Michael J. Coles College Reveals 2026 Outstanding Students

David Kang has demonstrated consistent academic excellence as a recipient of the President's List during several semesters. He also demonstrated good working ethics in the CYBR 4220 course, and performed exceptionally in the class. In addition, this student showed a strong motivation to pursue a Cybersecurity graduate degree after completing the undergraduate program.

Keira is an outstanding student athlete in the entrepreneurship program, holds the highest GPA, and is always engaged and “jumping" into class discussions. She also competes for KSU as a pole vaulter on the track and field team bringing the same focus and drive to both academics and athletics.

With an exemplary GPA and her service as both Vice President and President of the Hospitality Leadership Club, Ella has demonstrated remarkable initiative by increasing club membership and successfully planning and hosting several student-led corporate engagement events. She further distinguished herself by representing the University in the national Hotel Turnaround Competition. Her upcoming post-graduation role with IHG’s corporate office is a testament to the professionalism, drive, and excellence she has shown throughout her student experience.

Jessica Do has achieved an amazing GPA while consistently demonstrating exceptional analytical ability, intellectual curiosity, and professionalism. Their outstanding academic performance, combined with meaningful engagement in Information Systems coursework and initiatives, makes them a highly deserving candidate for BBA IS Student of the Year.

Balmore Cruz Zepeda was a member of the Coles Coles Leadership Scholars Program, and he earned a minor and certificate in the Music and Entertainment Business Program, all while maintaining an exceptional GPA. Originally from El Salvador, Balmore is bilingual in Spanish and brings a global perspective to his work in marketing and leadership. He served as a marketing assistant in Campus Services at KSU, where he created marketing content, supported event marketing and management, and managed customer relationships. Balmore gained professional experience as a digital marketing intern with Adgency Marketing in El Salvador and was an active member of the International Students Association. He will continue his academic journey this fall when he joins the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program.

Hannah Dimeler is an exceptional scholar who consistently ranked at the top of her cohort while pursuing rigorous professional milestones, including earning her Internal Audit Practitioner designation and the program’s highest CPA Exam scores. A natural leader, Hannah represented Kennesaw State at the IIA Global Student Conference and led her team to a top-ten finish in a prestigious statewide case competition. Her faculty and professional mentors commend her not only for her sharp analytical focus but for her genuine dedication to the success of her peers.

Roberto Velarde was nominated for the Outstanding Student Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication and service to the Fintech program. Beyond his accomplishments as an alumnus, Roberto devoted significant time as a student to volunteering with the program and played a central role in organizing and executing both the collegiate Fintech Hackathon for students across Georgia and the Fintech High School Hackathon. His leadership, initiative, and commitment were instrumental to the success of these events. Even after graduation, Roberto continues to extend his time and support to the program, exemplifying outstanding service and engagement.

Lawrence Kumah has demonstrated academic excellence during his time with HMI program, and has consistently maintained engagement throughout various activities offered by the program. Lawrence has recently been accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University's Doctoral Program in Health Services Organization and Research on a full-ride scholarship.

Tracey Graves has a firm belief that service is the highest form of leadership. During her time at the Coles College of Business, she has leveraged her passion for service with the desire to learn and grow. Tracey is a Paul D. Coverdell Fellow, served as the graduate assistant with the Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) program, and maintained a solid GPA in the MBA Program. Whether working with on-campus programs or her WebMBA team, Tracey has consistently brought positivity and an eagerness to learn. Her leadership has not only influenced her peers, but the KSU community as a whole.