Carlton Stewart

The Kennesaw State University strategic plan, "Taking Flight," provides a clear, shared direction focused on bolstering academic success, expanding research, deepening community partnerships, and creating more opportunities for students. It is guided by five university-level goals: fostering a thriving learning environment, conducting innovative research that advances society, enhancing community engagement, expanding institutional influence and prominence, and advancing a sustainable, adaptable, and operationally efficient institution. The plan aims to move the institution toward national prominence and greater heights.

The document describes the strategic direction of the Interactive Research Methods Lab, a program within the Bowwell College of Education. Its core mission is to democratize research access and literacy by challenging traditional teaching methods. The lab employs innovative tools, such as the hubscotchmodel.com web tool and a dedicated app, along with interactive open-access resources. Having already reached over 200,000 users across 90 countries, the lab's future vision includes expanding its physical presence by establishing branches in every high school across Georgia.

This document summarizes Kennesaw State University's significant progress and achievements in 2025, reflecting its commitment to delivering lasting value to students and the state. Key focus areas include record student growth, retention, and graduation rates, expansion and excellence in academic programs, and substantial increases in research activity and infrastructure development. The report also highlights strengthened operations through sustainability efforts, increased community and donor support, and notable successes in student recognition and athletics, all contributing to the university's economic impact and relentless momentum.

The document details the Fall 2025 Commencement exercises, the 153rd in KSU's history. Key segments included welcoming remarks, the singing of the national anthem, and recognition of the platform party and distinguished members of the university community. A significant focus was placed on congratulating the graduating class of 2025, acknowledging their journey, and welcoming them as alumni. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of students through recognition of veterans, first-generation graduates, participants in research, study abroad, athletics, student organizations, internships, and working students. The President's Award of Distinction was conferred upon Ari Schwarz for exceptional achievement in academics (perfect 4.0 GPA in Biology), research, leadership, and service, with special mention of his resilience while facing health challenges. The event concluded with the formal presentation of candidates from the College of Science and Mathematics and the Michael J. Kohl's College of Business for degree conferral.

The document details the Fall 2025 Commencement exercises, the 153rd such event for Kennesaw State University. The event included the presentation of the platform party, the singing of the national anthem, and opening remarks emphasizing the graduates' accomplishments, resilience, and journey. Key segments included recognizing platform party members, acknowledging the contributions of faculty and staff, and celebrating graduates who were veterans, first-generation college students, conducted research, studied abroad, participated in athletics or student organizations, held internships/co-ops, were parents, or held jobs while studying. The ceremony culminated with the official conferring of degrees by the University President upon the recommendation of the faculty, followed by the presentation of degree candidates from the WellStar College of Health and Human Services (Master's and Baccalaureate degrees).