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critical nursing shortage. “We’re committed to meeting
the workforce needs of our state,” Schwaig added.
She also underscores that research has flourished
over the past few years. Research expenditures have
jumped by 70 percent, while external research awards to
faculty have increased by 81 percent since 2021. A new
interdisciplinary STEM building on the Marietta campus
and investments in research infrastructure— including a
field station featuring projects in sustainable agriculture,
forensic science, and restoration ecology— demonstrate
the university’s commitment.
Schwaig boasts that KSU is also a leader in undergraduate research, offering grants to students as early
as their freshman year and hosting biannual research
symposia that showcase student innovation.
Commuter School to Campus Community
Schwaig says she is determined to reshape outdated perceptions of KSU as a commuter school. “We are
no longer that. We offer a full traditional college experience with exceptional academics, thriving student life,
and a strong sense of community,” she said.
Athletics plays a vital role in this transformation,
explains Schwaig. The university’s move to Conference USA and success across various sports signal
KSU’s readiness to compete on a national stage. As
the interview was taking place, Schwaig announced
that the KSU had captured a conference title in men’s
outdoor track.
A Champion for Affordability
Even amid rising costs across higher education,
KSU has remained committed to affordability. The
university boasts the lowest mandatory fees among
Georgia’s research institutions and has avoided tuition
increases in seven of the last ten years. “Mandatory fees
have decreased by $379 since fall 2019 (per semester),
and we have had no in-state tuition or mandatory fee
increase in FY2026. This will be the seventh year of
the last 10 with no in-state tuition increase across the
University System,” said Schwaig.
The Department of Education’s College Scorecard
lists KSU’s average annual cost (costs minus average
grants and scholarships) as $16,972. And the midpoint for all four-year schools in the country is $19,740.
Schwaig went on to say that, so far in Fiscal Year 2025,
18,818 students have received the Pell grant for a
total payout of $99.5 million. In Fiscal Year 2024, KSU
awarded approximately $1.4 million Georgia College
Completion Grant funds to students. This amount is
only second to the flagship University of Georgia ($1.6
million) in the state for funds awarded by public and
private institutions.
Schwaig says KSU also puts a major emphasis on
fundraising. “We have to do our part to raise support
funds for students through scholarships,” who added
that during her time as president (four years), KSU has
increased average annual fundraising by more than 300
percent. “KSU is a high-value institution. We’re focused
on ensuring a great return on investment for our students and their families.”
Economic Driver & Community Partner
With an economic impact exceeding $2.15 billion
in metro Atlanta and 82 percent of graduates staying in
Georgia, KSU is indeed a major player in regional development. Through partnerships with local chambers, development authorities and its entrepreneurial incubator
HatchBridge, the university supports business growth
and innovation across Cobb County and beyond.
So, what keeps this college president inspired after
more than 20 years at KSU?
“I believe in our students. They work hard, they’re
grateful for the opportunity, and they inspire me every
day,” she answered. “My job is to make their degree
more valuable year after year.”
It’s obvious to anyone around Dr. Kat Schwaig that
her dedication is personal, and her vision is clear: KSU
is not just growing but evolving into a nationally respected, student-centered research university.
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Cindy Morley is a staff writer for James and James Magazine Online.
