Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University
Name	Kennesaw State University
Established	1963
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$92.7 million (2021)
President	Kathy Schwaig
City	Kennesaw
State	Georgia
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 581 acres
Students	43,190 (Fall 2022)
Faculty	2,100
Colors	Black and Gold
Nickname	Owls
Affiliations	University System of Georgia
Website	kennesaw.edu

Kennesaw State University is a public research institution located in Kennesaw, Georgia, and part of the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1963, it has grown into one of the largest universities in the state, known for its comprehensive academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university operates on multiple campuses, with its main locations in Cobb County and Marietta.

History

The institution was established in 1963 by the Georgia Board of Regents as Kennesaw Junior College, opening its doors to just over 1,000 students. It became a four-year college in 1976 and was renamed Kennesaw College, before achieving university status in 1996. A significant expansion occurred in 2015 with the consolidation with Southern Polytechnic State University, which greatly enhanced its engineering and technology offerings. This merger integrated the historic Marietta campus, solidifying the university's role as a major educational force in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the Coles College of Business, the College of Computing and Software Engineering, and the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. It offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with notable strengths in business administration, cybersecurity, and nursing. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it is classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Bagwell College of Education and the College of the Arts also contribute to its diverse academic profile.

Campus

The primary campus spans 581 acres in Kennesaw, featuring modern facilities like the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art, and the KSU Center. The Marietta campus, acquired through consolidation, houses the engineering and technology colleges in facilities such as the Atrium Building and the Engineering Technology Center. The campus landscape includes the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park nearby, and student housing is provided in numerous residence halls, including University Village and KSU Place.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Kennesaw State Owls, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the ASUN Conference. The football program, which began play in 2015, competes in the United Athletic Conference and plays home games at the Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Other notable teams include men's basketball, women's soccer, and baseball, with the latter achieving success in the NCAA tournament. The department's mascot, Scrappy the Owl, is a fixture at games and university events.

Student life

Student life is active with over 300 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities governed by the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference. The Student Government Association represents the student body, and major events are held at the KSU Convocation Center. The university's proximity to Atlanta provides extensive internship and cultural opportunities, while on-campus activities revolve around the Student Recreation and Activities Center and the KSU Commons.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include Brian Hill, a running back for the NFL; Chris Glaser, an offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns; and Tyler Hubbard, a singer for the country duo Florida Georgia Line. In business, John Loud, inventor of the marker pen, is an alumnus, as is Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League. In public service, Earl Ehrhart, a former member of the Georgia General Assembly, also graduated.

Category:Universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Educational institutions established in 1963 Category:University System of Georgia