Lighting the Way

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 7, 2020

New signage is gateway to Kennesaw Campus

Atop five majestic brick columns standing approximately 30 feet high sits a marquee sign that spans more than 60 feet from end to end with illuminated large letters spelling out the name of Georgia’s third-largest university – Kennesaw State University.

Located on the corner of Chastain and Frey roads, the structure serves as the new gateway to the University that now houses nearly 38,000 students.

Kennesaw State University
New signage for Kennesaw State University at the corner of Chastain and Frey roads.

“This is an exceptional university filled with outstanding students, but there was no clear front entryway to announce that the university is here,” KSU President Pamela Whitten said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday afternoon. “This landmark represents the pride and passion our community has for KSU and helps welcome students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campus.”

Joining Whitten to cut the ribbon were student and campus leaders, KSU Trustee Julie Kimball, KSU Alumni Association Executive Committee member Teronzo Helm, Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce, and Cobb County District III Commissioner JoAnn Birrell.

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new entryway on Monday.

In addition, the University added a new 5-foot high brick wall on both sides of the Kennesaw State University Road entrance. Illuminated silver letters spelling out Kennesaw State University line the top of the walls that curve along the front of Chastain Road, matching the style of the Marietta Campus entrance. Six LED-illuminated light tubes, placed 20 feet above cast aluminum columns, line both sides of the entrance. Large cast aluminum plaques adorned with the KS logo in gold and Kennesaw State University in black underneath will be affixed to the front of the brick bases of several columns on both signs.

Kennesaw State University
New signage at the Kennesaw State University Road entrance.

The sidewalk along the front drive of the entrance also was widened to 18 feet to create an adjacent public space. Other improvements included regrading of the lawn to create additional space for students to study, relax and enjoy recreational activities.

The project was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in May 2019.

Atlanta’s Huie Design, Inc., created the innovative environmental graphic design. Columbia Engineering and Services, Inc., of Duluth was responsible for the civil engineering and enhanced landscaping.

– Photos by Jason Getz

Related Stories

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.