Kennesaw Excellence Society

What is the Kennesaw Excellence Society?

The Kennesaw Excellence Society (KES) serves the university by empowering engaged student leaders who exemplify KSU spirit, pride, and traditions while building a lasting community among students and alumni. Through opportunities to serve, inspire, and lead, KES elevates the university's commitment to respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability.

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort open 2/19/25 and close 3/2/25.

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Meet the Kennesaw Excellence Society

Jianna Anderson

Major: Journalism

Clubs and Activities: SISTUHS, Incorporated - Public Relations Coordinator. The Peak/The Sentinel - Multimedia Editor. Society of Professional Journalists - Member

Hayward DeRouen

Major: History Education

Clubs and Activities: Progressive Black Men, Inc. ( 2nd Vice President . Bagwell College of Education Student Ambassador. Student Government Association (Senator for Registered Student Organizations). Call Me MISTERS. 2024 Junior Homecoming Parliament

Angel Fortmann

Major: Public Health

Ella Goode

Major: Computer Science, minors in Software Engineering and Management

Clubs and Activities: Member of the Aerial Robotics Competition Team where I serve as the GNC (Guidance Navigation and Control) Team Lead, Society of Women Engineers, SILA program, Undergraduate Research Club, and a huge fan of all the KSU competition teams.

Jonathan Melton

Major: Management & Finance

Jessica Okafor

Major: Management

Maya Patel

Major: Biology

Club and Activities: Keeping Sights Upward Journey Honors College (Honors Ambassador + Dean's Advisory Leadership Council), Pre-Health Leadership Council (Director of Mentorship), Pre-Optometry at KSU (President), College of Science and Mathematics Biology Lab Assistant

Jennifer Perez-Castellanos

Major: Elementary Ed/Spanish

Justin Schymanski

Major: Business Administration in Management

Club and Activities: President’s Emerging Global Scholars

Tamia Thomas

Major: Cybersecurity

Clubs and Activities: Black Women Empowerment. Honors Peer Mentor. Honor College. Adventist Christian Fellowship.

Samuel Tyler

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Tolina Yussuf

Major: Interactive Design

KES Position Responsibilities and Benefits

Developing career-readiness skills to strengthen resumes and professional experience.

Serving as influential student representatives for the Division of Student Affairs (DSA).

Making professional networking connections with campus leadership.

Earning a $2,000 stipend per semester upon completion of program requirements.

Supporting DSA departmental and signature events, including:

Week of Welcome
Homecoming
Scrappy Hour
Athletic Events
Scrappy’s Bucket List
KSU Day
KSU Day of Service

Time Requirements

Attend KES induction ceremony
Attend KES orientation and monthly training
Assist with a minimum of six (6) DSA events throughout the academic year
Attend monthly group check-ins with the Vice President, Student Affairs
Participate in other assigned KES priorities
Promote KES through social media

Position Qualifications

Open to sophomore, junior, and senior students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants must be enrolled for nine (9) hours, have attended KSU for one full academic year, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students will be required to participate in the full selection process which includes:

Complete application, including a resume and letter of support from KSU administrator, faculty, or staff
Virtual and in-person interviews

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort open on 2/19/25 and close 3/2/25.

apply on owl life

For questions regarding Kennesaw Excellence Society, please email studentaffairs@kennesaw.edu.