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From student-athlete to student government to homecoming royalty, Quintin Cooks, senior communication studies major, is breaking barriers and getting the most out of his college experience.

When Cooks saw the email for homecoming court a couple months ago, he was inspired by a past mentor to get involved. After being involved with so much on campus already and having great support, he expressed his excitement and felt that he could do it too.

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“I contacted an advisor who was more than welcome to sponsor me,” Cooks said. “It was fun, and I wanted to represent Kent State through the different things that I do here, not only being a student-athlete, but also through Peer Leader Training Courses (PLTC) and other Undergraduate Student Government (USG) things that I've done leadership-wise at Kent State.”

Since attending Kent State, Cooks has gotten involved with several programs on campus. He’s always excited to try new things and push his comfort zone.

Cooks joined the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) his sophomore year. He became the social media chair for SAAC and is now the vice president. In addition, Cooks is a student-athlete on the track team and he runs the 800 and 400 meter, while also staying involved with PLTC and USG.

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“I really enjoy track obviously. I love running, and I love being on the team,” Cooks said. “Leadership wise, I think that being a PLTC trainer is the most rewarding because I don't only get to make connections with people that are other leaders on campus, but I get to watch students grow into the leaders that they are today.”

Cooks expressed his appreciation for what Kent State has been able to offer him by expanding his horizons. He is happy to be a student here, and he’s trying to get the most out of his time as an undergraduate.

Cooks always appreciated “the vibe” he thinks Kent State gives, and he wouldn’t have chosen a better place for his studies, he said.

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“Kent State has offered me more leadership opportunities than I can count,” Cooks said. “College has really given me the opportunity to blossom into my full potential. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. Not only again from my school and my classes, but from the people that I've met and the experiences I’ve had.”

To read more about Cooks and his athletic journey, visit  .

To read more about the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, visit www.kent.edu/csi/student-athlete-advisory-committee.

To read more about PLTC, visit www.kent.edu/success/peer-leader-training.

To read more about USG, visit .