Kennesaw State University: Where Innovation Meets Tradition To Shape Tomorrow's Professionals
Dr Robin Cheramie, Dean (Coles College of Business), Kennesaw State University
Business schools play a pivotal role in transforming students by fostering academic excellence, driving innovative research, and building strong community partnerships. These institutions equip students with cutting-edge knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for success. By integrating real-world experiences and collaborative projects, B-schools bridge the gap between theory and practice, opening doors to economic opportunities while nurturing future leaders who are not only industry-ready but also committed to making positive contributions to society. One such institution is Kennesaw State University (KSU). The university has transformed significantly since its founding in 1963 as a junior college. Today, it stands as one of Georgia’s most dynamic institutions, serving over 47,000 students. This fall, the Coles College of Business, part of Kennesaw State University, reached a significant milestone by enrolling 10,000 students, making it Georgia’s second-largest business school. This achievement underscores the university’s dedication to academic excellence, workforce readiness, and innovative programs.
From its humble beginnings, KSU has evolved into a thriving hub of higher education, offering forward-thinking management education and making impactful contributions to the professional landscape in Georgia and across the United States.
Enhancing Management Education through Innovation
At the Coles College of Business, situated on the Kennesaw campus, the focus remains on developing cutting-edge programs that align with current workforce demands. Staying ahead of trends and adapting to industry requirements has been key to its success. One standout example is the Master’s Degree in Digital Payments and FinTech, the first of its kind in Georgia. This program reflects the vibrancy of Atlanta, a hub for FinTech companies where over 70 percent of all digital payments are processed. By offering such unique and industry-relevant programs, Coles College of Business ensures that students are equipped with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Similarly, the college has demonstrated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship by launching an undergraduate entrepreneurship degree to nurture innovation and new ventures. As well, KSU also pioneered a Healthcare Management Informatics graduate program, addressing the increasing need for technological expertise in healthcare systems. These initiatives underscore the college’s proactive approach in identifying emerging opportunities and creating academic pathways to meet industry demands.
Furthermore, the college is equally dedicated to hospitality management, recognizing tourism as a major economic driver in Georgia. While it may not be the only program of its kind, Coles College of Business sets itself apart by providing a curriculum tailored to the state’s growing hospitality and tourism sector. This focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in a competitive industry.
Career Readiness, Addressing Industry Challenges
Preparing students for real-world careers remains a priority at Coles College of Business. Experiential learning is deeply embedded in the curriculum, ensuring that students develop practical, hands-on skills that are in demand across industries. Initiatives like consulting projects, high-impact teaching practices, and career-focused certifications distinguish the college’s approach to education.
For instance, the MBA program now offers a concentration in Digital Marketing, where students earn certifications from the Digital Marketing Institute and the American Marketing Association. These credentials enhance their value in the job market, helping them stand out to employers. In addition, programs like FinTech emphasize experiential learning through hands-on projects, where students collaborate with leading companies and present their solutions to senior executives. This approach provides practical experience and industry insights, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Such initiatives ensure that students develop the skills needed to excel in their professional careers, giving them a significant competitive edge in the workforce.
Unique Programs Shaping the Future
Coles College of Business stands out for its innovative and relevant courses, addressing evolving industry needs. The college recently introduced the first-ever Rural Management concentration in its evening MBA program, launching next academic year. This groundbreaking initiative prepares students for leadership in rural business environments, reflecting the college’s commitment to niche industries. Additionally, a new concentration in Business Intelligence will debut next year, emphasizing the critical role of data analytics in modern decision-making. These forward-thinking programs demonstrate Coles College of Business's dedication to continuous improvement and its ability to anticipate emerging trends. By collaborating with leading experts and designing industry-aligned curricula, the college equips students with specialized, in-demand skills sought by employers.
Moreover, faculty development plays a central role in maintaining academic excellence at Coles College of Business. As an AACSB-accredited institution, the college upholds rigorous standards for teaching, research, and faculty qualifications. With a strong emphasis on innovation, faculty members are encouraged to explore AI pedagogy and advanced teaching techniques. The college invests in certifications, training, and seminars, fostering collaboration and growth. “Our educators stay updated on the latest teaching methods, technologies, and industry trends. These initiatives empower faculty to deliver high-quality, relevant education, preparing students to excel in a dynamic and competitive global workforce”, says Dr Robin Cheramie, Dean, Coles College of Business.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for Modern Learning
Modern infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering hands-on learning experiences at Coles College of Business. The college continually invests in upgraded classrooms equipped with the latest technology to support hybrid and high-flex teaching models. These modern spaces offer students greater flexibility, allowing seamless connections with professionals and peers worldwide. Beyond physical classrooms, the college emphasizes integrating advanced technologies and AI tools into its curriculum. For graduate programs, specialized spaces cater to hybrid learners, ensuring education remains accessible and effective, regardless of location.
"Kennesaw State University empowers students through innovation, academic excellence, and real-world learning, shaping future leaders and driving meaningful progress"
Coles College of Business also prioritizes strong industry partnerships to align its programs with evolving workforce needs. Collaborations with professional associations, certifications, and advisory boards are central to shaping the curriculum. For example, the Master of Accounting program benefits from close ties with over 40 accounting firms in Georgia, preparing students for CPA certification and equipping them with skills demanded by the profession. Similarly, in FinTech programs, the college collaborates with organizations like the American Transaction Processing Coalition, ensuring courses address industry trends and challenges. Real-world problem-solving is a cornerstone of the curriculum, with students tackling projects that make tangible business impacts. Advisory boards comprised of industry leaders provide valuable insights, ensuring programs remain relevant. These initiatives underscore Coles College of Business's commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in a dynamic, evolving marketplace.
A Vision for the Future
As Kennesaw State University continues to grow, its vision for the future remains clear. With over thousands of students, KSU is focused on reinforcing its reputation as a leading R2 Carnegie research institution. The strategic plan emphasizes three key areas, namely student success, impactful research, and community engagement. In light of this, Coles College of Business aims to increase its research output, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful across disciplines. Simultaneously, the focus on student success will continue through innovative programs, experiential learning, and industry-aligned curricula. By building stronger relationships with the community and industry partners, this college is shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Moreover, innovation remains at the heart of Coles College of Business's identity. “Programs like the Rural Management concentration and Business Intelligence concentration exemplify our college’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. By incorporating hands-on projects, high-impact teaching practices, and strategic partnerships, we guarantee that our students receive a world-class education that prepares them for successful careers”, adds Dr Robin Cheramie.
In conclusion, Kennesaw State University and the Coles College of Business exemplify the power of innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to education. With a focus on industry-aligned programs, experiential learning, and faculty excellence, Coles College of Business continues to set new benchmarks in business education. As it looks toward the future, the college remains committed to its mission of empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to excel in an ever-changing global economy. Whether through groundbreaking programs like FinTech, Rural Management, or Business Intelligence, Coles College of Business is not just preparing students for careers, it is shaping the future of business education.
From its humble beginnings, KSU has evolved into a thriving hub of higher education, offering forward-thinking management education and making impactful contributions to the professional landscape in Georgia and across the United States.
Enhancing Management Education through Innovation
At the Coles College of Business, situated on the Kennesaw campus, the focus remains on developing cutting-edge programs that align with current workforce demands. Staying ahead of trends and adapting to industry requirements has been key to its success. One standout example is the Master’s Degree in Digital Payments and FinTech, the first of its kind in Georgia. This program reflects the vibrancy of Atlanta, a hub for FinTech companies where over 70 percent of all digital payments are processed. By offering such unique and industry-relevant programs, Coles College of Business ensures that students are equipped with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Similarly, the college has demonstrated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship by launching an undergraduate entrepreneurship degree to nurture innovation and new ventures. As well, KSU also pioneered a Healthcare Management Informatics graduate program, addressing the increasing need for technological expertise in healthcare systems. These initiatives underscore the college’s proactive approach in identifying emerging opportunities and creating academic pathways to meet industry demands.
Furthermore, the college is equally dedicated to hospitality management, recognizing tourism as a major economic driver in Georgia. While it may not be the only program of its kind, Coles College of Business sets itself apart by providing a curriculum tailored to the state’s growing hospitality and tourism sector. This focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in a competitive industry.
Career Readiness, Addressing Industry Challenges
Preparing students for real-world careers remains a priority at Coles College of Business. Experiential learning is deeply embedded in the curriculum, ensuring that students develop practical, hands-on skills that are in demand across industries. Initiatives like consulting projects, high-impact teaching practices, and career-focused certifications distinguish the college’s approach to education.
For instance, the MBA program now offers a concentration in Digital Marketing, where students earn certifications from the Digital Marketing Institute and the American Marketing Association. These credentials enhance their value in the job market, helping them stand out to employers. In addition, programs like FinTech emphasize experiential learning through hands-on projects, where students collaborate with leading companies and present their solutions to senior executives. This approach provides practical experience and industry insights, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Such initiatives ensure that students develop the skills needed to excel in their professional careers, giving them a significant competitive edge in the workforce.
Unique Programs Shaping the Future
Coles College of Business stands out for its innovative and relevant courses, addressing evolving industry needs. The college recently introduced the first-ever Rural Management concentration in its evening MBA program, launching next academic year. This groundbreaking initiative prepares students for leadership in rural business environments, reflecting the college’s commitment to niche industries. Additionally, a new concentration in Business Intelligence will debut next year, emphasizing the critical role of data analytics in modern decision-making. These forward-thinking programs demonstrate Coles College of Business's dedication to continuous improvement and its ability to anticipate emerging trends. By collaborating with leading experts and designing industry-aligned curricula, the college equips students with specialized, in-demand skills sought by employers.
Moreover, faculty development plays a central role in maintaining academic excellence at Coles College of Business. As an AACSB-accredited institution, the college upholds rigorous standards for teaching, research, and faculty qualifications. With a strong emphasis on innovation, faculty members are encouraged to explore AI pedagogy and advanced teaching techniques. The college invests in certifications, training, and seminars, fostering collaboration and growth. “Our educators stay updated on the latest teaching methods, technologies, and industry trends. These initiatives empower faculty to deliver high-quality, relevant education, preparing students to excel in a dynamic and competitive global workforce”, says Dr Robin Cheramie, Dean, Coles College of Business.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for Modern Learning
Modern infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering hands-on learning experiences at Coles College of Business. The college continually invests in upgraded classrooms equipped with the latest technology to support hybrid and high-flex teaching models. These modern spaces offer students greater flexibility, allowing seamless connections with professionals and peers worldwide. Beyond physical classrooms, the college emphasizes integrating advanced technologies and AI tools into its curriculum. For graduate programs, specialized spaces cater to hybrid learners, ensuring education remains accessible and effective, regardless of location.
"Kennesaw State University empowers students through innovation, academic excellence, and real-world learning, shaping future leaders and driving meaningful progress"
Coles College of Business also prioritizes strong industry partnerships to align its programs with evolving workforce needs. Collaborations with professional associations, certifications, and advisory boards are central to shaping the curriculum. For example, the Master of Accounting program benefits from close ties with over 40 accounting firms in Georgia, preparing students for CPA certification and equipping them with skills demanded by the profession. Similarly, in FinTech programs, the college collaborates with organizations like the American Transaction Processing Coalition, ensuring courses address industry trends and challenges. Real-world problem-solving is a cornerstone of the curriculum, with students tackling projects that make tangible business impacts. Advisory boards comprised of industry leaders provide valuable insights, ensuring programs remain relevant. These initiatives underscore Coles College of Business's commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in a dynamic, evolving marketplace.
A Vision for the Future
As Kennesaw State University continues to grow, its vision for the future remains clear. With over thousands of students, KSU is focused on reinforcing its reputation as a leading R2 Carnegie research institution. The strategic plan emphasizes three key areas, namely student success, impactful research, and community engagement. In light of this, Coles College of Business aims to increase its research output, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful across disciplines. Simultaneously, the focus on student success will continue through innovative programs, experiential learning, and industry-aligned curricula. By building stronger relationships with the community and industry partners, this college is shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Moreover, innovation remains at the heart of Coles College of Business's identity. “Programs like the Rural Management concentration and Business Intelligence concentration exemplify our college’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. By incorporating hands-on projects, high-impact teaching practices, and strategic partnerships, we guarantee that our students receive a world-class education that prepares them for successful careers”, adds Dr Robin Cheramie.
In conclusion, Kennesaw State University and the Coles College of Business exemplify the power of innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to education. With a focus on industry-aligned programs, experiential learning, and faculty excellence, Coles College of Business continues to set new benchmarks in business education. As it looks toward the future, the college remains committed to its mission of empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to excel in an ever-changing global economy. Whether through groundbreaking programs like FinTech, Rural Management, or Business Intelligence, Coles College of Business is not just preparing students for careers, it is shaping the future of business education.
