KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 19, 2018

KSU celebrates first student under new enrollment model

Being first has its advantages, and local high school senior David VanAsselberg now has the Kennesaw State swag to show it. He recently earned distinction as the first student in the Class of 2022 – a milestone in the University’s new competitive admissions model. 

The Roswell High School senior was surprised with a celebratory visit from members of Kennesaw State’s undergraduate admissions team for being the first among this year’s accepted freshman class to officially submit his enrollment deposit, confirming his attendance at Kennesaw State for the fall of 2018.

Showered with black and gold balloons and Kennesaw State swag, VanAsselberg didn’t realize the magnitude of this honor.

“It’s cool,” he said. “I'm now a part of KSU’s history.”

VanAsselberg is part of the first class of students to be accepted under the University’s new competitive admissions model for freshmen.

The visit by Kennesaw State included, from left, Jordan Stevenson, associate director for admissions; Rebecca Cox, admissions marketing coordinator; David VanAsselberg; Kimberly VanAsselberg; and Wisam Mahra, admissions director.

“We wanted to do something special and exciting for a student like David, who is an example of an academically high-achieving student that seized the opportunity of our first Early Action application period,” said Admissions Director Sam Mahra.

KSU’s new competitive admissions model, also called a fixed-seat model, was implemented this fall and allows admissions staff to admit an optimal size freshman and transfer class, based on the number of qualified applicants.

While existing admissions standards did not change as part of the new model, this year’s applicants could apply under early action, like VanAsselberg did, or regular decision, explained Mahra. The regular decision deadline is March 1.

According to Mahra, the new approach has been a big change from what people have historically expected for admission to KSU, and will enable the University to manage enrollment growth and facilitate students’ timely degree progressions.

“We grabbed the attention of high-ability students who otherwise would not have considered Kennesaw State, despite being a contender in terms of academic reputation and offerings,” he said. “With all the great things going on here over the last few years, KSU has become a first choice for more students who want a large university experience with easy access to all the opportunities that being in metro Atlanta can bring.”

VanAsselberg, who plans to major in information technology, knew he wanted to attend Kennesaw State – his top college pick – from the onset. His dad, also David, earned a Master of Information Systems degree from Kennesaw State in 2006. Kim VanAsselberg, David’s mother, said her son heard her husband say so many good things about Kennesaw State that it was probably “pretty persuasive.”

“David is a great example of what students need to do – check email, stay on top of the admissions process, and be engaged with KSU,” Mahra said.

As for VanAsselberg, he’s excited about his future college plans.

“I’m looking forward to living on campus and moving away from home – and mom and dad – and being a part of KSU,” he said. And smiling, he says he will be ‘repping KSU’ with all of his new swag.

For more information about applying to Kennesaw State, visit the website or check out KSU Admissions on Instagram and Twitter.

– Tiffany Capuano

Photos by Lauren Kress

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 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 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.