Office of the President
The President's Award of Distinction
The President’s Award of Distinction is the highest accolade conferred upon an undergraduate student by Kennesaw State University. This distinguished honor celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of one exceptional graduating Owl each semester. Bestowed during Commencement, the award illuminates those who have soared above and beyond in their academic or research pursuits, leadership roles, and/or community service.
This award is the pinnacle of recognition at the university, honoring an individual who exemplifies Kennesaw State’s core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability, and who serves as an inspiration to their peers, their community, and the entirety of Owl Nation.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be graduating in six or fewer years and have completed all requirements for graduation in the current semester: Fall 2025 (i.e. Only Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 graduates are eligible for the December ceremony. Spring 2026 graduates will be eligible in the May 2026 ceremony).
Recognition:
The award is formally presented as a special presentation at one designated commencement ceremony. The honoree is invited to sit as part of the platform party, receives their degree first in the undergraduate procession, is featured in online, print, and campus news materials, and enjoys VIP ceremony accommodations, including reserved seating for family and guests, during the ceremony.
Deadline:
The application cycle opens near the beginning of each academic semester. All materials are due in one complete application via the official submission form no later than Fri. Sept. 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Questions:
Please send general inquiries or report issues to presidentaward@kennesaw.edu.
Evaluation Criteria and Application Requirements
The selection committee will consider various examples of an applicant’s achievements, including but not limited to:
- Academic GPA (no minimum requirement)
- Scholarly research
- Entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial activities
- Excellence in the extracurricular activities
- Leadership
- Service and contributions to campus or community
- Activities that exemplify KSU Values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability
- Other unique details about the student's journey at KSU
- Personal statement or essay (1,500 words max): should include specific examples that illustrate how the applicant fulfills the award
evaluation criteria and why the applicant is an outstanding candidate for the award.
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation: Must include one letter each from (1) a member of the KSU faculty or staff, (2) a
non-family contact, and (3) a peer or fellow KSU student.
Note: letters should specifically address how an applicant meets the requirements for the award. Applicants are encouraged to provide a summary of the award to the recommendation letter writer. KSU college deans and members of the KSU Cabinet cannot serve as recommendation writers. - Current professional resume: should not exceed 2 pages.
All applications should be organized into a single PDF document and submitted via the official submission form no later than Fri. Sept. 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
