KENNESAW, Ga. | May 12, 2026

Kennesaw State University’s Department of English has been awarded the 2026 Regents’ Award for Excellence in High Impact Practices and Experiential Learning, one of the highest honors for teaching and advising within the University System of Georgia.

The award reflects the department’s commitment to experiential learning, an approach that places students in real-world environments before they graduate.

“This is really an award for the whole department,” said John Havard, chair of the English department who collected the award at the Board of Regents meeting on May 12. “It reflects the work our faculty have done to create meaningful opportunities for students to apply what they’re learning in real-world settings.”

One of the largest academic departments at KSU, the department in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences has embedded experiential learning across its undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as its general education curriculum. Students engage in internships, research, community-based projects, and collaborative initiatives designed to build both skills and confidence and allow students to engage directly with their fields before they enter the workforce.

Radow College Dean Catherine Kaukinen said the recognition reflects the department’s broader impact on students.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty in the Department of English,” she said. “Their commitment impacts the lives of our students in ways that will serve them long after graduation, and we are proud to see our standard of excellence being recognized at this level.”

Beyond internships and classroom-based projects, the department has also created opportunities for students to do meaningful, real-world work while still on campus. One example is a student-run social media and branding program, where a faculty-led team produces content for the department’s public platforms. Students create everything from written features and newsletters to infographics and videos for real audiences beyond the classroom.

“They’re not just completing assignments for a grade,” Havard said. “They’re actively creating content that represents the department.”

The department has also developed strong partnerships with local schools such as Marietta High School and Kennesaw Mountain High School to support its English education program, the largest producer of English teachers in the University System of Georgia. These partnerships create more structured internship experiences and provide students with consistent mentorship as they prepare to enter the classroom.

For Havard, winning this award means KSU is not only keeping pace, but leading in key areas.

“It speaks to KSU as a model for other institutions,” he said. “We’re showing what it looks like to provide meaningful, experiential education at a high level.”

One example of that approach is the department’s growing focus on digital and interactive media. Through initiatives like the Game Narrative Lab led by faculty member Victoria LaGrange, students are creating narrative content for games while collaborating with peers in software engineering and game development.

“In some cases, those projects extend far beyond the classroom,” Havard added. “Students have seen their work developed into games and even presented at national conferences, experiences that build both confidence and professional credibility. That kind of opportunity helps students see that they’re capable not just in the classroom, but in professional spaces too,” Havard said.

Havard said the award validates the work the department is doing and serves as motivation to keep building.

“Experiential learning helps students build confidence and develop professional networks before they graduate,” Havard said. “We want our students to leave here not just with a degree, but ready to succeed.”

Story by Christin Senior

Photos by Noelle Lashley

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.