KSU ranks among top 100 producers of undergraduate degrees conferred to minority students
Nine KSU programs also ranked in top 50 by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education KENNESAW, Ga…
Georgia (Jul 1, 2011) —
Nine KSU programs also ranked in top 50 by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
KENNESAW, Ga. (July 1, 2011)—Kennesaw State University now ranks among the nation’s
top degree producers of minority students, according to a special report recently
publishedby Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.This is the first time Kennesaw State was included in the publication’s rankings.
The national magazine’sannual “Top 100 Undergraduate Degree Producers” report recognized
Kennesaw State as a top producer of college degrees conferred to African-American
students. KSU also was recognized as a leading institution for African-American students
graduating within seven different academic categories and ranked among the top institutions
for Asian Americans majoring in education.
“We are proud to stand among the nation’s colleges and universities that are being
recognized as leaders in the area of diversity,” said KSU President Daniel S. Papp.
“Embracing and leveraging our campus diversity is a major component of Kennesaw State’s
overall strategic plan. We thank the publishers of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education for recognizing our outcomes and progress.”
Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s list of top 100 degree producers showcases U.S. colleges’ and universities’ success
in awarding degrees to African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American and Native-American
students. In determining its rankings, Diverse uses the most recent enrollment data from the U.S. Department of Education as submitted
by each institution.
In fall 2010, minority students accounted for 26 percent of Kennesaw State’s more
than 23,400 undergraduate and graduate students. African-American students represent
14 percent (3,224), Hispanic students account for 6 percent (1,388) and Asian-American
students comprise 4 percent (827) of KSU’s total student population. Two percent classify
themselves as multiracial.
As part of its strategic plan, Kennesaw State has worked to increase diversity on
campus. In 2008, the university launched the Targeted Enhancement Program (TEP) —
a campus-wide initiative that focuses on increasing African-American and Hispanic
student enrollment.
TEP is an outreach and educational program that targets high-school students who have
the potential to meet the criteria for admissions to Kennesaw State. The program employs
various initiatives structured to guide students through the university’s application
and enrollment processes, including open-house sessions, financial aid and SAT workshops,
college recruitment fairs and targeted high-school visits throughout the Southeast.
Since the launch of TEP, the number of African-American students at KSU has increased
by 38 percent, while the number of Hispanic students has increased by 62 percent.
In addition, KSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Retention Services has been providing
minority students with the support needed to complete their education. Services include
the minority advising program; cultural awareness resource center; a mentoring program
that pairs students with faculty; staff and alumni; a leadership development program
and tutoring. Since 2008, these programs have helped KSU increase the number of baccalaureate
degrees conferred annually to minority students by 31 percent, moving from 524 degrees
conferred per academic year to 684.
Overall, KSU was ranked by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in 10 categories:
· 95th in overall undergraduate degree production for African-American students
· 23rd for all Asian-American students graduating with a degree in education
· 23rd for all African-American students graduating with a degree in accounting
· 29th for all African-American students graduating with a degree in finance
· 31st for all African-American students graduating with a degree in marketing
· 32nd across all minority students graduating with a degree in education
· 33rd for all African-American students graduating with a degree in education
· 40th for all African-American students graduating with a degree in parks, recreation,
leisure and fitness studies
· 46th for all African-American students graduating with a degree in nursing
· 47th for all African-American students graduating with a degree in the physical sciences
The degree programs noted in the rankings are among the most popular at KSU. In the
2010-2011 academic year, KSU awarded more than 3,000 baccalaureate degrees. Of those,
education, business, nursing, health sciences and physical science majors accounted
for more than 60 percent of the graduates.
“This recognition is a testament to the commitment KSU has made to support prospective
and currently enrolled minority students throughout the enrollment process,” said
Kim West, KSU associate vice president for enrollment services and registrar. “Our
inclusion in this ranking will certainly help as we continue our efforts to attract
a diverse and talented student population to Kennesaw State.”
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Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia, offering more
than 70 graduate and undergraduate degrees, including doctorates in education, business
and nursing, and a new Ph.D. in international conflict management. A member of the
35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a comprehensive, residential
institution with a growing population of more than 23,400 students from 142 countries.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
