KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 7, 2022

Kennesaw State University and surrounding communities have grown and prospered together for nearly 60 years through supportive, dynamic relationships.

On April 11, the University will open its doors at the first Community Impact Day. The event will showcase the many positive impacts the University’s colleges and units have on surrounding communities. It’s part of a strategic focus to enhance and expand community relationships.

“We want to make it easier for our neighbors to find what they are looking for here at KSU and be a good partner,” said Kimberly Henghold, director of community engagement. “Our goal is to create awareness among the local governments, nonprofits, businesses and broader community about the assets, talents and resources that are available here at Kennesaw State.”

The University’s strategic framework called the “Roadmap to R2 Success,” was created in 2019 in response to KSU’s elevation to a doctoral university with high research activity or R2 University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Roadmap highlights three key pillars of focus for the University’s growth – enhancing undergraduate educational experiences, increasing graduate programs and enrollment, and the promotion of interdisciplinary research with relevance.

Earlier this year, Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig led the expansion of the Roadmap to R2 Success to include a fourth pillar focused on advancing community and culture. 

This new pillar sets goals to nurture a welcoming campus environment; strengthen ties with the local business community, governments and other community partners; engage the community in University campus activities, including arts and athletics; and create collaborations that increase Kennesaw State’s regional economic impact, measured in 2020 as $1.6 billion.

KSU’s Community Impact Day demonstrates the University’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the community. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to learn about KSU’s longstanding and continuous efforts in community outreach, as well as how to engage and partner with the University.

Community Impact Day is open to anyone, and admission is free. Those planning to attend can learn more at this link and are asked to register by April 7.

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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.