成人直播

KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 10, 2026

One evening in April, 成人直播 President Kathy S. Schwaig returned home following a busy day on campus, nestled into her couch, and switched on her television.

Earlier that day, 成人直播 had unveiled the 70,000-square-foot Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center, and to her delight, an Atlanta news outlet led its evening report with talk of the new $60 million structure. She was drawn in by soundbites from administrators, researchers, and students touting the benefits of the new interdisciplinary building and its far-reaching impact.

The report continued, highlighting 成人直播鈥檚 ascension as one of the fastest-growing institutions in the country, its surging student population, and the rise of Owls athletics teams bursting onto the national stage.

A theme was emerging, one of momentum.

That moment of serendipity served as a crescendo in the 18 months since Kennesaw State launched its strategic plan, Taking Flight. The plan, unveiled in August 2024, is an ambitious series of five goals that serve as critical guideposts in 成人直播鈥檚 trajectory toward national prominence.

鈥淎t the end of the day, Taking Flight has been defined by clarity,鈥� Schwaig said. 鈥淚t provides a shared sense of direction and gives us something meaningful to come together around as a university community. We have raised expectations for 成人直播, and I believe our faculty, staff, and students deserve our very best. We are committed to moving the institution forward at a level of true excellence.鈥�

Growth alone was never the end goal of Taking Flight. Instead, the plan has focused on advancing the institution sustainably, ensuring that growth in enrollment is matched by progress throughout the enterprise.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not just focused on growing,鈥� Schwaig said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also focused on making sure we鈥檙e supporting excellence and innovation, and looking at the outcomes that support them.鈥�

ESTABLISHING A CULTURE OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

The expansion and enhancements of research opportunities and expenditures have steadily become one of the clearest indicators of Kennesaw State鈥檚 meteoric rise. Over the last two years, 成人直播鈥檚 research spending has nearly doubled, rising from $32 million to $60 million, while research awards have climbed 53% over the last five years.

鈥淭hat funding doesn't simply support capital investments, lab equipment, and research faculty salaries; it attracts top talent, opens doors to national partnerships, and signals to the world that 成人直播 is a serious research destination,鈥� said Karin Scarpinato, executive vice president for research.

Kennesaw State faculty, in return, have been highly effective in converting research breakthroughs into marketplace innovations that drive economic impact. Faculty invention disclosures have increased by 300%, signaling a surge in new ideas moving toward patents and products. At the same time, 成人直播鈥檚 HatchBridge Incubator has supported more than 250 startups that have raised nearly $37.4 million in funding, turning university research into real-world businesses.

鈥淓very one of those companies represents an idea that is becoming a business, creating jobs, and generating value for our region,鈥� Scarpinato said.

Momentum across the research enterprise has a trickle-down effect benefitting 成人直播 students, too. Through initiatives like the First-Year Scholars and the Summer Undergraduate Research programs, students have more opportunities than ever to engage in impactful research projects under the mentorship of leading faculty experts. Managed by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the programs pair students who are interested in research, with faculty, staff, or postdoctoral research mentors to engage in intensive research projects. Often, students convert those experiences into oral or poster presentations at one of the institution鈥檚 research showcases, such as the Symposium of Student Scholars.

Externally, the University has continued to engage with prominent organizations to expand student research opportunities. This summer, 成人直播 students have landed internships in numerous federal organizations, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, and the National Laboratory of the Rockies.

Kennesaw State is also strengthening its connections at the state and national levels, building on its already robust research foundation. In May, 成人直播 became a member of the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA), a distinction that places the University among the state鈥檚 leading research institutions and positions 成人直播 to further accelerate its role as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and discovery statewide. The research partnership builds on an established track record, with 成人直播 earning 14 competitive GRA Innovation and Entrepreneurship grants in recent years. The awards have helped faculty across disciplines advance promising discoveries toward commercialization, enabling startups, licenses, and partnerships that would not otherwise have been possible.

成人直播's admission to GRA reflects years of deliberate investment in research infrastructure, an effort that places the University among the top research institutions in the country. 成人直播 is on track to meet Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education R1 benchmarks for a third straight fiscal year, surpassing $50 million in research expenditures and awarding more than 70 research doctorates each year.

成人直播 took an additional step toward national prominence by joining the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) research consortium, reinforcing its commitment to advancing impactful and innovative research.

鈥淭ogether, these memberships accelerate everything else we are building,鈥� Scarpinato said. 鈥淥ur goal is not simply to grow our research numbers. Our goal is to position 成人直播 as a university where groundbreaking ideas are born, where students challenge what鈥檚 possible, where entrepreneurs find a home, and where the people of Georgia and beyond see the direct benefits of what happens on our campuses.鈥漁ff-campus recognitions have begun to mount as well. In November, 成人直播鈥檚 Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services received the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities鈥� Public Impact Research Award, honoring its real-world influence on veterans, first responders, and emergency managers.

鈥淏eing recognized on that stage puts 成人直播 in remarkable company and reflects the quality of the work happening here every day,鈥� Scarpinato said.

BUILDING SUSTAINABLY

As research productivity accelerates, 成人直播 is simultaneously expanding its physical footprint, investing in facilities that enable collaboration and innovation or simply serving as a home away from home. Guided by its Facilities Master Plan, the University is strategically shaping these developments to support long-term growth and a cohesive campus experience.

A major step was the opening of the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center. Situated along Technology Way near the entrance of the Marietta Campus, the center is designed to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, foster collaboration across disciplines, and translate research into real-world solutions that benefit communities beyond campus. It also serves as the home of the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship Center, a unit of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, and the Office of Research鈥檚 Center for Interactive Media.

Across campus, near the Engineering Technology Center, another structure has transformed the landscape. Officially opened in June, the 12,000-square-foot Hornet Hub will serve as the newest collaboration space for 成人直播鈥檚 award-winning student competition teams, including the Night Owl Racing team, aerial robotics competition team, and hydraulic bike team, among others. And on the Kennesaw Campus, the University鈥檚 newest residence hall 鈥� The Summit II 鈥� will house 460 first-year students starting with the Fall 2026 semester. The nearly 97,000-square-foot residence hall sits on the south end of the Kennesaw Campus adjacent to The Summit I student housing, which opened in 2022.

The addition of The Summit II will bring 成人直播鈥檚 total number of residential communities to 11, with a total capacity of more than 6,300 beds across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Notably, construction on the newest residence hall wrapped both ahead of schedule and under budget, said Lesley Netter-Snowden, executive vice president and chief business officer.

鈥淗ousing and Residence Life is an auxiliary department, meaning it does not receive state appropriations or tuition revenue, and it must generate its own revenue to cover expenses,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he project savings will allow the auxiliary departments to reallocate that funding to other capital projects supporting the strategic plan, specifically strengthening the student experience and enhancing our physical environment.鈥�

As the University maintains a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, external funding continues to support key priorities across the institution. In 2025, 成人直播 raised more than $47 million, including $14 million added to its endowment. In total, 541 endowments now benefit scholarships, student programs, research, and 成人直播 Athletics. These efforts have driven significant momentum for The Campaign for 成人直播, the largest and most comprehensive fundraising initiative in the University鈥檚 history. Launched in 2023 with an initial goal of $200 million, the campaign has already surpassed expectations, raising more than $227 million to date.

In April, 成人直播 saw its most successful Giving Day, raising more than $400,000. Now in its third year, the event attracted a record 2,116 individual contributors, many of whom were alumni, demonstrating the continued momentum of 成人直播鈥檚 culture of generosity.

EMPHASIZING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The student experience on campus has made great strides since the launch of the Taking Flight strategic plan. Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Ivan Pulinkala points to the success of the FLIGHT program, spearheaded by Vice President of Student Affairs Eric Arneson, as proof-positive of 成人直播鈥檚 elevated student experience.

Launched in 2022, FLIGHT is a class鈥憏ear connection program, designed to enrich the student experience through intentional, high鈥慽mpact engagement. Offering distinctive experiences at every stage of the collegiate journey, FLIGHT supports students鈥� social, personal, and academic growth from their first year through graduation. The program achieved a significant milestone in May as FLIGHT 26, named for the targeted graduation year, became the first cohort of the program to reach Commencement. This fall, 成人直播 will welcome FLIGHT 30 to campus.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been laser-focused on helping students discover and engage with 成人直播 traditions, particularly within their academic homes,鈥� Arneson said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e already seeing increased participation as a result. Several colleges have developed goals centered on connecting students beyond the classroom, and that work has sparked new programs, partnerships, and meaningful collaborations.鈥�

The student experience extends beyond new campus traditions. In addition to new residential offerings on campus, student demand for transportation options will be met this fall with a new fleet of buses and expanded Big Owl Bus service including new routes. And for the first time ever, the fleet will feature four hybrid buses, underscoring 成人直播鈥檚 commitment to sustainable practices.

鈥淭hese initiatives stand out not only for their outcomes, but for the way they exemplify the institution鈥檚 broader commitment to intentional, data-informed progress,鈥� Netter-Snowden said.

Building on its rapid growth and increasing national visibility, Kennesaw State has refined its admissions process. The University has joined other top-performing institutions in the University System of Georgia in requiring SAT or ACT scores and, by 2027 will implement new GPA standards, strengthening its position as a destination for high-performing students nationwide.

At the same time, 成人直播 is carving new degree pathways that meet industry and student demand. Currently, the University offers more than 220 degree and certificate programs and has announced three new degree programs since the launch of Taking Flight. In Fall 2025, 成人直播 became just the second institution in Georgia to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, helping address the workforce demands of a rapidly growing industry.

Soon thereafter, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved additional academic programs at 成人直播, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Technologies.

鈥淲e are working to make sure that over time our growth isn鈥檛 just measured by student numbers,鈥� Pulinkala said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 measured by our academic distinction, the accolades our faculty, staff and students receive nationally, and the rankings we earn in the academic marketplace.鈥�

RAISING THE PROFILE EXTERNALLY

To achieve prominence and raise Kennesaw State's external profile, several initiatives within taking Flight are centered on developing partnerships and sustaining the national profile set by the success of 成人直播's Athletics programs.

Casey Tanner, vice president of external affairs, said strong recognition within 成人直播鈥檚 state and local communities serves as the gateway to national visibility.

鈥淚t鈥檚 working,鈥� she said. 鈥淭o date, we have expanded the network of external advocates advancing 成人直播鈥檚 priorities while strengthening our presence at the federal level. These efforts have resulted in successful congressional appropriations funding requests, and a rising number of 成人直播 students securing internships in Washington, D.C. What began as local momentum has scaled into national achievements, raising awareness of Kennesaw State across the country.鈥�

To support this momentum, Tanner said her unit is continuing to explore ways to advance the value of a 成人直播 degree by engaging with business partners.

鈥淎 key step in this effort is the planned opening of a Midtown Atlanta office dedicated to fostering industry partnerships,鈥� she said. 鈥淏y establishing a presence in one of the nation鈥檚 largest hubs for corporate headquarters, our aim is to strengthen relationships with employers and elevate 成人直播鈥檚 reputation in regional and national business communities.鈥�

The new Midtown Atlanta office is expected to open in Technology Square during the Fall 2026 semester.

Nationally, the Kennesaw State brand has established visibility by way of numerous championship-caliber athletics programs. Since joining Conference USA (CUSA) in July 2024 and elevating to the highest echelon of college football, Owls men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 athletics teams have captured five CUSA championships, earning a men鈥檚 basketball March Madness appearance and the school鈥檚 first-ever football bowl game along the way.

鈥淪ince the beginning, our primary goal has been increasing visibility and strengthening the 成人直播 brand, and we鈥檝e made meaningful progress,鈥� said Milton Overton, director of athletics. 鈥淎s visibility increases, engagement follows. Alumni give more, partners lean in, and momentum builds.鈥�

As Taking Flight continues to guide 成人直播鈥檚 moment, Pulinkala emphasized that the University鈥檚 goal champions are not guided by rigid assumptions about what Kennesaw State鈥檚 next chapter should be. Instead, they are allowing progress to take shape naturally, informed by shared purpose, collaboration, and momentum across campus.

So how does a modern university grow from here?

鈥淚n one word,鈥� Pulinkala said, 鈥渋ntentionally.鈥�

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 成人直播 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.