Kennesaw State Cuts Ribbon On New Student-Focused Academic Learning Center

Press release from Kennesaw State University:

Feb 24, 2022

Kennesaw State cuts ribbon on new student-focused Academic Learning Center

KENNESAW, Ga.
(Feb 24, 2022) — Kennesaw State University hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate
the opening of the new Academic Learning Center, a 143,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art
facility, located in the heart of the Kennesaw Campus.

Shown cutting the ribbon for Kennesaw State's new Academic Learning Center are, left
to right: University System of Georgia Regent Jose Perez; Regent Cade Joiner; KSU
student Jeremiah Hayes; Scrappy the Owl; KSU Interim President Kathy Schwaig; State
Rep. John Carson; and KSU Interim Provost Ivan Pulinkala.

Members of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, elected officials and
KSU Foundation trustees joined students, faculty and staff in the official opening
of the center. The ceremony was followed by tours of the five-story building, which
has greatly increased the University’s instructional space and student-support services.

“There are so many resources available to our students all in this one building. This
was intentional, so that we could meet the needs of our growing student population
most effectively and efficiently,” KSU Interim President Kathy Schwaig said. “The
Academic Learning Center will have a tremendous impact on our campus for years to
come.”

Jeremiah Hayes

Jeremiah Hayes, a senior Honors student majoring in industrial and systems engineering, brought remarks at the event on behalf of the KSU student body. Hayes shared his
enthusiasm about the ALC being the new home for KSU Journey Honors College, and of the significance the Academic Learning Center will have for all Kennesaw
State students.

“Having these resources in the ALC is essential for student success because they provide
us with dedicated tools to enhance engagement in academics and student life,” Hayes
said. “As KSU continues to grow, this space will be critical in enabling students
to meet their academic and career goals.”

Along with its 20 classrooms, 200-seat auditorium, 12 seminar rooms, 11 group study
rooms, student study lounge and faculty hoteling suite, the Academic Learning Center
features a 4,600-square-foot suite housing KSU Journey Honors College. Honors enrollment
grew to 1,659 students in the 2021-22 academic year, a new high for the College and
a 167-percent increase from just five years ago.

“The Academic Learning Center has been strategically located, physically and psychologically
situating our students in the center of our institutional mission,” said Ivan Pulinkala,
interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Completion of the ALC comes
at a time when its need could not be evidenced more impactfully by the students, faculty
and staff this building serves.”

Reflecting Kennesaw State’s commitment to research as a Carnegie-designated R2 doctoral
research institution, the Office of Undergraduate Research has also moved to the ALC. Its new office is centrally located and is equipped with
configurable workspaces for student and faculty researchers, as well as a state-of-the-art
interactive video wall that visualizes complex data.

The ALC also houses the Division of Global Affairs, which offers a variety of study-abroad programming for students to engage in diverse
and immersive cultural experiences while earning academic credit toward their degree
programs. Global Affairs also supports KSU’s growing international student population
that represents more than 70 countries and provides impactful cultural exchange experiences
on campus.

In addition, the ALC houses departments that help students advance their academics
and prepare for careers: Owl Advising, the Department of Career Planning and Development, Student-Athlete Success Services, and the SMART (Science and Math Academic Resource and Tutoring) Center.

For KSU junior Julia Volovoi, the Academic Learning Center has provided a new favorite
place to study between classes, the Robin and Doug Shore Honors Student Lounge. The
lounge is named in honor of a major financial gift from the Shores, who are longtime
supporters of Kennesaw State.

“I’m really happy and proud that KSU is doing a good job of making sure that students
feel accommodated,” said Volovoi, an Honors student majoring in sociology. “It’s great to have resources dedicated specifically for our success and for our
well-being.”

– Paul FloeckherPhotos by Jason Getz and Judy Pishnery

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its nearly 43,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia. 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 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

This press release was produced by Kennesaw State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.