Kennesaw State University, also referred to as KSU or Kennesaw State, is a public, coeducational, comprehensive university that is part of the University System of Georgia. The university's main campus is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, United States, North America, approximately north of Atlanta. KSU also holds classes at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Dalton State College, and Appalachian Technical College. As of fall semester 2007, an enrollment of 20,603 students made KSU the third largest university in Georgia, trailing only the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. The university is well known for academic programs in business, education, and nursing.

History

The university has undergone a number of changes in name (and mission) over its short existence. The university was officially founded on October 9 1963, when the Georgia Board of Regents approved the establishment of a junior college tentatively to be named Cobb County Junior College.

1965-1981: Horace Sturgis era

In August 1965, Horace Sturgis was designated to serve as the future college's first president.

1966: Kennesaw Junior College

Kennesaw Junior College opened in fall of 1966 as a junior college, with an initial enrollment of 1,014 students.

1976: Kennesaw College

Ten years later, in 1976, the former Kennesaw Junior College became a four-year college and was redesignated Kennesaw College. This allowed it to grant its first bachelor's degrees to seventy students in June 1980. Shortly thereafter, Sturgis retired as Kennesaw State's first president.

1981-2006: Betty Siegel era

In 1981 Betty Siegel, known as "The Betty" to many people, became the second president of KSU and the first female university president in the University System of Georgia.

In the late 1980s to mid 1990s, KSU began a period of rapid growth, including a program of expanded offerings, as well as residential housing.

In 1985, KSU initiated its first graduate degree programs, in business and education.

1988: Kennesaw State College

In 1988, the former Kennesaw College was renamed Kennesaw State College and Associate degrees were discontinued, except for a program in nursing.

In 1990, the School of Business Administration started the nation's first degree program in professional sales, which is ranked among the best today.

1996: Kennesaw State University

On June 12 1996, the former Kennesaw State College was renamed to Kennesaw State University, the name by which it is known today.

In 1996, Kennesaw State's baseball and softball teams won the NCAA Division II national championships. The winning Owls continued excelling in athletics including the Lady Owls 2003 win of the NCAA Women's Division II Soccer Championship and the men's basketball team win of the 2004 NCAA Men's Division II Basketball Championship. In part due to their winning Division II in 2005, the Owls joined Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference.

In 1998, the nursing program began offering options for clinical practice abroad. Practicums in Haiti were started by Dr. Gerónimo Lluberas.

In 2006, Dr. Siegel stepped down as one of the longest-serving woman university presidents in American history. The Siegel era was marked by exponential growth and advancement for the university.

2006-present: Daniel Papp era

In the summer of 2006, Dr. Daniel S. Papp, Ph.D, became the university's third president. Although the university is mostly non-traditionally aged and commuter students, there has been a renewed effort to become a more traditional campus. Papp's first strategic plan outlined initiatives to lead to an increase in academic standards and retention rates, more on-campus housing, and a football team.

KSU started its first doctoral programs in Education in Leadership for Learning and Education and a Specialist in Spring semester 2007.

In 2007, a new Social Sciences building opened for use by many of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences students. Adjacent to the building, a sculpture entitled "Spaceship Earth", created by Finnish artist Eino, collapsed in December 2006, three months after installation on campus. The sculpture was intended to be a permanent reminder to future generations to take care of their delicate planet. Ironically, the statue was made from quartzite strip-mined within the Brazilian Rain forest. Reconstruction of the statue was completed on 26 October 2007.

The university's first doctoral program in Education in Leadership for Learning also began in 2007.

On October 17 2007, Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke donated several relics from the 1972 lunar mission to Kennesaw State, including a lunar map and a checklist from the flight. It was reported to be the only checklist from an Apollo flight to be in a university library anywhere in the world.

On 19 March 2008, the Board of Regents approved the university system's only Doctor of Business Administration, which was also Kennesaw State's second doctoral degree. The regents also approved a Bachelors of Arts with a major in Dance, KSU's 46th undergraduate degree, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Secondary Science degree.

Campus

Kennesaw State University is located on 240 acres (97 ha) of land adjacent to I-75 (similar to two other Georgia universities, Georgia Tech and Georgia State University) where views of the campus can be seen from the highway, including Kennesaw State's "University Village". KSU, which enrolls over 20,000 students, is the third largest university in the state of Georgia. Convenient to metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia, KSU is a diverse mixture of traditional and non-traditional, residential and commuter students.

Social Sciences Building

The new Social Science building is the most recently completed building at KSU. It is located on the west section of campus on Campus Loop Road adjacent to the original campus historical district. The building features a 302 seat auditorium, a 100+ seat Cinema classroom, a newly opened digital media arts lab, and 40 classrooms with advanced technology. The lobby features a healthy food café and study area. The Social Science building also meets Silver Rating LEED Green Building requirements and is the first building in the University System of Georgia to meet these specifications.

Spaceship Earth

Located adjacent to the Social Sciences Building is a sculpture entitled "Spaceship Earth", created by Finnish American artist Eino The sculpture was commissioned by the Maxwell Family Foundation in memory of the late environmentalist David Brower. The sculpture was intended to be a permanent reminder to future generations to take care of their delicate planet.

In late December 2006, only three months after installation on campus, the structure collapsed. After the collapse, Eino attributed the disaster to vandalism, but later reports associated the collapse to poor construction.

Reconstruction was to have begun in February 2007, but was delayed until July 2007, and was finally completed on October 26 2007.

The sculpture, completed at an estimated cost of $1.5 million is currently recognized as the world's largest quartz sphere.

A. L. Burruss Building

The A. L. Burruss Building is home to the Michael J. Coles College of Business. It is situated in the east section of campus overlooking the Campus Green. The ground floor contains a food court with table seating for eating and studying surrounded by numerous lecture halls. The fourth floor of the Burruss Building is a computer lab open to students and one of the campus data centers. This building is one of the more dominant features of this sector of the campus, which contains other large structures. At night, the tower that extends from the center of the Burruss Building facade lights up with the letters "KSU". A sidewalk west of the Burruss building leads north to university housing communities University Village and KSU Place. A 2,500 space parking deck ("Central Deck") is in construction in the buildings former surface parking lot. The Central Deck is estimated completion of June 2008 and will accommodate parking for the entire campus. Easy access to the developing arts district northwest of the Burruss Building (Stillwell Theatre, Performance Hall) is offered from the west exit of the Burruss Building.

Campus Green

The Campus Green is a grass area in the center of campus. It offers students an area to relax, study or throw a football or flying disc between classes. This aesthetic feature has become one of KSU's best known features. During the Spring and Fall student activity on the green can be seen during the noon and afternoon hours. During graduation ceremonies, the campus green is no longer utilized as a reception area. Signs from the East Parking Deck lead students and visitors to the Campus Green surrounded by the towering buildings in the area (Burruss Building, Kennesaw Hall and The Student Recreation & Wellness Center) which offers a unique atmosphere on this suburban campus. The Campus Green offers direct access to Kennesaw State's James V. Carmichael Student Center.

Kennesaw Hall

Kennesaw Hall is home to the Bagwell College of Education and administrative offices of the university. The Office of the President resides on the top floor of the building that can be seen all the way from Barrett Parkway (a busy Kennesaw road a few miles (kilometers) away) and Kennesaw Mountain. Kennesaw Hall overlooks the Campus Green and is one of the larger buildings in the east section of Campus.

Convocation Center

The Convocation Center is located southeast of the Campus Green and houses the NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball programs at Kennesaw State University. The Convocation Center is a multipurpose facility that supports academic classes, lectures, concerts, theatrical performances, athletic events, graduations, and convocation ceremonies. The facility has locker rooms, training rooms, and offices for the athletic department. The third floor of the center houses hospitality and conference suits that overlook the arena floor. KSU's Convocation Center is the largest of its kind in northwest Georgia with seating for 4,800.

Other selected buildings

The 'historic district' of the university (Original Campus) is located in the west section of campus and includes the University College (formerly the Social Sciences Building), Pilcher Public Service and Library, Willingham Hall, Nursing, Advancement, and Technology Annex buildings. These buildings served primarily as the home to the College of Humanities and Social Science until construction on the new Social Science Building was completed at the end of 2006.

Academics

Profile

Kennesaw State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a public institution in Georgia and is overseen by the Georgia Board of Regents. As of spring 2007, 19,245 students were enrolled with the largest enrollment being in fall semester 2006 at 19,854. Over three-quarters of the student body come from Cobb, Cherokee, or Fulton counties, while 9% of the student body come from over 136 countries world wide. About 70% undergraduates are full-time, while the figure for graduate students is 31%. As of Spring 2007, 56% of undergraduates are under 23 years old; over half (57%) of its graduate students are between 23 and 34 years of age.

For fall 2006, 36% were in its Bagwell College of Education; 35% of graduate enrollments were in the Coles College of Business. That semester also saw the university continue its trend of having significantly more female (61%) than male (39%) students. As of 2004, KSU has the third-largest university enrollment within the University System of Georgia, out of the 34 universities and colleges in the system.

There are 607 faculty members at Kennesaw State with 37% being assistant professors. 38% of faculty are tenured and 43% are on a tenured track. Kennesaw State is currently ranked 10th among other four-year USG institutions with faculty having a doctorate degree, at 74%.

Colleges and degrees

The university is divided into eight colleges and offers 43 bachelor's degrees, 16 master degree programs, and two doctoral programs.

College of the Arts College of Science & Mathematics Coles College of Business University College

Bagwell College of Education WellStar College of Health and Human Services College of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate College

Continuing Education

Kennesaw State's Continuing Education, the largest in the nation, is housed in the KSU Center, located a mile away from the main campus.

Kennesaw State is home to the state's largest Educational Technology Training Center (ETTC) The ETTC is one of 13 such centers around the state. Teachers and other school personnel from around the state come to the KSU ETTC for professional development.

KSU's Computer Science and Information Systems department hosts the Center for Election Systems, which certifies and monitors the direct recording electronic machines used in Georgia elections and trains local elections officials.

Student life

Student groups

KSU has over 170 registered student groups and organizations for student participation. Some of the more active organizations in recent years have been Greeks, Religious Clubs, and Club Sports There are seven line-item student organizations, Student Government, Kennesaw Activities Board, African American Student Alliance, Global Society, International Student Association, Graduate Students Association and Student Media. These organizations are awarded a line-item budget yearly ranging from $30,000 to $144,000 that is spent on student programing and activities. Many of these groups give stipends to their members up to 100 percent of tuition and fees. All other student organizations have the opportunity to spend up to $350 per year on program from the Student Life budget. The budgets for student organizations are awarded by the Student Activities and Budget Advisory Committee, which is a majority student, faculty and staff run advisory committee to the Vice President of Students. This committee meets regularly during the fall and spring semesters approving new organizations, funding requests and by-law changes.

Student government

The purpose of KSU's Student Government is to promote understanding and involvement among all members of the campus community, and to represent and legislate the interest of the university's student body on a campus-wide, local, state, and federal level in accordance with KSU statutes, student codes of conduct, and the policies of the Board of Regents. All active students at KSU are allowed to vote in the yearly elections during spring semester. SG is made up of the President, Executive Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer and five appointed and confirmed secretarys and 28 senator positions. The Student Government has weekly meetings where they discuss and pass legislation, listen to testimony from administrative officials and discuss upcoming campus events. Senators and a Secretary (the chair) are separated into five standing committees to facilitate in legislative development.

Student media

• The Sentinel (KSU) is the official newspaper for KSU. It is printed weekly during fall and spring semesters and twice during the summer semester.
• The Talon is the feature magazine for Kennesaw State University.
• Share is KSU's national award winning magazine that features the work of KSU students.
• Owl Radio is the student run radio station for KSU. Currently content is streamed online with live365.
• Talisman is the name of the former Student Yearbook for KSU.

Christian crganizations

KSU has a variety of Christian organizations that together. Each group has its own distinctions and traditions, and many of them have a strong commitment to Christian education, service, prayer, and spiritual growth.

Protestant groups Celtic Cross PCM, 2001 - supported by PC(USA) Christian Campus Fellowship, 2004 - supported by Independent Christian Churches Reformed University Fellowship, 2006 - supported by PCA Wesley Foundation, supported by UMC Fraternities and sororities Many other fraternities and sororities have existed at KSU over the years: Sororities Phi Mu 1989 Delta Phi Epsilon 1989 Gamma Phi Beta 2008 Alpha Kappa Alpha 1992 Delta Sigma Theta 1995 Zeta Phi Beta Omega Phi Alpha 2006 Fraternities Delta Tau Delta 2002 Kappa Sigma 2004 Pi Kappa Phi Eta Delta Chapter, 1991 Theta Chi 1983 Phi Beta Sigma Delta Chi 2007 Delta Sigma Pi 1994 Greek Life at KSU Alma Mater The Kennesaw State University alma mater (school song) is sung to the tune Gaudeamus Igitur. The lyrics were written in 1982 by former KSU student Cynthia Parks: Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw, Nestled in the Georgia pines, What a special place you hold, Treasured in this heart of mine. For the candles you set burning, Lighting paths of love and learning, For the gifts you have given me, Kennesaw, I will cherish thee. Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw, Fairest of the Southland's fame, Sons and daughters gathered here, Stand to praise thy lovely name. For the friendships that were made here, For the dreams we dared to dream here, Kennesaw, we will cherish thee, Kennesaw, we will cherish thee. Athletics Kennesaw State University's sports teams are called the Fighting Owls and the Lady Owls. The Athletic Director for the university is Dr. Dave Waples. The Owls participate in NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference (and previously Division II Peach Belt Conference). The school mascot is Scrappy (the fighting Owl). The university's biggest sport is its basketball program. KSU takes special pride in its athletic program and its several athletic facilities on campus. Past NCAA Division II National Championships include: Baseball (1996), Men's Basketball (2004), Cheerleading (2004, 2005), Women's Soccer (2003), Softball (1995, 1996). Kennesaw State is the only division II school to win a national championship in four different sports. Several other regional and divisional championships add to the legacy of the university's athletic program. Soccer Kennesaw State started women's soccer in 2002. In their first year of competition the school finished 18-0-1 and earned a trip to the national tournament. The following year Kennesaw State won the Division II national championship. 2004 was the start of the transition to Division I and during the 2006 season, the Owls won the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season title. After winning their second straight A-Sun title in 2007, the Owls made their first appearance in the NCAA Women's Soccer Championships, falling to Florida State, 3-0, in the first round. Basketball The Kennesaw State Fighting Owl and Lady Owl basketball teams play Division I basketball in the expansive Convocation Center on the campus of KSU. The teams previously played in the legendary Spec Landrum Center, which served as the home floor when the men won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2004. The current women's head coach is Colby Tilley. The current men's head coach is Tony Ingle. "Courtside with Tony Ingle" is the official basketball television show of KSU which airs on Comcast Sports South weekly. Baseball Kennesaw State's baseball team is currently coached by Mike Sansing. The Owls play at Stillwell Stadium on the south section of the campus adjacent to the University Place housing community. Owl Alumni in Major League Baseball include Jason Jones of the Texas Rangers and Willie Harris, who earned a World Series ring with the Chicago White Sox in 2005, of the Washington Nationals. Softball Kennesaw State's softball team is led by Hall of Fame coach Scott Whitlock. The Lady Owls play at Bailey Park just south of the bustling intersection of Kennesaw State University Road and Paulding Avenue in the center of campus. The facility added a new Daktronics scoreboard in right field in the spring of 2007. Club sports Kennesaw's largest club sport is Ice Hockey and they are currently the ACHA Division 3 National Champions and have moved up the Division 2 of the ACHA. Kennesaw State also has club sports in ultimate frisbee, cycling, lacrosse, roller hockey, wrestling, rugby, and Competitive Cheer. Cheerleading Kennesaw State's Cheerleading Spirit Squad cheers for all the home Men's and Women's Basketball games. The Competitive Cheerleading team was recently moved to club sports and has been taken over by Head Coach A.J. Lawrence. Lawrence is a former Kennesaw Cheerleader 2002-2006. The Competitive Cheerleading Team has won two National Cheerleading Association Collegiate National Championships in Division II in 2004 and 2005. The squad moved to Division I in 2006 and is now competing against top schools such as University of Maryland, University of Louisville, and The Ohio State University and has continued to be ranked in the top five spots in the nation. Football Kennesaw State has considered adding an American football team at various points in its history. Future plans for the school include a football stadium. The school has concluded a feasibility survey which affirmed it would be possible to have Division I football. On November 9 2007, a survey was administered by Student Government with 77.6 percent of respondents voting in favor of starting a football program. Participation in the survey was supposed to be restricted to enrolled students only; however, due to a design flaw, anyone could take the survey an unlimited number of times. Notable people Alumni Susan Sewell, VP Media Relations, ABC Television. Larry Nelson, Senior PGA Golf Pro Ty Pennington, host of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and TLC's Trading Spaces Robert Henry, Pianist, Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center performer, Artist-in-Residence at KSU Cindy Bowden, U.S. Olympian Doug Stoner, Georgia State Senator Sean Treadaway - actor, voice over talent. Andy Azula, Advertising visionary (appears in UPS Whiteboard commercials) Lisa Peacock, Instrumental in development of BioGlue Surgical Adhesive Ken Burris, First COO of the United States Fire Administration Kandice Pelletier - Miss New York 2005, appeared on CBS's The Amazing Race 10 Willie Harris - Washington Nationals - Major League Baseball player, World Series Champion with Chicago White Sox, 2005 Mac Powell - Lead Singer of the Contemporary Christian Band "Third Day" Professors and scholars Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives - visiting professor, History. Dr. Gerónimo Lluberas - Professor, College of Nursing - international physician, humanitarian and musician. Dr. Britain J. Williams - Professor Emeritis, Computer Science - national expert on election systems. Bob Barr, former U.S. Congressman - adjunct professor teaching course on privacy rights (Spring 2008), 2008 Libertarian Party Nominee for President of the United States. References External links Kennesaw State Official Website KSU Owls Athletic Website Kennesaw State University Institutional Research