Where students thrive: Kennesaw State’s commitment to success
What does it take to create a university where students truly thrive?
At Kennesaw State University (KSU), the answer goes far beyond classrooms and degree programs. The university is building an environment where students feel connected, supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve their highest potential. From innovative research opportunities and expanded campus resources to intentional engagement programs that foster belonging, KSU is creating a student experience designed for success from Day 1 through graduation.
“As Kennesaw State continues to grow, student success remains at the heart of everything we do,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “We are committed to making sure every student has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed academically, flourish personally, and graduate prepared for what comes next, whether that means starting their career, pursuing more education, or starting a venture of their own.”
New pathways for learning, research, and impact
Kennesaw State has introduced several new degree programs and now offers more than 220 degrees and certificates. Recent additions include a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, making KSU just the second institution in Georgia to offer the degree, as well as new programs in artificial intelligence and financial technologies. Additionally, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences will begin in fall 2027.
As KSU expands academic pathways aligned with workforce demand, it is also creating more opportunities for students to engage in transformative research experiences. Research expenditures have nearly doubled in the last two years, giving students unprecedented access to hands-on discovery and innovation alongside faculty scholars. Programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Program immerse students in full-time, faculty-mentored research across disciplines, helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional skills. Whether studying biological systems, developing artificial intelligence tools to improve infrastructure safety, or exploring new perspectives in the arts, students gain experiences that extend far beyond traditional coursework.
These opportunities do more than enhance learning. They help students discover passions, clarify career goals, and build confidence. For some, undergraduate research opens doors to graduate school and advanced careers. For others, it provides a chance to contribute solutions that improve communities and society. In every case, KSU demonstrates its belief that students learn best when they are active participants in creating knowledge, not simply consumers of it.
A culture of academic rigor and excellence
KSU’s commitment to academic excellence is also evident in its Keeping Sights Upward Journey Honors College. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Honors College has experienced significant growth in enrollment, scholarships, research opportunities, and national recognition. The college has expanded support for prestigious national awards, driving an eleven-fold increase in external scholarship applications and creating new pathways for undergraduate research, leadership development, and global learning experiences.
Building on this momentum, Kennesaw State will launch the Presidential Fellows Cohort in fall 2027, a premier scholarship and leadership initiative designed to attract and develop some of Georgia’s highest-achieving students. Fellows will receive $10,000 annually for up to four years, along with personalized mentorship, executive shadowing, leadership training, undergraduate research opportunities, and a study-abroad experience in Montepulciano, Italy. The inaugural cohort will form a community of emerging leaders equipped to make meaningful contributions to their professions, communities, and the state of Georgia.
Fostering belonging
Another example of KSU’s student-centered approach is FLIGHT, the university’s signature student success initiative. Launched in 2022, the program helps students build meaningful connections throughout their college journey through four pillars: community, connections, engagement, and support. Designed as a four-year experience, FLIGHT provides intentional touchpoints that help students feel at home while encouraging them to engage with campus life and university traditions.
The results speak for themselves. Since its launch, FLIGHT has generated more than 78,000 student interactions through hundreds of events and programs while earning exceptionally high student satisfaction ratings. The program’s first cohort celebrated graduation in 2026, marking a milestone for an initiative built on the belief that students are more likely to persist and succeed when they feel a strong sense of belonging.
Together, these investments in academic innovation, research, and student success reflect KSU’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive in the classroom, contribute through discovery, and graduate prepared to lead in a rapidly changing world.
