KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 5, 2026

National visibility isn't built overnight. It grows through meaningful partnerships, student success stories, and moments that capture attention on a larger stage. At Kennesaw State University, all three are converging.

Several initiatives in the Taking Flight strategic plan are centered on developing partnerships and sustaining the national profile set by the success of Owls athletics programs that are helping elevate the KSU brand across the state and throughout the country.

Casey Tanner, vice president of external affairs, said strong recognition within KSU’s state and local communities serves as the gateway to national visibility.

“It’s working,” she said. “To date, we have expanded the network of external advocates advancing KSU’s priorities while strengthening our presence at the federal level. These efforts have resulted in successful congressional appropriations funding requests, and a rising number of KSU students securing internships in Washington, D.C. What began as local momentum has scaled into national achievements, raising awareness of Kennesaw State across the country.”

To support this momentum, Tanner said her unit is continuing to explore ways to advance the value of a KSU degree by engaging with business partners.

“A key step in this effort is the planned opening of a Midtown Atlanta office dedicated to fostering industry partnerships,” she said. “By establishing a presence in one of the nation’s largest hubs for corporate headquarters, our aim is to strengthen relationships with employers and elevate KSU’s reputation in regional and national business communities.”

The new Midtown Atlanta office opened in Technology Square during the Fall 2026 semester.

Nationally, the Kennesaw State brand has established visibility by way of numerous championship-caliber athletics programs. Since joining Conference USA (CUSA) in July 2024 and elevating to the highest echelon of college football, Owls men’s and women’s athletics teams have captured five CUSA championships, earning a men’s basketball March Madness appearance and the school’s first-ever football bowl game along the way.

“Since the beginning, our primary goal has been increasing visibility and strengthening the KSU brand, and we’ve made meaningful progress,” said Milton Overton, director of athletics. “As visibility increases, engagement follows. Alumni give more, partners lean in, and momentum builds.”

As Taking Flight continues to guide KSU’s momentum, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ivan Pulinkala emphasized that the plan’s goal champions are not guided by rigid assumptions about what Kennesaw State’s next chapter should be. Instead, they are allowing progress to take shape naturally, informed by shared purpose, collaboration, and momentum across campus.

So how does a modern university grow from here?

“In one word,” Pulinkala said, “intentionally.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 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.