KSU's Schwaig Named to 2026 Georgia 500
Kennesaw State University President Kathy S. Schwaig appears in Georgia Trend's 2026 list of the state's most influential leaders for the fifth consecutive year.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
Georgia Trend included Kennesaw State University President Kathy S. Schwaig in its 2026 Georgia 500 list, which also features KSU Foundation trustees and alumni. The list, which includes 35 education leaders statewide, recognizes influential business, education, community and political figures.
Why it matters
The Georgia 500 recognizes leaders whose work shapes the state's economy, institutions and communities. Schwaig's inclusion in every edition since the list debuted in 2022 reflects sustained leadership at one of Georgia's largest public universities.
KSU nearly tripled its research spending during Schwaig's tenure and added 50 new undergraduate and graduate degrees and minors. The extraction does not report the exact research spending figures or the baseline year used for comparison.
The players
Kathy S. Schwaig
President of Kennesaw State University since 2022, previously dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business and provost at KSU.
Georgia Trend
Georgia-based business magazine that compiles the annual Georgia 500 list of the state's most influential leaders.
Kennesaw State University
Public university in Kennesaw, Georgia, whose leadership was recognized in the 2026 Georgia 500.
The details
Schwaig was named KSU president in 2022 after serving as dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business and as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Under her leadership, KSU launched the Taking Flight strategic plan, joined the Georgia Research Alliance, achieved Carnegie-designated Doctoral Research Institution status and opened the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center.
Timeline
2022: Georgia 500 list debuts and Schwaig is named KSU president.
2026: Georgia Trend publishes the 2026 Georgia 500 list including Schwaig.
Legacy Institutions
KSU's Carnegie-designated Doctoral Research Institution status places it among research universities that the Carnegie Classification recognizes for high research activity. The Georgia 500 recognition extends attention to the leaders guiding that institutional growth.
Georgia residents interested in higher education can track KSU's expanding degree offerings, including 50 new undergraduate and graduate degrees and minors. The added programs and nearly 20 capital projects reflect investments that affect students and campus facilities across the state.
The takeaway
Sustained recognition across five editions of the Georgia 500 signals consistent leadership at a major state institution. Readers following Georgia's education sector can watch how KSU's strategic plan and research growth develop in coming years.
Further reading
For more profiles of the state's leaders, explore People coverage in Georgia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cobb Courier.
