KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 2, 2025

A social worker inspires a community. A prosthetist creates an innovative device that brings mobility to a child with dreams of participating in a sport.

A social worker inspires a community. A prosthetist creates an innovative device that brings mobility to a child with dreams of participating in a sport. A chemist develops a new material that revolutionizes an industry. Life-changing innovations such as these begin with skills taught in university classrooms, are nurtured by dedicated faculty mentors, and brought to fruition by the passion of individual students. But often, it’s the generosity of donors that turns possibility into reality. Financial support can make the difference between a student’s dream and their achievement.

In that spirit, the Kennesaw State University Graduate College is thrilled to announce that it has awarded scholarships totaling $7,900 to eight graduate students for the Fall 2025 semester. Seven students received the Graduate College General Scholarship, and one student received the Graduate College Alumni Scholarship.

The Graduate College scholarship award recipients include:
Graduate College General Scholarship

• Yolanda Ford – Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Zachary Goff – MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO)
• Tia Norrington – MA in Integrated Global Communication (MAIGC)
• Oded Ravid – Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering
• Natalie “Honey” Santos - MAT-Teaching
• Alice Smith – Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP)
• Rebecca Stachnik - Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration/Master of Social
  Work (MBA/MSW)

Graduate College Alumni Scholarship

• Malik Colbert – MBA

General scholarship recipient, Tia Norrington, who is pursuing an MA in Integrated Global Communications says, “My hope is to move and work abroad one day, and this scholarship allows me to take that step with less of an economic strain.” Scholarships not only relieve financial pressures but can also give students the confidence they need to pursue their research and reach their career goals. “Our graduate students often face challenges balancing life, work and family and these funds not only provide financial support but also indicate that KSU believes in them and their goals,” says Juliet Langman, Dean of the Graduate College.

For Yolanda Ford, Master of Social Work student, her scholarship represents more than financial support. She explains, “It is an investment in my ability to transform personal growth into professional purpose.” Without the burden of financial stress, Yolanda is fully able to concentrate on her research and develop the clinical skills necessary to bring support and healing to her clients and make a meaningful impact on the community. “Authentic work,” she says, “begins with our own commitment to growth and self-awareness, which then enables us to show up fully for those
we serve.”

Zachary Goff, recipient of a general scholarship, agrees and adds, “For me, receiving a scholarship means I can spend more time and mental energy focusing on learning and doing the best I can in the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program.” Fellow recipient, Oded Ravid, a Ph.D. candidate in Interdisciplinary Engineering, encourages students to apply. “Even if you’re unsure, apply. The process of applying also helps you reflect on your academic journey and clarify your goals. Every student deserves the opportunity to be supported and celebrated, and you might be surprised by how far your story can take you.”

From enrollment to graduation, coursework to research, and internships to new job opportunities, the Graduate College is building a robust success-oriented environment that encourages students to aspire higher. “We are pleased to support our graduate students with scholarships made available through generous donations from students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members,” says Langman. Dual MSW/MBA degree student, Rebecca Stachnik is enthusiastic about the culture of student success at KSU, and her scholarship serves her as a reminder that others believe in her potential. “I chose KSU for my graduate studies because the university was exceptionally supportive in my career development [during my undergraduate years], and when I was ready to pursue graduate studies, I knew KSU would be a great fit,” she says. Students who are interested in applying for scholarships may visit the KSU ScholarshipUniverse portal at kennesaw.scholarshipuniverse.com.  This one-stop-shop tool allows students to search and apply for thousands of scholarships and offers a customized list for which the student is eligible, saving time and effort. The portal opens again on November 1, 2026.

Supporting graduate students through donations to the KSU Foundation empowers promising scholars to pursue higher education, fosters research, and enhances the university’s reputation. To give a gift to the Graduate College, visit giving.kennesaw.edu/online-giving/graduate-college.php.

 

--By Tracy Gaudlip