Haunted Colleges Series - Ohio's Kent State University

Kent State in Ohio is one of the most haunted colleges in the United States.

The day that four university students were killed, two protesting the war and two who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, was just an one more event in a long line of tragedy at Kent State.

In 1999 officials from the university dedicated the new gymnasium to these four students. The university had been reluctant to call attention to the tragic events but finally caved under pressure from other students, faculty, and alumni who felt the event warranted remembering. Four marked, blocked off gravesites sit right outside the new gymnasium each marks the spot where the students were killed. Ghostly lights can be seen at night. Invisible hands reach out for help, tugging on pant legs and clothing. The faint sounds of shouting and gunfire can be heard on windless nights.

Allyn Hall is rumored to be home to a child ghost named Sarah. Sarah is playfully mischievous. Tugging on bed sheets, hiding adult type items, and bringing out stuffed animals and games. Sarah places the toys in the middle of the floor trying to get someone to play with her.

Engleman Hall is home to a tortured soul. In the 1940's a young, beautiful college student was raped and murdered there. Her killer was never brought to justice. Several suspects were named but charges were never filed. She is said to be still roaming the halls, watching out for the other girls who live there. If you hold a hand mirror she is rumored to be looking at her reflection over your shoulder.

Koonce Hall is reported to be haunted by Judy Koonce herself. She was said to be a very demanding perfectionist in life and in death. She will open doors and hold the elevator for people who play by her rules and she is very respectful to the one's she likes. She mistreats anyone she thinks is too loud or rebellious. It is nothing for one of these students to open their dorm door to find clothes thrown around and personal items moved or missing. Judy died saving a child from floodwaters, but death doesn't seem to have stopped her lover of the building named in her honor.

Moulton Hall is haunted not by a ghost but a poltergeist type spirit. Police have been called numerous times to investigate a strange blue light. The light seems to bounce in and out of rooms, doors don't stop it, disappearing and reappearing at random.

Kent State houses more than academics and is more noteworthy than just a Neil Young song. The administrators at the university have dismissed and vehemently deny any and all ghostly rumors. Almost to the point that they protest a little too much.