KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 17, 2017

Legislators welcome Kennesaw State at the Georgia Capitol

On a day when the Georgia State Capitol was brimming with school children, feted fraternities, standout youth sports teams and thousands of Georgians of all ilk, Kennesaw State University’s black and gold stood out. It was “KSU Day at the Capitol,” a day when even Gov. Nathan Deal sported a gold tie.

 From an early morning reception to the presentation of resolutions in the chambers of both the state Senate and House of Representatives, to a photo op with the Governor, more than 50 Kennesaw State officials, faculty, students and staff members had ample opportunity to greet legislators and express appreciation for their support of Kennesaw State.

 “Just know that we’re among friends here,” President Sam Olens told officers representing the Kennesaw State Student Government Association, the faculty and staff senates, the offices of student affairs, alumni affairs, development, diversity and academic affairs, and the students participating in a legislative internship program.  “KSU’s tentacles reach deep at the Georgia Capitol—from the many alums working here, to our friends in the legislature who are long-time supporters, to legislators and staff who are the parents of those who have attended, or, in the case of people like Sen. Butch Miller, who are currently attending.”

A steady stream of legislators greeted the KSU community during the reception.  Among them were Reps. Bert Reeves and Stacey Evans, part of a group six representatives sponsoring HR 270, a resolution commending Kennesaw State and proclaiming KSU Day at the Capitol.  Sen. Lindsey Tippins, who joined five others in sponsoring a similar resolution (SR216) in the senate, also stopped by.  Other legislators extending a welcome to KSU included Reps. Earl Ehrhart, Don Parsons, John Deffenbaugh, Brooks Coleman, Rick Jasperse, Scott Turner, Michael Caldwell, Pam Dickerson and Wes Cantrell, and Senators Bruce Thompson, Jeff Mullis, Fran Millar, Butch Miller and Michael Rhett.  Speaker David Ralston’s Chief of Staff, Spiro Amburn, a KSU alum, also stopped by the reception.

 Amanda Seals,‘97, associate vice president for government relations, said KSU Day at the Capitol is designed to highlight Kennesaw State’s growing role as one of the state’s premiere institutions of higher education.  

“Kennesaw State is no longer a small institution quietly nestled in the suburbs but rather a University that attracts some of the best students from across the state as well as high quality faculty and staff that are moving the needle on teaching, research and service,” Seals said. “By bringing representatives from campus to the capitol for a few hours, our lawmakers hear first hand what an amazing impact KSU is having, not only in our community but also in our region.  From the number of lawmakers who were excited to see us here today, it is evident that they are hearing our message and supporting our cause.  It was a great day to be an Owl!”

—Sabbaye McGriff

Photos by David Caselli

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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.