Horace W. Sturgis 1965-1981
Betty L. Siegel 1981-2006
Daniel S. Papp 2006-

Since its founding in 1963, Kennesaw State University has grown from a small community college with a student body of just over 1,000 to a university that, today, has an enrollment approaching 20,000 students. Kennesaw State is Georgia’s third largest university and offers bachelor’s, master’s and a brand new doctorate in education.

In the 1960s, when community leaders and local residents saw a need for higher education in northwest Georgia, they began preparations to build a junior college in Cobb County. However, even during its early establishment phase, plans were being made to move the school from a junior college to a four-year institution. The dynamic growth of the college started immediately, and within ten years, Kennesaw Junior College was granted senior college status by the Board of Regents.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the campus prospered. Buildings were added, the curriculum expanded to include additional undergraduate degrees, graduate programs were instituted, and student enrollment exploded. Throughout these years, the institution’s commitment to excellence brought well-deserved acclaim as the university was recognized twice by U.S.News and World Report as an “up and coming college.” The 1990s saw continued success for the school. Physical facilities expanded as enrollment surpassed 10,000 students and more degree programs were added.

The university continues to receive accolades in the new century. In 2003, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities recognized KSU as one of the nation’s top three publicly engaged institutions. The university’s efforts in support of internationalization were honored by the American Council on Education when KSU was chosen for ACE’s study “Global Learning for All.” In 2004, U.S.News & World Report ranked Kennesaw State University’s “first-year experience” as a “program to look for” in its “America’s Best Colleges” edition. And again in 2005 and 2006, U.S.News & World Report spotlighted KSU for excellence in higher education.

Kennesaw State University’s growth in size, stature and service shows no sign of slowing. With record enrollment, a commitment to high academic standards, and a growing array of excellent academic programs, Kennesaw State University continues to serve the needs of the people of Georgia, the nation, and the world as we move deeper into the twenty-first century.