KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 23, 2026

Volker Franke, professor of conflict management, has received the University Distinguished Professor Award, the highest honor given annually to members of the faculty at Kennesaw State University.

Franke was joined by 10 faculty members recognized by the institution for outstanding contributions at the annual Faculty Awards ceremony on Wednesday.

“Our faculty honorees play a vital role in advancing Kennesaw State’s mission through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig. “Their contributions strengthen our academic and research community and extend KSU’s impact locally and nationally. Congratulations to Dr. Franke and to each of our 2026 Faculty Award recipients.”

Franke, who teaches in the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was recognized for his sustained record of excellence and distinction in teaching, research and creative activity, and professional service.

Franke is executive director of TRENDS Global, an Atlanta area-based nonprofit dedicated to research and engagement in diverse societies. He has more than three decades of experience in social science research and working with institutes around the world on issues related to peace and security studies, conflict management, civil-military relations, development policy and social identity.

The Faculty Awards are managed by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Outstanding faculty members are nominated by their deans and reviewed by representatives from every degree-granting college at KSU. The Kennesaw State University Foundation underwrites the ceremony and provides the monetary gift that accompanies each award.

Other winners included:

Outstanding Early Career Faculty

• Christian Hess, assistant professor of sociology, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
• Lauren Thompson, assistant professor of history and interdisciplinary studies, Department of History and Philosophy and Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Outstanding Part-Time Teaching Award

• Yujia Xie, part-time assistant professor of Chinese, Department of World Languages and Cultures

Outstanding Professional Service and Community Engagement Award

• Jennifer Purcell, professor of public administration, School of Government and International Affairs

Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award

• Maia Hallward, associate director of the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development

Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award

• Tu Nguyen, associate professor of computer science, Department of Computer Science
• Cynthia Nourse Thompson, director of curatorial affairs and professor of art, School of Art and Design

Outstanding Online Teaching Award

• Alison Hedrick, principal lecturer of information systems, Department of Information Systems and Security

Outstanding Teaching Award

• Soon Goo Lee, assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Jeffrey Yunek, associate professor of music theory, Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music

The event also celebrated a recent systemwide accolade. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has honored Kennesaw State University’s Department of English with the Regents’ Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices and Experiential Learning.

This award recognizes exceptional departments or programs that have demonstrated a sustained and meaningful commitment to integrating High-Impact Practices (HIPs) into their curriculum and co-curricular experiences, resulting in transformative outcomes for students. A special committee composed of faculty and administrators from across the USG who are experienced in teaching and learning practices reviews the nomination portfolios and recommends finalists for the award. 

– Story by Scott Wiltsee

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

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.