Race to National Prominence Presentations Highlight Excellence at Kennesaw State University

KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 18, 2025

Provost Ivan Pulinkala with the winners of the National Prominence Presentation Competition

Kennesaw State University’s race to national prominence was center stage during a friendly presentation competition for campus leadership.

During a meeting with university provost Ivan Pulinkala, the deans of KSU’s 11 colleges presented the steps that their schools are taking to achieve national prominence and support the University’s Strategic Plan. The presentations outlined enrollment increases, program successes, impactful research, outstanding faculty, student engagement, and competition team performance, among other metrics of success.

Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Katie Kaukinen spoke about Radow College’s outstanding student and faculty achievements, along with the Radow College's goal to become a national leader in student success and engagement by highlighting several signature programs. These include 365 Days of Learning & Service, a year-long program that invites the KSU community to engage in in-depth study about a relevant societal issue. The initiative tackles a different topic each academic year.
Dean Kaukinen

Kaukinen also highlighted various programs managed by the Office of Academic Innovation in Radow College, new efforts to gamify student engagement through Suitable, and a new speaker series, Meet the Author, which helps writers navigate their way to both creative and commercial success. “The humanities and social sciences play a critical role in Kennesaw State University’s steps toward national prominence,” Kaukinen said. “Our students are prepared for the ever-evolving workforce they’ll encounter upon graduation, which will serve them well throughout their career and their lives.”

The winning presentation, determined by an audience vote, was delivered in tandem by Michael J. Coles College of Business Dean Robin Cheramie and Humayun Zafar, Ph.D., Professor of Information Security and Assurance. The presentation focused on the Coles College Financial Technology (FinTech) program, which is the only graduate-level FinTech degree offered in the state.

"The Coles College of Business is proud to be at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with industry to support Kennesaw State University's rise to national prominence. With pioneering initiatives like Georgia’s first graduate Fintech degree, we are preparing students to lead in the rapidly evolving digital economy. I’m honored to work alongside such talented leaders and fellow deans, and we’re grateful for the recognition of our collective efforts to position KSU for success,” Cheramie said. 

Dean Cheramie

-- Story and photos by Noelle Lashley

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