KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 30, 2025

Kennesaw State University leaders on Monday presented awards to five of the institution’s most outstanding employees at its annual KSU Staff Awards event at the Carmichael Student Center.

While students, faculty, student-athletes, and coaches may spring to mind first when members of the public think of Kennesaw State, there are thousands of people working in a wide variety of roles to keep the university functioning every day, around-the-clock.

“From administrative support to campus maintenance and academic advising to research support, and every role in between, staff are essential to everything we do,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “You are the beating heart of KSU and your hard work serving the university and our students does not go unnoticed. Thank you and congratulations to all of our 2025 Staff Award nominees and winners.”

The University’s highest honor, the Outstanding Owl Award, was presented to Michael Redd, director of compliance and certification support in Enrollment Services.

Redd, who was nominated by Registrar Paul Parker, has worked at the university for 30 years, and the common theme among nomination supporters during his presentation video was helpfulness. Each said that Redd goes beyond what’s expected to help the Enrollment Services staff provide the best possible service to KSU’s nearly 48,000 students.

The KSU Staff Awards recognize exceptional commitment to KSU staff’s mission, goals and values. The Kennesaw State University Foundation underwrites the ceremony and provides the monetary gift that accompanies each award.

The other 2025 Staff Awards winners included:

Positive Impact/Service to the Community Award

• Jessica Aguirre, outreach and engagement coordinator, Department of Public Safety

Excellence in Innovation Award

• Kristen Bryan, assistant director, marketing and communications, Enrollment Services

Student Success Impact Award

• Sobia Mufti, academic program support specialist, School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding and Development

Outstanding Leadership Award

• Christina Coronado, executive director information technology customer support services, University IT Services

The awards process is managed by KSU’s Human Resources department. Nominations are submitted by supervisors and other employees with letters of support.  Nomination packets reviewed by a committee composed of representatives from across the University, including KSU’s Staff Senate. The 72 nominations set a record for this year’s awards, an increase of 7.4% from last year.

 

– Story by Gary Tanner

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 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 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.