George Edmiston – Kent State University

Campus housing leaders at universities are facing a myriad of challenges as they navigate shifting student needs, economic pressures and evolving societal expectations. Changes in enrollment numbers and limited housing stock have created significant shortages in some regions, forcing institutions to explore creative solutions like partnerships with private developers or temporary housing options.

At the same time, there is a growing demand for modern, inclusive, and sustainable living spaces that support mental health and foster community. Leaders must balance these demands with budget constraints, rising construction costs, and aging infrastructure. Additionally, they face pressure to implement robust health and safety measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while addressing concerns around equity and accessibility for diverse student populations. These challenges require innovative strategies, collaboration, and a focus on holistic student well-being.

At Kent State University, George Edmiston and his team are grappling with these challenges every day and working hard to come up with innovative and creative solutions while considering budget and student expectations.

“Through housing infrastructure development, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations, KSU exemplifies the profound impact of prioritizing people in cultivating a transformative student experience,” says Edmiston, the school’s director of facilities and capital development for university housing.

Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, is a renowned public research institution with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. Founded in 1910 as a teacher-training school, it has since grown into a comprehensive university offering over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including business, healthcare, engineering and the arts. Kent State is particularly known for its strong emphasis on innovation, global education, and research initiatives.

Today, the university fosters a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural events, athletic programs, and student organizations, serving over 26,000 students on its main campus and additional regional campuses throughout Ohio. Edmiston and his team are charged with keeping university housing options plentiful and exciting for current and prospective students.

“Hearing the students’ voice and providing useful resources to incoming students such as our model rooms and online 3d virtual tours of our buildings is critical to cultivating safe, inclusive communities that nourish student wellness and success,” Edmiston says.

Balancing budget and student expectations

Edmiston knows that managing the spaces where thousands of students live is about more than maintaining buildings—it’s about fostering an environment where students feel supported, comfortable, and connected. For Edmiston and his team, the role is equal parts strategy, empathy, and adaptability as they navigate the evolving expectations of modern students and the practicalities of maintaining and improving facilities.

One of the most significant shifts Edmiston has observed is the increasing demand for advanced technology infrastructure.

“The technology expectations are exponentially higher than they used to be,” he explains.

Students arrive on campus expecting robust Wi-Fi that can handle streaming, gaming, and the connectivity needs of multiple devices. Keeping up with these demands means constant evaluation and upgrades to ensure the infrastructure supports students’ academic and recreational needs.

At the same time, the physical design of residence halls has transformed dramatically. Traditional double rooms with communal bathrooms are no longer the gold standard.

“Students definitely prefer suite-style and apartment-style living,” Edmiston says.

Privacy is a top priority, and features like pod-style bathrooms and private or semi-private bathrooms are increasingly popular. He adds that kitchens are another highly valued feature, as students seek spaces that mimic a home-like environment.

“When it comes to their residence halls, students want to be comfortable and have a place that feels like a home away from home,” he notes.

Edmiston’s team is continually gathering feedback from students to refine their offerings. Room furniture, for example, has been a key area of focus.

“We’ve replaced beds in four buildings recently, switching to height-adjustable beds that students can easily adjust themselves,” he says.

The goal is to provide junior loft or half-loft options, accommodating varying preferences. Lounge spaces, too, are being reimagined. Where computer labs were once a staple, students now prefer informal spaces to relax and socialize. Despite these efforts, the housing team needs help balancing student desires with the realities of their facilities. Kent State’s on-campus housing is often over capacity, with transitional spaces and lounge areas being converted to temporary rooms to meet demand.

“We’ve had to triple some rooms and convert deluxe singles into doubles,” Edmiston says.

In the long term, he hopes to reduce density in some buildings and shift the inventory toward more suite-style and apartment-style spaces, but decisions await the results of an ongoing housing study.

“Until we get that survey back, we’re pulling back on some projects and watching our spending carefully,” he explains.

A successful team

Edmiston is equally focused on the operational side of housing, emphasizing the importance of his team. He highlights key staff members like Tom Dietrich, the assistant director for residential facilities; Tiffany Reed, the coordinator for residential facilities; and Tony Licata, the access control manager.

“The whole reason we’re successful is because of them,” he says, admiring their ability to support students, staff, and each other. “It’s overwhelming to think about what they accomplish. Their success is my success.”

Staffing has been a challenge, particularly in custodial, maintenance, and administrative roles. It’s harder to get more done with less, but the team has picked up some great people, Edmiston says. Retaining staff is critical, and he emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive culture.

“In university housing, one of our strengths is that we truly care about people. Nobody works here for the money—it’s about how we can support others,” he says.

That sense of care extends to every decision Edmiston makes. Whether prioritizing roof repairs, upgrading rooftop AC units, or replacing furniture, he aims to maximize resources while staying financially responsible.

“The funding isn’t a problem if the project is right,” he says, stressing the importance of aligning initiatives with student needs and institutional goals.

For Edmiston, creating a space where students can thrive is the ultimate priority.

“Everything we do is about supporting people. If we treat people right and stay open and honest, we can accomplish so much,” he says.

As Kent State University housing evolves to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges, it’s clear that Edmiston’s leadership and commitment to students’ well-being will remain at the heart of it all.