alumnus, Rick Ross earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State Tuscarawas before building a successful career in banking. Today, he serves as branch manager for SSB Community Bank, overseeing both Dover and Berlin offices. Ross and his wife, Chelsea, along with their two sons, Lincoln and Landon, remain deeply invested in the success of the campus and its students.

Together, the Ross family embodies the spirit of Kent State Tuscarawas.

Scholarships: A lifeline for students

At the heart of the For the Future campaign is the Founders Fund, which provides vital scholarships and support services. These scholarships do more than ease financial burdens — they send a powerful message of belief and encouragement.

Senior education major Elizabeth Keller understands this impact deeply.

“When I received a scholarship, it wasn’t just financial support — it was a message: We believe in you,” Keller said. “That belief gives me the strength to keep working toward my goals.”

Stories like Keller’s are why the campaign matters. Scholarships open doors, fuel ambition and make higher education possible for students who dream of changing the world.

A call to the community

Since its founding in 1968, the Tuscarawas County University Foundation has been committed to advancing excellence at Kent State Tuscarawas through scholarships, student initiatives and state-of-the-art facilities.

“We are asking the community to help us support our hardworking students by contributing to the For the Future Founders Fund,” said Chad Conrad, director of philanthropy. “Your gifts directly provide scholarships and services that transform lives right here in Tuscarawas County.”

Campus Dean Brad Bielski said, “Our students are determined, hardworking and ready to make an impact on the world. By supporting this campaign, you are investing in their future — and in the future of our community.”

Bielski also praised the campaign co-chairs: “The Ross father-and-son team have Kent State Tuscarawas passion through and through. I think they bleed blue and gold.”

How to give

Gifts to the Tuscarawas County University Foundation in support of Kent State Tuscarawas may be sent to:

Tuscarawas County University Foundation

330 University Drive NE

New Philadelphia, OH 44663

Donations may also be made securely online at kentstate.evenue.net/events/TUSC-TCUF

For more information, contact Chad Conrad, director of philanthropy, at 330-308-7445 or cconra1@kent.edu.