History of CSM

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence and innovation, the College of Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University boasts a rich history that reflects its growth and impact. From its early foundations to its current role as a leading institution in the sciences, our college has continually evolved to meet the needs of students, faculty, and the local/international community. Explore the key milestones throughout the decades that highlight our journey and the lasting contributions we've made in shaping the future of science and mathematics.

 

  • 2025

    • July 1 - Dr. Melanie Griffin appointed Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Operations.

    2024

    • July 1 - Dr. Heather Koopman named Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

    2023

    • September 1 - Dr. Martin Hudson appointed Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies.
    • July 1 - Dr. Vishnu Suppiramaniam appointed Interim Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

    2021

    • February 15 - The Department of Statistics and Analytical Sciences moves to the College of Computing and Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University and is established as the School of Data Science and Analytics.

    2020

    • August 1 - Dr. Kojo Mensa-Wilmot named Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.
    • January 1 - Dr. Marla Bell appointed Interim Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

  • 2019 

    • March 22 - Dr. Don McGarey appointed Interim Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.
    • Groundbreaking of the Science Lab Annex (Marietta Campus).

    2018 

    • $1 million grant received from Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
    • December 31 - KSU was upgraded to a doctoral research institution with R2 status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. Link to KSU News article » 

    2017

    • July 1 - Dr. Don McGarey was selected to serve as the interim Vice President for Research.
    • Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science program moves to KSU's Graduate College.
    • Build-out of the 5th floor of the Science Laboratory building is completed.

    2016

    • February 8 - KSU was upgraded to a doctoral research institution with R3 status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

    2015

    • The former Department of Biology and Physics has officially split into three departments: Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, & Department of Physics.
    • Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science program was approved.
    • Computer Science moves to College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE).

    2014

    • The former Department of Mathematics and Statistics has officially split into two departments: Department of Mathematics & Department of Statistics and Analytical Sciences.
    • July 28 - Construction starts on The Oasis, outdoor classroom.
    • November 14 - The Oasis - Outdoor Classroom opens.
    • Birla Carbon Scholars Program launched. Thanks to a generous contribution from Birla Carbon.

    2013

    • August 14 - Bachelor of Applied Computer Science program was approved.

    2012

    • Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB) program was approved.
    • Dr. Mark R. Anderson named Dean of CSM.
    • KSU to offer Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS), housed in the CSM's Department of Computer Science.
    • Master of Science in Chemical Sciences (MSCB) program was approved.
    • October 25 - The Science Laboratory Building opened, featuring 73,000 square feet, five-stories, six teaching labs and 17 research labs.

    2011

    • Groundbreaking of New Science Lab Addition.
    • Department of Computer Science and Information Systems becomes the Department of Computer Science; Information Systems moves to Coles College of Business.

    2010

    • Dr. Ronald H. Matson appointed Interim Dean of CSM.
    • Former Nursing Building occupied by Department of Mathematics and Statistics and renamed Mathematics and Statistics building.
    • CSM labs open in Prillaman Hall.
    • Advancing the Teaching of Mathematics and Science (A.T.O.M.S.) center jointly opened with Bagwell College of Education in House 59.
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    2007

    • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T. - Science) first offered in collaboration with Bagwell College of Education.
    • Department of Biological and Physical Sciences renamed Department of Biology and Physics.

    2006

    • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T. - Mathematics) offered in collaboration with Bagwell College of Education.
    • Masters of Science in Applied Statistics (MSAS) program added to the curriculum.
    • Department of Mathematics renamed Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

    2005

    • Proposed a new Science Laboratory Building.

    2004

    • CSM acquires much needed van for field trips, research, etc. Thanks to a generous contribution from Dr. Kathleen Fleiszar.

    2003

    • BS in Biotechnology offered (Spring 2003).

    2002

    • The Ann and John Clendenin Building (37,000 sq. ft.) opened.
    • Complex for Applied Science Activities (CASA) and Center for Elections opens in House 57.

    2001

    • Masters of Science in Applied Computer Science degree offered by Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS).
    • John Clendenin, education advocate and donor for whom the Ann and John Clendenin Computer Science Building is named, received Kennesaw State University's (KSU's) annual honorary doctorate.
    • Arboretum Co-Founders, Dr. Mary Lance and Ed Bostick, honored on 25th anniversary of Arboretum’s dedication.
    • Department of Chemistry renamed Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

    2000 

    • Dedication of the Joyce H. Pegues Memorial Greenhouse.

  • 1999

    • First CSM masters program offered: Master of Science in Information Systems.

    1997

    • Dr. Laurence Peterson becomes the second CSM Dean.

    1996

    • New $15M (104,336 sq ft.) Science Building opens.
    • Original Science Building becomes Nursing Building.
    • Kennesaw State College becomes Kennesaw State University.
    • School of Science and Mathematics renamed College of Science and Mathematics (CSM).
    • Dr. Herbert Davis becomes first Dean for CSM.

    1994

    • School of Science and Allied Health becomes School of Science and Mathematics.
    • Department of Nursing becomes the School of Nursing.

    1993

    • Department of Chemistry and Physics becomes Department of Chemistry.
    • Department of Biology becomes Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

  • Science Lab in the 1980's at Kennesaw State University.
    Science Lab in the 1980's at Kennesaw State University.

    1988

    • Kennesaw College becomes Kennesaw State College.

     

    1987

    • Department of Computer Science and Information Systems created.

    1983

    • Division of Natural Science and Mathematics name changes to School of Natural Science and Mathematics.
    • Dr. Herbert Davis becomes the first Dean of the School of Science and Allied Health.
    • Four Departments created:
      • Department of Biology  
      • Department of Chemistry and Physics
      • Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
      • Department of Nursing

  • 1976 Kennesaw State University Arboretum dedication
    1976 Kennesaw State University Arboretum dedication

    1977

    • Kennesaw Junior College becomes Kennesaw College.

    1976

    • Dedication of the campus Arboretum by Science and Mathematics faculty as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration.

    1970

    • Dr. Herbert Davis becomes Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

  • 1967

    • Science Building (original) opens (31,615 sq. ft.).

    1966

    • Kennesaw Junior College opens.
    • Division of Natural Science and Mathematics created.
    • Dr. Wesley Walraven is the first Division Chair.

    1965

    • Officially named Kennesaw Junior College (August).

    1963

    • The Georgia Board of Regents approved the creation of a new institution, tentatively named Cobb County Junior College on October 9, 1963.