Communications

External Affairs Division

Board of Regents Finalizes Consolidation of KSU and SPSU

Atlanta — January 6, 2015

Today, the Board of Regents granted final approval to the creation of the new Kennesaw State University (KSU) from the consolidation of Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU).

Dr. Dan Papp, current president of KSU, will serve as president of the newly consolidated Kennesaw State.

“Our challenge and opportunity is to control the cost of college while strengthening the quality and accessibility of the programs and degrees we offer,” said University System Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “The new Kennesaw State University will expand opportunities for students and do so more efficiently.”

The board’s action today follows the December 2014 required approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) of the KSU consolidation plans.

With the Board action, Kennesaw State begins operating as the new institution with an expanded academic and research mission and new academic programs. “The University System has now consolidated 10 institutions into five in an effort to better serve students,” said Shelley Nickel, vice chancellor for Planning and Implementation for the University System. “This consolidation is furthering the System’s goal of developing operational efficiencies and reinvesting the resources and savings for academics for our students.”

Huckaby announced his recommendation for the KSU consolidation in November 2013, which the Board of Regents approved later that month.

“This is a historic moment for both institutions, for all the people who have worked so hard to bring consolidation about, and especially for all current and future students, faculty and staff of the new Kennesaw State,” said Daniel S. Papp, president of the consolidated University. “We are grateful that the Board has endorsed our plans for creating an exceptional university from two distinct institutions and for combining our strengths and resources.”

With the completion of the KSU consolidation, the University System of Georgia is comprised of 30 institutions now.

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