KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 30, 2026

Kennesaw State University leaders on Wednesday presented awards to five of the institution’s most outstanding employees at its annual staff awards event at the KSU Center.

Supporting the faculty and students in Kennesaw State’s core mission of teaching, learning, and discovery through research are thousands of people working in a wide variety of roles to keep the University functioning every day, around-the-clock.

“Delivering fully on the mission of Kennesaw State depends on the work of our exceptional staff,” said President Kathy S. Schwaig. “This year’s nominees and honorees serve the university with excellence in powerful, tangible ways every day. Their work is inspiring and we are proud to congratulate and acknowledge their commitment to KSU.”

Chief Human Resources Officer Karen McDonnell presented the awards in an Emmy Awards-style ceremony where videos about the winners’ contributions were shown before they ascended a stage to accept their awards.

“The quality of these nominees and honorees today show how impactful they are, regardless of how much direct student interaction they have, as all campus roles work together for the good of our students,” McDonnell said. “When we recognize excellence, we don't just celebrate the past, we shape the future.”

The University’s highest honor, the Outstanding Owl Award, was presented to Nicole Phillips, associate director, outreach and engagement for Counseling and Psychological Services.

Phillips has worked at the University since 2003 and was nominated by Randall Bogard, executive director, student activities.

“The reason I nominated Dr. Phillips is that she’s been a wealth of knowledge for us in the division – she’s always there to answer questions and provide guidance,” Bogard said. “She exemplifies the Outstanding Owl Award by being a resource for all. She represents everything you want in a student affairs representative and a representative of Kennesaw State as a whole.”

Bogard highlighted Phillips’ contributions to the “You Matter” suicide prevention and mental health program, and other programs focused on student wellbeing.

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.

Other 2025-26 Staff Awards winners included:

Positive Impact/Service to the Community Award

Lauren Hughes, Living Learning Lab program manager, Office of Sustainability

Excellence in Innovation Award

Amanda Sampson, assistant director, Enterprise Customer Relationship Management

Student Success Impact Award

Katrina Fults, associate director, operations and student success, Residence Life

Outstanding Leadership Award

Amanda Rodgers, manager, administrative services, Wellstar School of Nursing

The awards process is managed by KSU’s Human Resources department. Nominations and letters of support are submitted by supervisors and staff members and reviewed by a committee composed of representatives from across the University, including KSU’s Staff Senate. There were 64 people nominated for the five awards, McDonnell said.

– Story by Gary Tanner

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

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.